Cairns

Travel Guide

A coastal town with dense forest, a mountain, and a large body of water.
A beach with people, palm trees, and a lifeguard flag.
A colorful building with a sign reading "Palace" and various businesses on the ground floor.
A marina with boats docked, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.
A waterfall in a forested area with rocks and a person sitting by the water.

Where to stay in Cairns

Find the best Cairns areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cairns
Learn more about Cairns
A waterfront with a reflective pool, a blue-roofed pavilion, and wind sculptures.

Cairns Central Business District

Cairns Central Business District is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tropical North Waterfront.

A sunset over a calm pool with palm trees and a gazebo.

Cairns North

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Cairns Mudflats might round out your trip.

The entrance to Cairns Botanic Gardens with a signboard, lush greenery, and a stone pathway.

Edge Hill

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Cairns Botanic Gardens or Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.

An aerial view of a riverside resort with a circular water feature, a bridge, and lush greenery.

Parramatta Park

Visitors to Parramatta Park enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Barlow Park is worth a stop.

A sunset over a beach with palm trees silhouetted against the sky.

Palm Cove

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

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
Corner Esplanade And Spence Street Cairns QLD
$109 nightly
The price is $120 total per night from Nov 19 to Nov 20
$120 total
Nov 19 - Nov 20
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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The staff was amazing and the room is very neat and clean, big space as well."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

Pacific Hotel Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
$151 nightly
The price is $167 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$167 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,028 reviews)
"The location was perfect—right on the marina and close to all the activities around the reef and shopping plus parks and restaurants. The staff were amongst some of the friendliest and most helpful we’ve had on our travels!"

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
$125 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
$137 total
Dec 2 - Dec 3
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Wonderful stay in our King corner room with views over the inlet. Located close to the waterfront dining strip with the lagoon in easy walking distance. Very friendly, happy and helpful staff. Our first visit to Cairns and will definitely be returning again."

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2026

Hilton Cairns
See all 1,344 properties in Cairns
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! (832 reviews)
"Brilliant stay"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 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. ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,336 reviews)
"Room was very tired, mattress hard, bath shower extremely slippery so great care had to be taken whilst showering.This was my third stay there ,but wont be staying at Mantra Trilogy again."

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2026

Mantra Trilogy
See all properties in Cairns
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.

Stay near popular Cairns attractions

A beach with a lifeguard tower, palm trees, and a swimming pool.

Cairns Esplanade

9.2/10 (7,071 reviews)
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
See properties

Things to do

Half-Day Green Island, Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise

$85
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
passengers aboard amphibious DUKW drive through jungles in Cairns

Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest

$24
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Pure Snorkelling has 15 exclusive snorkel locations of off Cairns across 8 different reefs! The most of any snorkel boat in the region.

Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour

$131
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour
Port Douglas: Shaolin Seafood Lunch Sail, with Fresh Prawns

Port Douglas: Shaolin Seafood Lunch Sail, with Fresh Prawns

$53
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
Port Douglas: Shaolin Seafood Lunch Sail, with Fresh Prawns
Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket

$15
per adult
Cairns: Koalas and Creatures Entry Ticket
Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park Ticket

Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park Ticket (BNP)

$49
per adult
Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park Ticket (BNP)
See all activities in Cairns

Frequently asked questions

Is Cairns worth visiting?
Cairns is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including the scenic Cairns Esplanade and beautiful Palm Cove Beach. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse food scene with options like Asian and Italian cuisine, plus explore distinct areas such as the Cairns Central Business District and Smithfield.
When is the best time to visit Cairns?
The best time to visit Cairns is from May through September, when the weather is typically mild and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the months of December through March are a good option, though this period brings warmer, wetter conditions.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Cairns?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Cairns depend on what you want to see:

  • Cairns Central Business District offers attractions like the Cairns Night Markets, Cairns Marlin Marina, and Cairns Performing Arts Centre.
  • Smithfield is home to the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, Smithfield Shopping Centre, and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station.
  • Edge Hill features the Cairns Botanic Gardens, Tanks Arts Centre, and Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.
  • Cairns North provides access to Cairns North Beach, Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland, and the Cairns Esplanade.

What is Cairns known for?
Cairns is known for its beautiful waterfront areas, including the Cairns Esplanade and Palm Cove Beach, offering travelers coastal relaxation. It also features the Cairns Marlin Marina, a central point for marine activities. The city, named after William Cairns, also offers a strong Asian food culture for travelers to explore.
What is a good itinerary length for Cairns?
A good itinerary length for Cairns is three to four days to explore the Cairns Esplanade, visit Cairns Marlin Marina, and take a Great Barrier Reef tour. An extended stay of five to seven days allows travelers to also relax at Palm Cove Beach, discover areas like Cairns Central Business District, and enjoy an Authentic Indigenous Cultural Tour. See Cairns Activities.
How do you get around Cairns?
Getting around Cairns is convenient with a rental car, available in areas like Palm Cove, Cairns Central Business District, and Cairns North. Travelers can also use the train, with key stations including Cairns Station and Freshwater Station. Rideshare services offer another flexible option for exploring the area.
What are the top things to do in and around Cairns?
Cairns offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and waterfront activities for travelers to enjoy:

  • Experience an Authentic Indigenous Cultural Tour including a scenic river cruise.
  • Explore two unique Great Barrier Reef sites.
  • Stroll along the Cairns Esplanade, a popular area.
  • Relax at Palm Cove Beach, a beautiful natural beach.
  • Visit Cairns Marlin Marina, a prominent landmark.

How do I plan a trip to Cairns?
When planning your trip to Cairns, search for hotels in areas like Cairns Central Business District, Smithfield, or Edge Hill. Book flights, rental cars, and activities such as an Indigenous Cultural Tour or a Great Barrier Reef trip well in advance. Remember to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
What cuisines can you find in Cairns?
In Cairns, travelers can find Korean cuisine, with dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap. You'll also discover a variety of Asian flavors, including Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Thai. Other options include Italian, Mediterranean, Australian, and fresh seafood dishes, ensuring diverse dining experiences.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Cairns?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Cairns by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Cairns with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Cairns trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Cairns?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Cairns can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Cairns trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Cairns trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Cairns trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Cairns trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Cairns?
If it's your first trip to Cairns, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Cairns hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Cairns hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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