Cape York Peninsula Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A lot of rain isn't always a bad thing in Cairns - it means our waterfalls look like this! With an added benefit of less crowds a visit during the 'big wet' has it's advantages! #waterlust www.cheskiesgaplife.com
A lot of rain isn't always a bad thing in Cairns - it means our waterfalls look like this! With an added benefit of less crowds a visit during the 'big wet' has it's advantages! #waterlust www.cheskiesgaplife.com
When in Australia, you will have to go and pay a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Even just with snorkelling, there is a whole new magical world to explore. Like this turtle who swam with us for a good half an hour! Remember when travelling (and also at home) leave only footprints, only take photographs. #Aquatrove
One of the best ways to experience a place is from the skies. If you feel like splurging, a helicopter flight over Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do when visiting Tropical North Queensland in Australia.
The Mossman River is a beautiful part of the Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland - you can do a guided SUP tour down the river with Windswell Port Douglas, the best way to experience the rainforest and river, with lots of swimming holes and tree swings along the way.

Where to stay in Cape York Peninsula

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
Cairns which includes a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(69 area reviews)

Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.

Cairns Central Business District
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
Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains

Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

Yorkeys Knob
The Cairns Lagoon at sunrise in Tropical North Queensland

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.

Cairns North
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
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD
The price is ฿7,408 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
฿7,408
฿8,149 total
5 Mar - 6 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Staff were brilliant food by the was sensational fried Barramundi wow. Room wasn’t cleaned a couple of times during our eight days stay but were given a voucher which was great. And room was cleaned straight after bought to there attention happy hour cocktails 3.30pm -5.30pm were great 14$ staff ...

Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is ฿3,817 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
฿3,817
฿4,198 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
The best breakfast ever

Reviewed on 25 Feb 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 ฿3,415 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
฿3,415
฿3,756 total
18 Mar - 19 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! (1,000 reviews)
Clean hotel, great free breakfast and beautiful atrium

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
See all 2,150 properties in Cape York Peninsula
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.
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

4 out of 5
3-11 Water Street Cairns QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,622 reviews)
Very clean room, all pools beautiful and well maintained. No issues at all. Very pleased

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

3.5 out of 5
23-51 Anderson Road Woree QLD
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (765 reviews)
The best place and clean

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

5 out of 5
Mitre Street Craiglie QLD
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Craiglie. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Vie Spa Port Douglas and Four ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,028 reviews)
was very unhighgenic

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
See all properties in Cape York Peninsula
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.

Popular places to visit

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
Four Mile Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach

Four Mile Beach

One of the most-photographed stretches of beach in Australia has pristine white sands, waving palm trees, clear blue water and spectacular views across the ocean.

Four Mile Beach
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
Take a wide angle lens if you're heading out to the Barrier Reef- the skies are amazing!

Macrossan Street

During your visit to Port Douglas, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Macrossan Street. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours.

Macrossan Street
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

Cities near Cape York Peninsula

Panoramic view of the port and dock of Thursday Island in the Torres Strait at the most northern part of Australia.

Thursday Island

Mareeba featuring a small town or village and landscape views

Mareeba

Cairns and Northern Beaches which includes signage

Kuranda

Beautiful views all day.

Daintree