Cairns and Barrier Reef

Travel Guide

Babinda boulders in the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Australia. Legend has it that the spirit of an Aboriginal woman resides in the Boulders waiting for the return of her love. Our tour guide told us the tragic love story of Oolana and Dyga. Oolana is a beautiful young lady destined to marry an Elder from her tribe. After the pair was married, another tribe wanders into their community and Oolana fell in love with a young, handsome man from the visiting tribe. As their forbidden love blossoms, they run away. But their respective tribes found the couple in the Babinda Boulder and soon, Dyga was captured and taken away from Oolana. Oolana, knowing that she cannot be with the person she loved, throws herself to the deep waterhole of the boulders. Today, it seems like Oolana is still looking for her true love as there are stories of mysterious deaths of young men swimming in the creek. Our tourist guide told us that Oolana lures these young men into the waterhole where her spirit resides, and realising that the man was not the true love that she was looking for, she brings his body back to the rocks. Of all the deaths that occurred in the creek, all but one was a male victim. The mysteries of Babinda Boulders are still being told and a warning sign is erected outside the creek, warning of the dangers of the Boulders. Fortunately, there's a shallow waterhole near the Boulders which still has pristine and cool water. This waterhole is safe to swim in. #gopro #goprophotography
Babinda boulders in the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Australia. Legend has it that the spirit of an Aboriginal woman resides in the Boulders waiting for the return of her love. Our tour guide told us the tragic love story of Oolana and Dyga. Oolana is a beautiful young lady destined to marry an Elder from her tribe. After the pair was married, another tribe wanders into their community and Oolana fell in love with a young, handsome man from the visiting tribe. As their forbidden love blossoms, they run away. But their respective tribes found the couple in the Babinda Boulder and soon, Dyga was captured and taken away from Oolana. Oolana, knowing that she cannot be with the person she loved, throws herself to the deep waterhole of the boulders. Today, it seems like Oolana is still looking for her true love as there are stories of mysterious deaths of young men swimming in the creek. Our tourist guide told us that Oolana lures these young men into the waterhole where her spirit resides, and realising that the man was not the true love that she was looking for, she brings his body back to the rocks. Of all the deaths that occurred in the creek, all but one was a male victim. The mysteries of Babinda Boulders are still being told and a warning sign is erected outside the creek, warning of the dangers of the Boulders. Fortunately, there's a shallow waterhole near the Boulders which still has pristine and cool water. This waterhole is safe to swim in. #gopro #goprophotography
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.
This is a popular swimming spot - and for good reason. Try to visit on weekdays and out of school hours for your best chance to beat the crowds. but even with them it's still a pretty awesome sight! #waterlust www.cheskiesgaplife.com
Stoney Creek Falls is one of the smaller more local swim spots and waterfalls near Cairns. Perfect place to chill out and cool down.

Where to stay in Cairns and Barrier Reef

Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove.

Palm Cove
Trinity Beach showing landscape views, tropical scenes and a beach

Trinity Beach

Travelers to Trinity Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach.

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
Clifton Beach featuring mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Travelers come to Clifton Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Village Shopping Centre and Clifton Beach while you're in town.

Clifton Beach
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Barron

Though Barron might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Australian Armour and Artillery Museum and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station.

Barron
Aerial view above Rhodes with views to Wentworth Point and Concord West with Parramatta River in Sydney NSW Australia

Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Barlow Park and Cazaly's Stadium.

Parramatta Park
See our Where To Stay guide
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
$136 nightly
The price is $150 total per night from Mar 5 to Mar 6
$150 total
Mar 5 - Mar 6
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Highly recommended for the convenience and the views.

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
$127 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Feb 4 to Feb 5
$139 total
Feb 4 - Feb 5
Total with taxes and fees
Book a 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Room was clean and staff were great, the building it self was rundown and could do with some repairs and paint

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Hilton Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
$78 nightly
The price is $85 total per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
$85 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
Clean room , friendly staff, great food, comfy beds.

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
See all 1,338 properties in Cairns and Barrier Reef
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 WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,607 reviews)
The facilities were very good, just what we required and close to shopping. Slight distance to esplanade but not an issue to walk. Lives the swimming pool, we had a problem with our hot water cylinder and staff responded immediately and sorted same day. Wonderful stay.

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove

4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp Palm Cove QLD
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (862 reviews)
Clean and spacious room, comfortable stay, and a great location. Staff were friendly and helpful. Would stay again.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Drift Palm Cove
Sea Change Beachfront Apartments

Sea Change Beachfront Apartments

5 out of 5
31-35 Vasey Esplanade Trinity Beach QLD
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,386 reviews)
Well fitted out with appliances and spacious

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

Sea Change Beachfront Apartments
See all properties in Cairns and Barrier Reef
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 which includes a pool, swimming and a luxury hotel or resort

Cairns Esplanade

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

Cairns Esplanade
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 search for that perfect souvenir at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre
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
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 featuring a coastal town and a hotel

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
Cairns Convention Centre, Queensland: Aerial Photo of Iconic Architecture, Urban Landscape, Waterfront, and City Infrastructure in Tropical North Queensland, Australia

Cairns Convention Centre

Learn about the events happening at Cairns Convention Centre during your trip to Tropical North Waterfront. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Convention Centre

Cities near Cairns and Barrier Reef

Cairns and Northern Beaches which includes signage

Kuranda

Barron Gorge at sunrise. I managed to get there before the white water rafters arrived.

Koah

If you're looking for an inexpensive but lovely way to spend an evening then hop on a sunset cruise with Cairns Harbour Cruises. At only $44 it's worth it to see the sun setting behind the mountains. #goldenhour www.cheskiesgaplife.com/a-delightful-evening-the-cairns-sunset-cruise

Portsmith

Barron Gorge National Park featuring a river or creek and forests

Speewah

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