The Best Accommodation in Cairns | Australian Traveller

Accommodation in Cairns is as diverse as its landscape, so you can afford to be selective about where you stay

From reef cruises and rainforest walks to waterfall swims and island escapes, Cairns is the ultimate launch pad for some of Tropical North Queensland’s biggest adventures.

Finding somewhere to stay is part of the adventure, with everything from luxury waterfront resorts to boutique apartment stays and spacious self-contained retreats on offer. Here’s where to check in.

In short

If you only stay at one accommodation in Cairns, make it Crystalbrook Flynn. With its unbeatable Esplanade location, lively atmosphere and easy access to restaurants, reef tours and the Lagoon, it captures everything that makes a Cairns holiday so memorable.

For a heritage stay: Floriana Boutique Hotel offers beautifully restored Art Deco charm overlooking the quieter northern end of the Esplanade.
For families: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is hard to beat thanks to its sandy lagoon pool and relaxed resort feel.
For camping and caravan stays: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut pairs tropical holiday vibes with everything from powered sites to spacious cabins and villas.
For self-contained stays: Waters Edge Cairns Luxury Apartments provide plenty of space, waterfront views and all the comforts of home.

Good to know: Most accommodation featured below offers on-site parking and accessible rooms, though availability varies by property. Travelling with a dog? Crystalbrook Bailey is one of the few luxury stays in Cairns with pet-friendly accommodation.

Hotels and resorts in Cairns City

Want to be close to the action? The Esplanade and Marina precincts are the place to be. Many of Cairns’ top hotels are located here, within walking distance of reef tours, restaurants and the waterfront.

Prefer a more detailed breakdown? Explore our guide to the best hotels and resorts in Cairns to compare luxury stays, family resorts and boutique city hotels.

Crystalbrook Flynn

Best for: Fun and flair

One of three Crystalbrook Collection properties in Cairns, five-star Flynn brings a playful energy to the Esplanade. Spend the afternoon stretched out in a poolside cabana, settle in for a long lunch at Boardwalk Social or head upstairs to Whiskey & Wine for sunset drinks overlooking Trinity Bay. Rooms and suites come with city, harbour or ocean views, while the lively atmosphere makes it one of the most social stays in Cairns.

Address: 85 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: From $200 per night
Insider tip: Boardwalk Social and Whiskey & Wine are popular with locals too, making Flynn one of the liveliest spots on the Esplanade after dark.

Crystalbrook Riley

Best for: Stylish sustainability

Sister property Riley combines contemporary luxury with a strong sustainability focus. Spacious rooms (many with private balconies) are complemented by one of the city’s most impressive lagoon pools, complete with a man-made beach and plenty of room to stretch out beneath the tropical sun.

Worked up an appetite? Head to rooftop favourite Rocco for sunset drinks, settle in at modern Asian restaurant Paper Crane or kick back at the ever-popular Calypso Club. There’s also an on-site day spa and complimentary eco bikes available for exploring the Esplanade.

Address: 131–141 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: From $200 per night
Insider tip: Head to Rocco just before sunset for sweeping views across the Coral Sea and hinterland.

Crystalbrook Bailey

Best for: Art, design and dining

The most creative of the Crystalbrook trio, Bailey is a natural fit for anyone who appreciates good design, with gallery-like public spaces and one of Cairns’ strongest dining line-ups. Better still, selected Bailey Residences are dog-friendly, making it one of the few luxury stays in Cairns where you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend behind.

Foodies are spoilt for choice, with rooftop restaurant and bar Pachamama serving Mexican-inspired share plates and cocktails, while the hotel’s acclaimed CC’s Bar & Grill is one of Cairns’ standout steakhouses.

Address: 163 Abbott Street, Cairns City
Average price: From $165 per night

The Abbott Boutique Hotel

Best for: Boutique city stays

The Abbott Boutique Hotel proves you don’t need a sprawling resort to enjoy a stylish stay in the heart of the city.

Set inside a heritage-inspired building in the heart of the CBD, it pairs contemporary rooms with an intimate atmosphere and a location that’s just a short stroll from the Esplanade, restaurants and Cairns’ buzzing waterfront.

