Whitfield 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.
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.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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 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
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Kuranda: Birdworld Entry Ticket
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket
Top hotels in Whitfield
Hilton Cairns
Ocean harbor views were fantastic
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
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
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Full of green ants and cockroaches
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
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
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
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
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
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
Other neighbourhoods around Whitfield
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.
Manunda
Shopping, gardens and spas are some highlights of Manunda. You might stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Cairns Performing Arts Centre while you're in the area.
Cairns North
Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.
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.
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.
