Freshwater Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Freshwater
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
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Top hotels in Freshwater
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Great location and view if marina facing . Spacious rooms .Good breakfast and club lounge ( great service from Vivian ) Also room service Daisy and Winnie. Certain parts of this resort like facility look a bit dated but most other 5 star hotels in Cairns I noted had similar look . Overall good value ...
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Neerds upgrading
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Clean and great location separated by a small road from the esplanade. Staff was nice. Everything was satisfactory. The rooms are dated and worn out.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cockroach in room
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Hilton Cairns
We loved the breakfast
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Great place friendly staff!
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Freshwater
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.
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 Cairns 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.
Machans Beach
Though Machans Beach may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Tanks Arts Centre.
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.
Manunda
Shopping, gardens and spas are some highlights of Manunda. You might stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Tanks Arts Centre while you're in the area.