Smaller in scale than many of the city’s larger hotels, it’s an ideal choice if you plan to spend your days exploring and want a stylish base to return to each evening.

Address: 69 Abbott Street, Cairns City
Average price: From $160 per night
Insider tip: Skip the taxi and spend an evening wandering Abbott Street and the Esplanade on foot — some of Cairns’ best bars and restaurants are only minutes away.

Floriana Boutique Hotel

Best for: Heritage charm

Looking for something with a little more character? Floriana Boutique Hotel occupies a beautifully restored 1939 heritage building overlooking the quieter northern end of the Esplanade. With just a handful of thoughtfully designed rooms, Art Deco details and plenty of old-world charm, it offers a more intimate alternative to Cairns’ larger hotels.

The on-site Mediterranean restaurant is reason enough to stay, serving dishes inspired by local produce in an elegant setting that perfectly complements the hotel’s heritage surrounds.

Address: 183 Esplanade, Cairns North
Average price: From $180 per night
Insider tip: Hire one of the hotel’s bikes and cruise the Esplanade before settling in for a long lunch overlooking the water.

Oaks Cairns Hotel

Best for: Rooftop drinks

If you don’t care for resort-style facilities but still want a stylish stay in a prime location, Oaks Cairns Hotel fits the bill. Rooms are compact yet cleverly designed, while the hotel’s biggest drawcard is Oak & Vine, a rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views over the Coral Sea.

The Esplanade location places guests within easy walking distance of the Lagoon, restaurants and marina precinct.

Address: 59–63 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: From $100 per night
Insider tip: Time your visit to Oak & Vine for sunset when the surrounding mountains are bathed in golden light.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Pullman Cairns International

Best for: Spacious rooms

Combining old-world grandeur with a prime CBD location, Pullman Cairns International remains one of the city’s most recognisable luxury hotels. Reflecting the architectural style of Cairns’ rich past, the property is home to some of the largest hotel rooms in the city, with guest rooms spanning more than 40 square metres.

After a day chasing waterfalls or snorkelling the reef, watch boats return to port from your private balcony. For a little extra indulgence, book a treatment at Vie Spa before settling in for dinner overlooking the waterfront.

Address: 17 Abbott Street, Cairns City
Average price: From $260 per night
Insider tip: Don’t rush back to your room after sunset — the lobby bar is one of Cairns’ most underrated spots for a quiet nightcap.

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

Best for: Entertainment

Like the idea of having everything in one place? Pullman Reef Hotel Casino delivers. Alongside luxury accommodation, you’ll find restaurants, bars, live entertainment and one of Cairns’ most awarded dining destinations, Tamarind.

Its waterfront location places restaurants, bars and the marina precinct within easy reach, but with so much happening on site, it’s just as tempting to stay put.

Address: 35–41 Wharf Street, Cairns City
Average price: From $245 per night
Insider tip: Tamarind is worth booking ahead for as it’s long been considered one of Cairns’ best special-occasion restaurants.

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Best for: Watching the boats roll in

Occupying one of the best addresses in the city, Shangri-La The Marina overlooks Cairns Marlin Marina and Trinity Inlet. Following a major refurbishment, Shangri-La feels fresher than ever and remains one of Cairns’ standout waterfront hotels.

Don’t be surprised if one poolside cocktail turns into an afternoon. The waterfront pool and marina-facing dining spaces make lingering too easy.

Address: Pier Point Road, Cairns City
Average price: From $180 per night
Insider tip: Grab a table by the water for breakfast as the marina is at its busiest in the morning, as reef boats, fishing charters and luxury yachts prepare to depart.

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Best for: Waterfront views

A Cairns favourite for decades, Pacific Hotel Cairns has earned its place thanks to its unbeatable location overlooking Trinity Harbour and easy access to the city’s best attractions.

Many rooms overlook Trinity Harbour, while the Esplanade, marina and the city’s best dining spots are all just a short walk away, making it an easy choice for first-time visits.

