Macalister Range Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Macalister Range
Popular places to visit
Cairns Cable Ski
Hit the slopes at Cairns Cable Ski during your trip to Macalister Range. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
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 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.
Things to do
Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef
Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket
Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Top hotels in Macalister Range
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Great location. Helpful concierge staff. Room is fine BUT shower blocked from second night. water got everywhere. We have to wait for an hours before the second person can shower. Otherwise the room would be flooded"
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"Roaches in the room and bathroom"
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
"Everything is good about the hotel but the location is not very convenient. It takes about 30 minutes walk to the reef boat ports and 20 minutes to the downtown."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hilton Cairns
"Great view."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
"Last minute booking - booked two rooms - one King, one 2 x Queen for our children who are no longer teenagers - staff allocated adjacent rooms and unlocked the connecting door"
Reviewed on 27 May 2026
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
"Dirty rooms, hair everywhere. Sheets had stains. Walls had stains."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Macalister Range
Palm Cove
Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.
Cairns Central Business District
Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.
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.
Cairns North
Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.
Yorkeys Knob
Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.
