Barron Travel Guide
Cairns
Popular places to visit
Cairns Esplanade
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
Palm Cove Beach
Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
Esplanade Lagoon
Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.
Cairns Night Markets
During your trip to Tropical North Waterfront, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.
Clifton Beach
This quiet beach north of Cairns offers long stretches of white sand and clear water.
Things to do
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket
Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket
Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets
Top hotels in Barron
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Had a fabulous view from my balcony; fab housekeeping; breakfast was amazingly, fairly central especially to dive/reef boats. Great stay overall.
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025
Hilton Cairns
Room was clean and reasonably up to date. Staff were courteous. 30 dollars per night parking for guests seems unreasonable.
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Great as usual
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Crystalbrook Riley
Very good experience
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Good place to stay for families, good value. Though like most rydges in need of a renovation. Plenty of space in rooms which was a great bonus, liked that they offered choices of food preprepared for arrival like a fruit platter or cheese board. Though did book a certain price via expedia and the ...
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
The room Definitely was in rougher condition than we expected. Plus there was an ant infestation apparently that’s a thing all around Cairns though. Great walking distance. The e pool was awesome. Very kid friendly which wasn’t great for our childless selves lol
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Barron
Holloways Beach
Beaches, restaurants and gardens are just a few things travellers enjoy about Holloways Beach. Check out Yorkeys Knob Beach or Holloways Beach while you're exploring the area.
Machans Beach
Though Machans Beach may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.
Whitfield
While there might not be top attractions in Whitfield, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.
Smithfield
You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Smithfield. You might want to make time for a stop at Smithfield Shopping Centre or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station.
Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