Address: 43 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: From $267 per night
Insider tip: For a more elevated stay, book one of the Executive Rooms or Suites, where tropical-inspired interiors bring a distinctly Far North Queensland feel.

Hilton Cairns

Best for: Marina views

For a front-row seat to Cairns’ waterfront, it’s hard to go past Hilton Cairns. Wake to views across Trinity Inlet, wander to the marina to board a reef cruise, then return for an afternoon by the palm-fringed pool or sunset drinks overlooking the water. With restaurants, The Pier precinct and the Esplanade all within easy walking distance, it’s one of the city’s best-located stays.

Address: 34 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: From $210 per night
Insider tip: Book a marina-facing room if you can — watching the reef boats come and go each morning is part of the Cairns experience.

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Best for: Families

With its lagoon-style pool, sandy beach and Cairns’ only swim-up pool bar, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort feels more like a tropical resort than a city hotel. Families love the spacious rooms and relaxed atmosphere, while the central location keeps the Esplanade and city attractions within easy reach.

Surrounded by swaying palms and tropical gardens, it’s easy to see why this remains one of Cairns’ most popular family stays.

Address: 122 Lake Street, Cairns City
Average price: From $239 per night
Insider tip: Settle in at Moku Beach Club for a leisurely lunch by the pool before spending the afternoon drifting between your sun lounger and the lagoon.

Caravan parks and camping in Cairns

Looking for affordable accommodation in Cairns without sacrificing the fun? Holiday parks and campgrounds here combine family-friendly facilities with a relaxed tropical atmosphere, offering everything from powered sites to spacious cabins and villas.

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut

Best for: Family holidays

Just a seven-minute drive from Cairns City, the multi-award-winning BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut is more like a tropical playground than a traditional caravan park. Accommodation ranges from spacious condos and villas to cabins, ensuite sites and powered or unpowered campsites, catering to every style of holiday.

When you’re not exploring the reef or rainforest, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, including a mini water park, tennis court, mini golf, basketball court, adventure playground and on-site restaurant.

Address: 23–51 Anderson Road, Cairns
Average price: From $60 per night
Insider tip: It’s worth setting aside a full day to enjoy the resort’s facilities, as there’s enough here to keep kids entertained without leaving the park.

Tasman Holiday Parks — Cairns Cool Waters

Best for: Pet-friendly camping

Need somewhere the whole family can stay, including the dog? Tasman Holiday Parks – Cairns Cool Waters offers cabins as well as powered and unpowered sites surrounded by rainforest, mountains and a freshwater creek, creating a peaceful escape just outside the city.

The swimming pool and adjoining spa provide plenty of opportunities to cool off, while the tranquil creek is home to turtles and, if you’re lucky, the occasional platypus.

Address: 2–14 Shale Street, Brinsmead
Average price: From $34 per night
Insider tip: Keep an eye on the freshwater creek at dawn or dusk — it’s one of the best times to spot local wildlife.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

NRMA Cairns Holiday Park

Best for: Road trips and caravan stays

Just five minutes from Cairns City, NRMA Cairns Holiday Park offers something for everyone, from ensuite studios and cabins to powered and unpowered caravan sites. Whether you’re pulling in with a caravan or settling into a cabin, NRMA Cairns Holiday Park offers a relaxed base that’s close enough to the city for easy day trips, yet removed from the hustle of the CBD.

Address: 12-30 Little Street, Manunda
Average price: From $33 per night
Insider tip: One of the biggest advantages here is the location — close enough to the city for easy day trips, but far enough away to enjoy a quieter evening.

Self-contained accommodation in Cairns

If you’re planning a longer stay or travelling with family and friends, self-contained accommodation offers the space and flexibility to settle in. Luxury waterfront apartments overlooking the Esplanade, boutique retreats and beachfront escapes all have one thing in common: home comforts paired with an enviable tropical location.

Looking for something a little more unique? Discover the dreamiest Airbnb stays in Cairns, from rainforest hideaways to stylish designer homes.

