Where to Stay in Cairns – 6 Incredible Areas (+Prices & Map)

Cairns is a city in tropical North Queensland, Australia, known as the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the amazing ancient Daintree Rainforest. The city has many unique areas, each with its own character, different accommodation options, and attractions, so deciding where to stay in Cairns can seem a bit tricky at first. 

No need to worry! I took the time to compare all Cairns neighborhoods and came up with a list of the 6 best ones. So now I can tell you that Cairns Esplanade is the perfect place to stay if you are coming to Cairns for the first time since it offers a variety of attractions suited for all kinds of travelers. 

To make the choice even easier, I also looked at nearly all accommodations and handpicked the best hotels in Cairns across all price categories to suit people with different travel preferences. 

With Cairns being one of the most popular destinations in Australia, I suggest you book your favorite hotel far in advance if you don’t want to lose the spot!

Well… enough talking, let’s jump right in!

If you are in a hurry

Check out the top hotels on the Cairns Esplanade:

Take a look at this map showcasing the Cairns areas featured in this post:

1. Cairns Esplanade – where to stay in Cairns for the first time

The Esplanade is a long coastal area that extends from North Cairns all the way South of the city center (Cairns CBD). It is a very vibrant area and the best starting point for people coming to the city for the first time!

In fact, here, you’ll have access to a big promenade where you can stroll, engage in outdoor activities (jogging, rollerblading, biking, etc.), and gaze at stunning views of the ocean. One of the main attractions of the area is the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon (map), a large public swimming pool – definitely one of the best places to escape the heat! 

In the Lagoon area, you’ll also find many great waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy delicious dinners and refreshing drinks… and make sure you stay until dark when it lights up in shining neon colors: an incredible show to see!

But there’s plenty more to see and do in the Esplanade area! I’d suggest you explore the underwater world at the Cairns Aquarium, visit the Cairns Museum, and of course, do some shopping. The famous Cairns Central Shopping Centre (map) is the largest shopping center in North Queensland and definitely worth a visit. 

And if you’re craving some good food and want to experience the local atmosphere, then be sure to check out the Cairns Night Markets (map), as well as Rusty’s Markets (map) – you won’t be disappointed! 

Last but not least, this area is also perfect if you want to join a boat tour to explore the fantastic Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will just blow your mind as this is where the tours depart.

The Esplanade has the widest range of options, from the most luxurious Cairns resorts to budget hostels. My top picks for each category are featured below:

Other accommodation options in Esplanade

Since there are so many hotels in Cairns Esplanade and it is the most popular area, I decided to give you some more options to choose from. Check them out – they’re listed in descending order from most to least expensive:

• Crystalbrook Riley ($$$) – in this luxury hotel, you can enjoy the 3 restaurants and bars (including Cairns’ highest rooftop bar), a huge lagoon-style pool and private beach, a stunning Eléme Day Spa, and a fitness center. And if you feel like leaving the hotel, you’ll be a very short distance from all the best attractions!
• Cairns Plaza Hotel ($$)—This amazing hotel has the best location: walking distance from the beach, central Cairns, and many shops and restaurants. But the hotel itself is also amazing, offering very spacious rooms with a private balcony and free Wi-Fi… Some of them even have a kitchenette or an ocean view!
• Global Backpackers Cairns ($) – this backpackers hostel is the perfect option if you are traveling on a budget but you don’t want to renounce quality! Located a 1-min walk from the beach, the property offers a wide range of accommodation options, from private rooms with balconies to shared dormitories.

Things to do in Esplanade

• Swim and splash in the Cairns Lagoon
• Visit Cairns Museum
• Explore the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day cruise
• Indulge in some shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre
• Spend a fun day at the Cairns Aquarium
• Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Muddy’s Cafe (map)
• Try the delicious street food at the Cairns Night Markets and Rusty’s Markets
• Walk alongside the Cairns Esplanade and enjoy the water views

2. Parramatta Park – where to stay in Cairns on a budget

The Parramatta Park suburb is in a great location: West of the Cairns Esplanade, a short walk from the ocean, and near Cairns Railway Station… so you have easy access to everything! The neighborhood is more residential and is characterized by a more suburban and laid-back atmosphere than other areas in the city. 

Seeing as the neighborhood is not as touristy as the city center, there are not as many attractions, which is great if you want a quieter stay. That also means that the prices are more affordable, making Parramatta Park the best place to stay in Cairns on a budget.

While here, you can attend a sports event at Barlow Park (map) or attend an event at Cairns Showgrounds (map). Other than that, you can go on strolls around the neighborhood and if you want to explore any other part of the city, this area is perfectly connected with public transportation… What else do you need?

