Barron Travel Guide
Cairns
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

Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef

Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket

Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Top hotels in Barron

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Excellent range across the breakfast buffet. and a great view across the park/esplanade & boat harbour. All in all, a very enjoyable stay. Thank you to all the very competent staff."
Reviewed on 25 May 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"I didn't like the very slow internet"
Reviewed on 25 May 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
"Great stay in a fabulous hotel. Well located for everything and the pool side bar was very relaxing way to finish the day with clients."
Reviewed on 24 May 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
"room was comfortable and clean"
Reviewed on 25 May 2026

Crystalbrook Flynn
"The staff were very helpful in terms of tour bookings and dining suggestions. It was an excellent short stay and in a vibzy location."
Reviewed on 24 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Barron

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.

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 Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.