Waters Edge Cairns Luxury Apartments

Best for: Luxury apartment living

Love the space and flexibility of an apartment but still want a five-star experience? Few apartment stays strike the balance between space and location quite like Waters Edge Cairns Luxury Apartments. Think gourmet kitchens, oversized living areas and balconies made for slow mornings with a coffee or sunset drinks as the sun dips below the horizon. Fancy stepping straight into the pool? Book one of the swim-out apartments, or splash out on an oceanfront stay for uninterrupted views across Trinity Bay.

Set opposite the Esplanade, it’s an easy walk to restaurants, the Lagoon and reef tour departures, making it a fantastic base whether you’re staying for a weekend or settling in for a little longer.

Address: 155 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: From $350 per night
Insider tip: If you’re staying for a few nights, block out one evening to simply enjoy sunset from your balcony — no restaurant reservation required.

Mantra Trilogy

Best for: Families and longer stays

Travelling with the whole crew? Mantra Trilogy makes it easy to spread out without sacrificing location. Choose from one, two and three-bedroom apartments, then spend your downtime by the resort-style pool, firing up the barbecue or making the most of the on-site gym.

Step outside and you’re moments from the Esplanade Lagoon, waterfront restaurants and marina, making it an ideal base for everything from reef trips to lazy afternoons by the water.

Address: 101/105 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: From $197 per night
Insider tip: If you’re travelling with kids, the resort-style pool is a guaranteed winner on afternoons when everyone needs a break from sightseeing.

City Terraces

Best for: Home away from home

If you’re sticking around for more than a few days, City Terraces feels a little more like home. The eco-certified apartment complex offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments complete with full kitchens, while the tropical gardens and large swimming pool provide a welcome escape after a day exploring.

Tucked just back from the Esplanade, it’s close enough to walk into the city centre but far enough away to enjoy a quieter stay.

Address: 63-65 McLeod Street, Cairns City
Average price: From $160 per night
Insider tip: Pick up some local produce from Rusty’s Markets and make the most of your apartment kitchen.

Bay Village Tropical Retreat

Best for: Boutique tropical charm

Looking for a little Bali without leaving Queensland? Bay Village Tropical Retreat brings island vibes to Cairns with lush tropical gardens, colourful décor and a collection of spacious one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

Just a short stroll from the Esplanade, it feels worlds away from the city despite being only minutes from the action. Better yet, the much-loved Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant is right on site when you don’t feel like cooking.

Address: Corner Lake & Gatton Streets, Cairns North
Average price: From $175 per night
Insider tip: Request a room overlooking the gardens for a quieter stay and an extra dose of tropical ambience.

Cairns City Palms

Best for: Friendly, affordable stays

There’s something refreshingly old-school about Cairns City Palms. Family-owned and welcoming, it offers spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchen facilities, plus an outdoor pool and barbecue area for easy holiday living.

Located in Cairns North, it’s only a short drive or stroll to the Esplanade, making it a great option if you want apartment-style accommodation without the waterfront price tag.

Address: 199-205 Sheridan Street, Cairns North
Average price: From $110 per night
Insider tip: Don’t skip morning tea — the complimentary homemade scones have earned a loyal following among returning guests.

Cairns Beach Resort

Best for: Beach lovers

If your idea of a tropical holiday starts with waking up metres from the sand, Cairns Beach Resort ticks all the boxes. Set on peaceful Holloways Beach, the spacious apartments come with full kitchens, laundries and generous living areas, making them ideal for families and longer stays.

Holloways Beach remains one of Cairns’ best-kept secrets if you’re chasing a quieter coastal stay, yet you’re still only a short drive from the marina, restaurants and Cairns’ biggest attractions.

Address: 129-135 Oleander Street, Holloways Beach
Average price: From $195 per night
Insider tip: Pack breakfast to enjoy on the beach — Holloways Beach is one of the closest stretches of sand to Cairns City and often blissfully quiet in the morning.

Planning to stay by the beach instead? Nearby Palm Cove offers a more relaxed resort atmosphere and is worth considering if you’re deciding where to base yourself.

Exploring Cairns? Check out more of our recommendations here:

Cruise Whitsundays’ famous Reefworld has undergone a complete transformation – here’s why it has become one of Australia’s most extraordinary places to spend the night.

