Ellis Beach Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Ellis Beach
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.
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.
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 Ellis Beach
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Lovely hotel. Super friendly and helpful staff. Great, peaceful location. Good restaurants nearby."
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"Great place to stay with kids big and small"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
"Great location on the Esplanade. Breakfast is fantastic. Large room with a king bed and a balcony with two chairs and a small table."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Hilton Cairns
"Great view with a waterfront balcony. Front desk crew were “ok”. The dining room staff were great. Breakfast buffet included a self-serve juicer which included beets, apples, carrots & more for fresh juice. Loved that - we don’t usually find that at most hotels. Location is great - just around the ..."
Reviewed on 23 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
Crystalbrook Flynn
Other neighbourhoods around Ellis Beach
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.
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.
Macalister Range
While visiting Macalister Range, you might make a stop by sights like Kuranda National Park and Smithfield Conservation Park.
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.
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.
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.