Other accommodation options in Parramatta Park

Things to do in Parramatta Park

• Chill out and have long walks around the neighborhood
• Go rainforest tubing on the Mulgrave River
• Attend a match or an event at the Barlow Park
• See the coolest shows at the Cairns Showgrounds

3. Cairns North & Edge Hill – the coolest place to stay in Cairns

Cairns North is a small coastal district located North of Cairns CBD and the Esplanade, with a laid-back vibe. Just West of it, you’ll come across the trendy Edge Hill area, both great places to stay in Cairns for cool vibes. 

The 2 neighborhoods are very similar in terms of offers, brimming with quirky bars, boutiques, bookshops, and vintage stores. 

But with their historical sites, cool attractions like the Cairns Botanic Gardens, and boat tours departing from Cairns Harbour, there’s something to do at any time of the day! And if you’re traveling with kids, take them to Centenary Lakes Nature Play Space (map) and have a fun family day. 

Another very exciting thing you can do around here is take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway; it’s just a 12-min drive from Cairns North and offers the most stunning views over the Barron Gorge National Park – it’s a must while in Cairns! 

You will also love the location of these areas, which give you direct access to the sandy beach but are also super close to the hustle and bustle of Cairns CBD—just a half-hour’s walk or a 4-min drive! And if you want to extend your trip to other amazing Australian cities like Brisbane, the Cairns airport is just a 5-minute drive away! 

Other options in Cairns North & Edge Hill

Things to do in Cairns North & Edge Hill

• Spend an afternoon in nature at the Cairns Botanic Gardens
• Grab a cocktail at Dunwoody’s Hotel (map)
• Take the kids to Centenary Lakes Nature Play Space
• Jump on a full-day boat tour to Fitzroy Island
• Embark on a scenic ride with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
• Go swimming at Tobruk Memorial Pool (map)

4. Trinity Beach – where to stay in Cairns with family

Trinity Beach, located about 20 minutes North of Cairns CBD, is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia and is the ultimate Cairns destination for a family holiday! It’s safe, has a lively atmosphere, and plenty of fun things to do for the whole family! 

On the beach itself (map), a locals’ favorite, you can either engage in cool water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing or just sunbathe and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.

And when you’re not enjoying the beach life, this small residential area offers many shops to buy souvenirs and restaurants for the best dinners. If this wasn’t enough for you, Trinity Beach offers access to some incredible parks, like Centenary Park (map), home to a large number of wallabies! 

Other accommodation options in Trinity Beach

Things to do in Trinity Beach

• Lie down and relax at Trinity Beach
• Try some water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving
• Hike up to the Earl Hill Summit (map)
• See the wallabies at Centenary Park
• Have dinner at Trinity Beach Tavern (map) while enjoying Great Barrier Reef views
• Try some of the Italian dishes at L’Unico Trattoria Italiano (map)

5. Palm Cove – where to stay in Cairns for couples

Palm Cove is a tropical and luxurious paradise brimming with ancient melaleuca trees and warm Coral Sea waters, about a 30-min drive North of Cairns CBD.

With its stunningly pristine beaches, elegant resorts, fine-dining restaurants, and countless spa centers, there’s no wonder why Palm Cove has also become a top pick for honeymoons and romantic getaways!

Here, you’ll find a super-long esplanade to enjoy long walks, runs, or rides, several world-class restaurants serving the most delicious and fresh fish you’ll ever try, and some refreshing cocktails.

One of the best Palm Cove attractions is Palm Cove Beach (map), a gorgeous sandy beach perfect for swimming and relaxing with a cocktail in hand. The Palm Cove Jetty (map) is an absolute must-visit, too; take the time to enjoy this scenic walk, and if you’re a fishing enthusiast, don’t forget your gear!

If you have enough time, I suggest you visit nearby Port Douglas, a town on the Coral Sea just an hour’s drive North of Cairns. It’s famous for the incredible Daintree Rainforest, but there are countless other things to do in Port Douglas! 

If you keep going further North, you’ll reach the town of Mossman and the Mossman Gorge (map), one of the ultimate hiking spots in the region! Or, you can head in the opposite direction, to the Atherton Tablelands, a quaint rural town located a 1h30min drive Southwest of Palm Cove. 

Even if it’s a small town, Palm Cove offers many accommodation options, from luxury resorts to small boutique hotels and holiday apartments. Let’s check them out:

Other accommodation options in Palm Cove

Things to do in Palm Cove

• Spend a day relaxing under the palm trees on Palm Cove Beach
• Enjoy the stroll along the Palm Cove Jetty
• Go on a day trip to Port Douglas!
• Check out the Daintree Rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest in Australia
• Embark on a hike to Mossman Gorge
• Make the drive out to the Atherton Tablelands

6. Kuranda – where to stay near Cairns

Kuranda is a rural village nestled in the Cairns mountains, 30km (18 miles) Northwest of Cairns. It is known as ‘The Village in the Rainforest” and has the most serene atmosphere you can imagine – perfect if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature. 