Imagine sleeping under the stars or beneath the sea, snorkelling vibrant coral gardens, and enjoying a dining experience that wouldn’t feel out of place at a top restaurant – all from a pontoon moored on the Great Barrier Reef. In a country that excels at extraordinary, immersive travel experiences, the reimagined Reefworld in Queensland’s Whitsundays has joined the upper echelons.

Cruise Whitsundays has unveiled an extensive transformation of Reefworld, its pontoon permanently moored at Hardy Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef.

First opened in 2019, Reefworld is home to the famous underwater Reefsuites – Australia’s first underwater hotel – and was originally designed as a dual-purpose pontoon for both day visitors and overnight guests.

Now, it has been transformed into an overnight-only experience, giving guests exclusive access to the pontoon and the reef, with more space, greater comfort and a more immersive way to experience this unique environment.

The transformation forms part of Journey Beyond’s $40 million investment in responsible reef tourism in the region.

Read on for eight reasons to book a stay at the reimagined Reefworld now.

1. A scenic cruise through the Whitsundays

cruise whitsundays boat on Great Barrier Reef Adventure tour — Start with a cruise of the gorgeous Whitsundays.

Your journey to Reefworld begins with a scenic cruise through the Whitsundays: dark-green islands daubed on an endless expanse of blue. Welcome to Ngaro Sea Country.

Departing Port of Airlie, Daydream Island or Hamilton Island, a high-speed catamaran with priority boarding for Reefworld guests will whisk you across the Coral Sea to the outer reef.

From next year, a new 35-metre catamaran will join the Cruise Whitsundays fleet, featuring an exclusive-use lounge area reserved for Reefworld guests. Snacks and refreshments are available onboard.

Depending on the time of year, migrating humpback whales may pass you on your journey.

2. A sense of arrival

aerial view of new cruise whitsunday reefworld pontoon — Watch as your home on the reef rolls into view.

Around two hours after leaving Hamilton Island, the Reefworld pontoon shimmers into view on the horizon.

As you sail closer towards Hardy Reef – where the pontoon is permanently moored – your home for the next 27 hours comes into focus, including the plush new beds where Reefsleep guests will spend the night. Anticipation builds for the unique experience to come.

The everyday world slips away as you alight the catamaran and step onto the pontoon. Now exclusively reserved for up to 36 overnight guests at a time, it has undergone an extensive transformation.

The sense of space, peace and quiet is palpable as you’re welcomed with a cold non-alcoholic drink. Dab your brow with a refreshing cold towel and take in the stillness – interrupted only by the sound of flying fish slapping the water’s surface.

From the moment you arrive in the late morning, the whole place is yours to enjoy. Reefworld has been redeveloped with considered spaces designed to help you make the most of your downtime.

On the lower deck, you’ll find a bar serving tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, alongside comfy lounge areas where you can sit back and take in mesmerising reef views.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxed in the knowledge that you don’t have to leave again until tomorrow afternoon.

3. Elevated food and beverage (including quality coffee!)

cruise whitsunday reefworld food offering — Indulge in an elevated food and beverage offering onboard.

Elevated food and drink is central to the new Reefworld experience. The all-inclusive offering focuses on high-quality regional dining.

A seafood buffet lunch might include Hervey Bay scallops grilled in shell with garlic and herb butter or line-caught reef fish baked with lemon thyme oil.

A signature three-course dinner paired with premium Australian wines might dish up an entrée of Whitsunday blue swimmer crab wontons with smoked salmon caviar in a butter sauce, a main of Queensland grass-fed beef-eye fillet, and a tropical coconut and pineapple confection for dessert. Dietary requirements are catered for (notify team at time of booking).

A hot breakfast buffet offers a selection of cooked favourites, smoked salmon, cheeses, and yoghurts, fresh fruit, toast and cereals.

All-inclusive beverages include bottled beer and cider, soft drinks and Australian wine including sparkling. Or choose from a range of premium spirits and cocktails such as the 74 Islands Limoncello Spritz, made with a liqueur crafted right here in the Whitsundays.

