Barron Gorge Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Barron Gorge
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 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.
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
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 Gorge
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Staff was lovely and courteous and the restaurants and in room dining delicious. Price a little steep and the facilities need a bit of an upgrade to match the five star pricing and pretence.
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
The first room not quite clean, but staff changed a new room. Good service
Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026
Hilton Cairns
Excellent
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Check in was very friendly and helpful, which as it was late and I was tired was important
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Great pool, big room good food and friendly staff
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Amazing air con! So needed this every day. Bliss! Clean room, great size and fab view. Good breakfast. Great staff.
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Barron Gorge
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.
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.
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 Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Cairns Botanic Gardens or Centenary Lakes 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.
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.
