Find hotels in Cairns from $48

Top reasons to visit Cairns

• Stunning Beaches: Cairns boasts beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing.
• Great Barrier Reef: Experience the world-famous Great Barrier Reef with thrilling snorkeling and diving tours.
• Scenic Esplanade: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront, offering stunning views and vibrant atmosphere.
• Vibrant Nightlife: Explore lively bars and resorts that provide an exciting nightlife experience.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Cairns offers a variety of outdoor adventures and attractions suitable for all ages.

Find great hotels in Cairns

Discover a variety of accommodation options in Cairns, Queensland, catering to every traveler’s needs. Whether you're seeking adventure, a family getaway, or a business trip, Cairns offers a range of hotels and backpacker hostels that provide comfort and convenience. Explore our top hotel recommendations and find the perfect lodging to enhance your vacation experience in this beautiful tropical destination.

• Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns is a luxurious 5-star hotel with a remarkable guest rating of 9.0. Positioned in the heart of Cairns, this property caters to adventure-seeking families and those looking for a memorable vacation experience. The hotel offers an array of thrilling activities, including nearby fishing, bicycle rentals, horse riding, and hiking. Families will appreciate the child-friendly amenities such as a dedicated children's pool, babysitting services, and first aid kits for peace of mind. With its stunning marina views and exceptional service, guests can relax in style while enjoying the exhilarating experiences that Cairns has to offer.
• Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is a delightful 4.5-star hotel boasting a guest rating of 8.8. This family-friendly oasis offers direct access to the beach, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy sun-soaked days by the water. The resort features a beautiful lagoon-style pool, while children are well catered for with free cribs, babysitting services, and a safe pool area. With its tropical ambiance and proximity to local attractions, families will find this resort to be the perfect base for their Cairns adventure.
• Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns is a comfortable 4-star property with a guest rating of 8.0, perfect for families, adventurers, and business travelers alike. Located near various adventure sports options such as ziplining, boat tours, and fishing, guests can indulge in exciting outings. The hotel also features a splash pad and child-friendly amenities, ensuring a fun-filled stay for younger guests. With its stunning views of the Esplanade and a welcoming atmosphere, this resort is an excellent choice for those seeking a balanced vacation experience.

Where to stay in Cairns

Discover the vibrant charm of Cairns, a tropical paradise perfect for outdoor adventures and family-friendly fun. Stroll along the famous Cairns waterfront, where you can unwind and soak in the stunning views. For nightlife, explore the lively bars and resorts that offer an exciting atmosphere. Whether you're seeking relaxation or romance, Cairns and its surrounding areas promise unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of this beautiful region.

• Palm Cove: Nestled around the scenic coastline near Cairns, Palm Cove is a charming suburb known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. This destination sees its peak tourist activity during the winter months of June to July and the spring in September. Visitors flock to Palm Cove for outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and a city-themed experience. Highlights include a stunning esplanade lined with shops, wellness spas, and body treatment venues. The local beach is perfect for relaxation and family fun, making it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind in a picturesque setting.
• Cairns Central Business District: The heart of Cairns, the Central Business District (CBD) is a vibrant neighborhood that attracts visitors year-round. With peak seasons from July to September, the CBD offers a dynamic mix of outdoor experiences, family-oriented activities, and urban exploration. Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the bustling shopping centers and malls, while culture seekers can enjoy local theaters. Key attractions in the area include the popular esplanade, an urban park for leisure, and beautiful beaches, all contributing to a lively city atmosphere that promises excitement and convenience.
• Trinity Beach: Just a short drive from Cairns, Trinity Beach is a family-friendly suburb celebrated for its stunning coastline and inviting community vibe. Visitor numbers peak similarly to Palm Cove, particularly in June to July and September. Travelers are drawn to Trinity Beach for its outdoor activities and city-themed charm. The area boasts a variety of amenities including educational facilities, shopping areas, and playgrounds for families. With its beautiful beach and esplanade nearby, Trinity Beach offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation for an unforgettable vacation.

Things to do in Cairns

Cairns is perfect for an outdoor family vacation, offering a mix of city excitement and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a beach getaway, explore main attractions, and embark on thrilling reef tours. With options for theater, shopping centers, and exciting rides, there's something for everyone in this vibrant destination. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Cairns has a variety of activities to make your trip memorable.

Shopping

In Cairns, you can visit the Cairns Central Shopping Centre for a variety of stores and dining options. If you're up for a drive, check out Smithfield Shopping Centre, which offers larger retail outlets and a great choice of restaurants.

Recreation

At Paradise Palms Country Club in Cairns, indulge in luxury vibes while enjoying rejuvenating spa treatments and wellness activities. Experience serene surroundings, unwind on the pristine golf course, and savor healthy dining options, all tailored to enhance your relaxation and well-being during your vacation.

Adventure

Experience the Great Barrier Reef with snorkeling or scuba diving to explore vibrant marine life and coral formations. For a thrill, try white-water rafting on the Tully River, navigating through exhilarating rapids while soaking in the lush rainforest scenery surrounding you.

Nightlife

Cairns boasts a vibrant nightlife with venues like The Woolshed, known for its lively atmosphere and dance parties, and the iconic Gilligan's, featuring bars, nightclubs, and live music. Enjoy tropical cocktails and dance under the stars, making unforgettable memories in this stunning coastal city.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cairns

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Cairns are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Cairns about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Cairns is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Cairns is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, be sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Cairns hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in Cairns

Cairns offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal vacation spot. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, stroll along the scenic esplanade, and enjoy the marina's vibrant atmosphere. With attractions catering to those seeking beach experiences and thrilling adventures, Cairns promises unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

• Cairns Esplanade: The Cairns Esplanade features a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. Stroll or bike along the scenic pathways, enjoy the stunning waterfront views, and take a dip in the lagoon-style pool. It's a lively hub for relaxation and recreation.
• Palm Cove Beach: Palm Cove Beach offers a tranquil escape with its golden sands and swaying palm trees. A serene spot for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a beachside café, this picturesque beach is ideal for unwinding and soaking in the stunning coastal views.
• Cairns Marlin Marina: Experience adventure at Cairns Marlin Marina, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy water activities like snorkeling and diving, or simply relax at the waterfront cafes while watching the boats come and go, enveloped in a lively outdoor atmosphere.

Best time to go to Cairns

The best time to visit Cairns can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Cairns falls in January and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather. The coolest average temperature in Cairns falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	79.2°F (26.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	76.5°F (24.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	73.0°F (22.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	70.3°F (21.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	69.3°F (20.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	75.7°F (24.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Cairns

Traveling to Cairns, Queensland, is convenient with Cairns International Airport (CNS), located 3 miles from the city center. Nearby, you'll find luxury accommodations such as Hilton Cairns, a 5-star hotel situated 4 miles from the airport, and accessible transportation options. Crystalbrook Riley and Shangri-La The Marina, both 5-star hotels, are only 3 miles from the airport, ensuring easy access for travelers. Each hotel offers various transportation services to and from the airport, making your arrival and departure seamless as you explore the stunning beauty of Cairns.