Freshwater Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Freshwater
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.
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can do some window-shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
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 Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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 Convention Centre
Learn about the events happening in Cairns Convention Centre during your trip to Tropical North Waterfront. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
Things to do
Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Top hotels in Freshwater
Hilton Cairns
Messaged requesting an early check, didn’t receive a reply or acknowledgement. Very uncomfortable mattress & pillows.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
We loved the Shanghai-La! The staff was wonderful, the rooms are clean and large , great location - a few minutes walk to the Esplanade!
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Ok
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Good location, rooms are a bit dated, bathroom definitely needs an upgrade. Staff were fantastic, always very happy to assist.
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
Very outdated rooms . Could do with renovations.
Reviewed on 27 Apr 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
I paid a premium rate for a room that was in a state of disrepair. I booked the premium sea view double room. I filled in the check in andadvised te breakfast card had been filled in by the previous guest and the fridge had a terrible smell when it was opened. The hotel manager called me the following ...
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Freshwater
Barron
Barron might not have many top sights, but Australian Armour and Artillery Museum and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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 Tanks Arts Centre.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Tanks Arts Centre or Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.
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 Tanks Arts Centre.
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.
