Cairns and Barrier Reef

Travel Guide

A clear turquoise sea with a sailboat in the distance and buoys on the shore.
A turquoise sea with coral reefs and a small boat.
A swimming pool with people, a pier, and a building with 'PIER' on it.
A sea turtle swimming underwater.
A diver with a snorkel and fins swimming alongside a sea turtle underwater.

Head to Cairns and Barrier Reef to discover relaxing beaches, bustling markets, and local nature trails waiting to be explored.

Cairns and Barrier Reef is an ideal destination for outdoor, family travelers. You can enjoy the scenic Cairns Esplanade and the nearby Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, perfect for relaxation and leisure. For beachgoers, Yorkeys Knob Beach offers a sandy retreat. If shopping is on your agenda, visit the nearby Cairns Central Shopping Centre, Redlynch Central Shopping Centre, or the Cairns Night Markets for a variety of options. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Peterson Creek Walking Track, a footpath that provides a glimpse into the local environment.

While you're in Cairns and Barrier Reef, visit some of its most interesting nearby neighborhoods. Stratford, the Cairns Central Business District, and Whitfield are known for outdoor, family experiences. In the Cairns Central Business District, you can find attractions like Cairns Marlin Marina and the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, along with Muddy's Playground for children. Each area provides a unique perspective on local life and activities, inviting you to explore further.

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
$137 nightly
The price is $151 total per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
$151 total
Dec 7 - Dec 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
$120 nightly
The price is $132 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$132 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
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 ...
Hilton Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
$83 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$92 total
Nov 17 - Nov 18
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 ...
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
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.
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

5 out of 5
1 Veivers Road Palm Cove QLD
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Palm Cove Beach and Back Shot Beach ...
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

3.5 out of 5
23-51 Anderson Road Woree QLD
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (836 reviews)
"It is a great holiday park for families. There are many facilities on site to keep the kids busy. Some facilities close in the evening, so keep an eye out on close times to avoid disappointed kids."

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2026

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Mantra Trilogy

Mantra Trilogy

4 out of 5
101 - 105 The Esplanade Cairns QLD
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Mantra Trilogy
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.

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