Macalister Range Travel Guide

Cairns

This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia
This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia

Top hotels in Macalister Range

Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is ฿3,476 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
฿3,476
฿3,824 total
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Ocean harbor views were fantastic

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Hilton Cairns
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St Cairns QLD
The price is ฿3,128 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
฿3,128
฿3,441 total
27 Mar - 28 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
I absolutely loved my stay here! The staff were so helpful, my room was super clean and spacious and the location was perfect! 10/10

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
The price is ฿2,689 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
฿2,689
฿2,958 total
18 Mar - 19 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Full of green ants and cockroaches

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

4 out of 5
209-217 Abbott Street Cairns North QLD
The price is ฿3,075 per night from 28 Mar to 29 Mar
฿3,075
฿3,383 total
28 Mar - 29 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
Stayed here a few times over the years for business and in the past i've always been provided a free upgrade to ocean-view, which wasn't the case this time, but did have a nice view of the mountains. The 12th floor lobby hadn't been vacuumed all week + my toilet seat in room1201 was falling off. ...

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St Cairns QLD
The price is ฿4,069 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
฿4,069
฿4,476 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (884 reviews)
Great staff, location, food. Expedia has this classified as a three star hitel; WAY BETTER!!! We are staying in three star hotels throughout Australia and this one puts them all to shame. Way to go Novotel Cairns!!!!

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade Cairns North QLD
The price is ฿2,753 per night from 28 Mar to 29 Mar
฿2,753
฿3,028 total
28 Mar - 29 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
This is a very nice hotel and we were satisfied with the amenities..what far surpassed expectations was the stafff! Everyone at the front desk was so kind and helpful! They are enough of a reason to come back!! Thank you everyone!!

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
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Other neighbourhoods around Macalister Range

Clifton Beach which includes mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
Kewarra Beach. The best of Cairns' northern beaches. Stunning.

Kewarra Beach

Unique features of Kewarra Beach include the beaches and golf courses. Make a stop by Kewarra Beach or Kuranda National Park while you're exploring the area.

Kewarra Beach
Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
With a balcony boasting 180 degree views up and down the coastline Santai really is a special place to stay. plus - no kids allowed in the complex! So you can sip your poolside cocktails safe in the knowledge that no one is about to jump in and splash you...probably! www.cairnsluxuryapartments.com.au

Ellis Beach

Ellis Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Wet Tropics of Queensland and Macalister Range National Park.

Ellis Beach
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Trinity Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Trinity Park and surrounding area, you can visit Half Moon Bay Golf Course and Moon River Beach.

Trinity Park

Macalister Range Travel Guide