Macalister Range Travel Guide

Cairns

This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia
This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia

Popular places to visit

This is great experience to see a rainforest from the top. Highly recommended and worth the money spend on the ticket.

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 Cable Ski
Cairns Esplanade showing a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming

Cairns Esplanade

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Esplanade
Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

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.

Palm Cove Beach
One of best things to do in Cairns is ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It's a 90 minute journey that takes you down the mountain to Cairns passing waterfalls, scenic lookouts and over old bridges. Catch the Skyrail up the mountain from Cairns and then catch the train back down. Or, vice versa.

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.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a marina

Cairns Marlin Marina

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Cairns Marlin Marina
Esplanade Lagoon which includes a hotel and a coastal town

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.

Esplanade Lagoon

Things to do

Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

฿442
per adult
Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket
Couple snorkeling among abundant coral reefs and marine species at the Green Island Reef in Cairns

Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise

฿2,168
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class

Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets

฿6,099
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

฿5,585
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket

Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket

฿530
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket

Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket

฿486
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket
See all activities in Cairns

Top hotels in Macalister Range

Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is ฿3,522 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
฿3,522
฿3,874 total
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Ocean harbor views were fantastic

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Hilton Cairns
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St Cairns QLD
The price is ฿3,129 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
฿3,129
฿3,442 total
25 Mar - 26 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
I absolutely loved my stay here! The staff were so helpful, my room was super clean and spacious and the location was perfect! 10/10

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
The price is ฿2,699 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
฿2,699
฿2,969 total
21 Mar - 22 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Full of green ants and cockroaches

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

4 out of 5
209-217 Abbott Street Cairns North QLD
The price is ฿3,075 per night from 28 Mar to 29 Mar
฿3,075
฿3,383 total
28 Mar - 29 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
Stayed here a few times over the years for business and in the past i've always been provided a free upgrade to ocean-view, which wasn't the case this time, but did have a nice view of the mountains. The 12th floor lobby hadn't been vacuumed all week + my toilet seat in room1201 was falling off. ...

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St Cairns QLD
The price is ฿4,330 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
฿4,330
฿4,763 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (884 reviews)
Great staff, location, food. Expedia has this classified as a three star hitel; WAY BETTER!!! We are staying in three star hotels throughout Australia and this one puts them all to shame. Way to go Novotel Cairns!!!!

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade Cairns North QLD
The price is ฿2,789 per night from 28 Mar to 29 Mar
฿2,789
฿3,068 total
28 Mar - 29 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
This is a very nice hotel and we were satisfied with the amenities..what far surpassed expectations was the stafff! Everyone at the front desk was so kind and helpful! They are enough of a reason to come back!! Thank you everyone!!

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
See all 1,978 properties in Macalister Range
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Macalister Range

Clifton Beach which includes mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

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.

Clifton Beach
Kewarra Beach. The best of Cairns' northern beaches. Stunning.

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.

Kewarra Beach
Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

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.

Palm Cove
Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing

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.

Trinity Beach
With a balcony boasting 180 degree views up and down the coastline Santai really is a special place to stay. plus - no kids allowed in the complex! So you can sip your poolside cocktails safe in the knowledge that no one is about to jump in and splash you...probably! www.cairnsluxuryapartments.com.au

Ellis Beach

Ellis Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Wet Tropics of Queensland and Macalister Range National Park.

Ellis Beach
Default Image

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.

Trinity Park

Macalister Range Travel Guide