Cairns and Barrier Reef
Travel Guide
Visit Cairns and Barrier Reef
Where to stay in Cairns and Barrier Reef
Palm Cove
Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park.
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.
Yorkeys Knob
Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Half Moon Bay Golf Course and Yorkeys Knob Beach.
Clifton Beach
Travelers come to Clifton Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while you're in town.
Holloways Beach
Beaches, restaurants, and gardens are some highlights of Holloways Beach. Make a stop by Yorkeys Knob Beach or Holloways Beach while you're exploring.
Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park.
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Lovely hotel. Super friendly and helpful staff. Great, peaceful location. Good restaurants nearby."
Reviewed on May 13, 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"Great place to stay with kids big and small"
Reviewed on May 18, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
"Great stay in a fabulous hotel. Well located for everything and the pool side bar was very relaxing way to finish the day with clients."
Reviewed on May 24, 2026
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
"Total 5 star experience"
Reviewed on May 22, 2026
Coral Sands Resort
"Great stay, could hear the live music they have on a Sat and Sun from the pub on the corner which was great out on the balcony. Pool was great for the kids and great location to walk out to the main strip where there’s a playground on the foreshore and restaurants. Will stay again one day!"
Reviewed on May 11, 2026
The Reef Retreat
"Place was clean and nice. The host is a poor communicator and bordering rude. No clear directions for an after hour checkin. Didn't pick 10 calls. Had to hunt down their residence to get into the apartment."
Reviewed on May 22, 2026
Popular places to visit
Cairns Esplanade
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
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.
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.
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.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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.
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- Cairns Esplanade
- Reef Fleet Terminal
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- Esplanade Lagoon
- Palm Cove Beach
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- Cairns Convention Centre
- Cairns Night Markets
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
- Smithfield Shopping Centre
- Clifton Beach
- Australian Armour and Artillery Museum
- Half Moon Bay Golf Course
- Rainforestation Nature Park
- St Monica's Cathedral
- Crystal Cascades
- Barron Gorge National Park
- Clifton Village Shopping Centre
- Sugarworld Waterpark