To get to the village, you can take the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a historical and panoramic rail line that passes through the green rainforest hills and over the Barron Gorge National Park. Here, you’ll gaze at incredible views of the Barron Falls!

Another way to see the majestic Barron Falls from above is to take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway… a unique and exciting experience that you definitely need to try. But Kuranda offers countless things to do, especially if you’re interested in Australia’s protected wildlife.

In fact, here you can visit the colorful Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (map), the Rainforestation Nature Park (map), where you can see native Pamagirri Aboriginals dancing to traditional music, and the Kuranda Koala Gardens (map) – THE place to cuddle and see koalas!

Last but not least, Kuranda is also home to many eclectic markets, like the Kuranda Original Rainforest Market (map) and the Heritage Markets (map). These are perfect for buying hand-crafted local goods, clothes, jewelry, and fresh local produce… Kuranda has it all!

NOTE: since Kuranda is a small village, it doesn’t have any luxury hotels or resorts, but there are some great choices for mid-range and budget travelers. 

Other accommodation options in Kuranda

Things to do in Kuranda

• Have a panoramic ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Spend a day nestled in nature at the Barron Gorge National Park (map)
• See the Barron Falls from above on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
• Buy some souvenirs at the Heritage Markets or the Original Rainforest Markets
• Hug cute koalas at the Kuranda Koala Gardens
• See colorful butterflies at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
• Visit the Rainforestation Nature Park
• Stroll around the picturesque streets of Kuranda Village

FAQs about where to stay in Cairns

📍 Which is the best area where to stay in Cairns?

The best area to stay in Cairns is the Esplanade, right next to the city center. Here, you can find some major attractions, such as the Cairns Aquarium and Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, plus the best Cairns hotels, like Shangri-La The Marina or The Abbott Boutique Hotel.

🏖️ Which is the best area where to stay in Cairns for the beach?

The best area to stay in Cairns for a beach holiday is Palm Cove, with its stunning sandy beach—the best of Cairns’s northern beaches. You can stay at the Alamanda Palm Cove or the Mantra Amphora.

👀 What are the best things to do in Cairns?

When visiting Cairns, you should definitely experience a panoramic ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, explore the cool Cairns night markets, and see the Great Barrier Reef on this tour to Fitzroy Island!

📅 How many days in Cairns is enough?

5 days is the perfect amount of time to stay in Cairns if you want to take advantage of all the cool attractions and sightseeing, but you could stay for 7 days and still have things to do!

🤔 Which is better, Cairns or Port Douglas?

If you’re looking for a more urban vibe and more shopping and dining options, Cairns is the better choice for your vacation. However, if you want a more relaxed atmosphere and want to be surrounded by nature, then Port Douglas is the better choice. 

🚗 Do you need a car in Cairns, Australia?

No, you don’t need a car to explore Cairns. The city is very walkable, and you can reach the main attractions on foot. However, if you want to hit the beach at Palm Cove and Trinity Beach, then it’s a good idea to rent a car.

🏊 Can you swim in Cairns?

Yes, you can swim in Cairns, but it’s best to avoid it between November and May. When you do swim, be wary of jellyfish and stingrays.

☀️ When is the best time to visit Cairns?

The best time of the year to visit Cairns is between June and October, during the dry season, so you can explore the city without having to deal with rain and enjoy worry-free swimming.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Is Cairns suitable for family stays?

Yes, Cairns is a great place to visit with family. I recommend staying in Trinity Beach, where you can enjoy the golden sands, try some water sports, and stay at family-friendly hotels, such as the Sea Change Beachfront Apartments and Trinity Beach Club.

Final thoughts on where to stay in Cairns, Australia

Congrats! You made it to the end of this extensive guide on where to stay in Cairns, the Australian getaway for the Great Barrier Reef! I hope that my advice helped you pick an area that suits your travel preferences and book a hotel. 

But if you still don’t know which accommodation is the best one for your holiday in Cairns, check out my favorite 2 hotels located on the Cairns Esplanade:

Whatever your decision, hurry up and book your hotel! By booking in advance, you’ll not only secure your stay but also get the best deals on Cairns accommodations!

If you have any questions or you want to share some extra tips, please do so in the comments below. I am looking forward to reading them!

Enjoy your holiday!

Elena

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