Perhaps the biggest boon of all? Barista-made coffee, available from 6.30 am. Only in Australia could you order an oat flat white in the middle of a coral reef.

4. Snorkel one of the GBR’s most diverse reefs

guests snorkelling the great barrier reef at cruise whitsunday reefworld — Dive into the Great Barrier Reef.

Reefworld sits above Hardy Reef, one of the most biologically diverse outer reef systems in the Great Barrier Reef. Exploring it is a simple matter of popping on a mask, snorkel and flippers and slipping into the water straight from the pontoon.

Being in the outer reef means the water is clear, and marine life is abundant: here you could spot giant trevally, Māori wrasse, clownfish, parrotfish, nudibranch and giant clams, as well as vibrant coral gardens.

Snorkel at your leisure over two days. Prefer to stay above the water level? Head to the underwater observatory or join an optional semi-submersible guided tour, and you might still spot the resident two-metre-long Queensland grouper, George, doing the rounds. Or Crush, one of 12 resident green sea turtles.

5. A luxurious sleep under the stars

cruise whitsunday reefworld pontoon reefsleep beds — Spend the night in one of 16 spacious, four-poster beds.

At the heart of the reimagined Reefworld is its elevated Reefsleep experience. On the upper deck are 16 spacious, four-poster beds, replacing the earlier swag-inspired accommodation and giving up to 32 guests the chance to sleep under the stars with increased privacy and added comfort.

With names like Parrot Fish and Spotted Ray, each Reefbed is of its place and has everything you need: not least a queen-size bed with premium linens, decked out in coastal shades befitting the location. USB charging ports, reading lights and fans provide extra convenience and comfort. The beds are set up as daybeds in the afternoon, then turned down in time for sleep.

Double-layer canvas and mesh flaps allow you to customise your experience and exposure to the elements: zip up for maximum privacy and shelter or leave wide open to stargaze as you drift off to sleep.

Come morning, enjoy the luxury of watching the sun rise over the reef from the comfort of the covers (if facing east).

6. Refreshed underwater Reefsuites

Reefsuites room at reefworld — Let the locals form your bedroom view.

Reefsuites is Australia’s first underwater hotel and remains among the most unique stays in the country – if not the world. Its two suites have had a glow-up as part of Reefworld’s transformation, but the floor-to-ceiling underwater views of the Great Barrier Reef remain unchanged.

Choose between king double or twin single sleeping configurations, with premium bedding and a glass-walled en suite in each suite. This is your front-row seat to the marine life of the reef in all its nocturnal glory.

7. A sensational sunset and canapés session

cruise whitsunday reefworld guests enjooying sunset canapes — Wait for sunset at Australia’s best bar.

There’s even a designated new spot for sunset canapés. Could this be Australia’s best bar? That’s what you will be asking come evening, as you gather on the upper deck for a Sunset Canapés session.

Reefworld’s refreshed design includes a designated space for this very ritual. Grab a drink at the bar – bubbles, perhaps, or a G&T with locally produced gin – and pull up a stool to settle in for one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.

Nibble on a chef’s selection of light bites as the sun puddles into the molten Coral Sea, bathing the entire pontoon in a glorious glow. It doesn’t get more golden hour than this.

8. Extras: the adventure continues

tour leader preparing scua diving gear at cruise whitsunday reefworld — Choose from a range of extra activities to help you keep exploring.

And that’s not where the adventure ends. Your Reefworld stay also includes access to the underwater observatory and a guided semi-submarine tour, plus a complimentary guided snorkel safari led by expert reef guides. For those looking to do even more, add-ons include scuba diving and scenic flights over Heart Reef, available at an additional cost.

As part of Cruise Whitsundays’ investment in reef tourism, nearby permanent Heart Pontoon has also undergone a significant refurbishment, further enhancing the visitor experience.

The details

Reefworld is open now as an overnight‑only pontoon, exclusively for Reefsleep and Reefsuite guests. Stays start from $895 per person for Reefsleep and $1495 per person for a Reefsuite, based on double occupancy.

Book an unforgettable sleep out on the Great Barrier Reef at cruisewhitsundays.com.