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.
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 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
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket
Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket
Top hotels in Freshwater
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Very comfortable stay for a young family. Beds & pillow comfortable. Staff were efficient. Amenities whilst there were signs of wear & tear were still comfortable. Menu on offer could have more variety, but was fresh.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Hilton Cairns
Very sloppy room service.Its below standard for a 5 star hotel.
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Hotel is a bit far from restaurants walking distance
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
A pleasant stay at the hotel. Helpful staff. Very well maintained property.
Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Overall amazing spot, very clean, very friendly helpful staff, delicious food and great range of drinks and cocktails Maybe a cheap shuttle bus to and from the resort for those who don't have cars. Maybe incorporate in the price or at a reasonable price. One stop into town, no other drop off point.uber ...
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Pullman Cairns International
Overall great property. Spacious rooms. Swimming area is not so great or properly maintained.
Reviewed on 16 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 Crystal Cascades & Lake Morris and Yorkeys Knob Beach.
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.
