hero media

The dreamiest Airbnbs in Cairns to call home

Jemma Fletcher Jemma Fletcher
Settle into one of these stylish Airbnbs on your next tropical escape.

Looking for the best Airbnb in Cairns? From luxury Palm Cove villas and beachfront apartments to rainforest retreats and tiny houses hidden in the hills of Kuranda, these standout stays offer a memorable base for exploring Tropical North Queensland.

From soaking in your own private hot tub to getting cosy in a tiny house in the rainforest, these Cairns Airbnbs offer something for every type of tropical getaway.

In short

If you only stay at one Airbnb in Cairns, make it Spring Haven Kuranda – Rainforest Garden Retreat. Combining a peaceful rainforest setting, contemporary cabin design and an outdoor bath beneath the trees, it perfectly captures the laid-back luxury of Tropical North Queensland.

Best city stay: Seaside Azul
Best pet-friendly stay: Central Cairns • Pet Friendly • Walk to Esplanade
Best family Airbnb: Maison Daintree
Best beach escape: Coral Sea View
Best luxury villa: Pura Villa
Best nature retreat: Stoney Treehouse

Good to know: Most Airbnbs featured below include free parking and self-contained facilities, making them ideal for longer stays. While some are in Cairns City, others are found in nearby Edge Hill, Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Kuranda and the surrounding rainforest.

Seaside Azul

Seaside Azul Airbnb Cairns
Cool off in the rooftop pool.

Best for: City-centre convenience

Airbnb status: Superhost property

Just a 15-minute stroll to Cairns Esplanade and directly next to Cairns Central Shopping Centre, the cosy Seaside Azulstudio is for those who want to stay close to the action.

After waking up in the king-sized bed and whipping up a Nespresso machine coffee, head up to the shared rooftop pool and spa, complete with alfresco dining and sun loungers, where you can enjoy the balmy weather and views of the city.

Location: Cairns City
Average price: From $250 per night.
Insider tip: Head up to the rooftop pool just before sunset for city views without the crowds.

Central Cairns • Pet Friendly • Walk to Esplanade

Central Cairns • Pet Friendly • Walk to Esplanade Airbnb
The relaxed deck flows into lush tropical gardens.

Best for: Pet-friendly stays

Airbnb status: Superhost property, Guest Favourite and Top 5% of homes

Travelling with your four-legged friend? This charming cottage offers the best of both worlds, combining a peaceful setting with a location close to Cairns’ restaurants, cafes and attractions. Tucked away just moments from the Esplanade, it features a spacious rear deck, lush tropical gardens and a fully equipped kitchen, making it easy to settle in for a few days.

Guests can borrow the complimentary bicycles to explore the nearby waterfront and bikeways, while the pet-friendly policy means no member of the family has to miss out on the holiday.

Location: Cairns City
Average price: From $280 per night
Insider tip: Borrow the complimentary bikes and head to the Esplanade early in the morning when the waterfront is at its most peaceful.

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

AI Prompt

Maison Daintree

Maison Daintree Airbnb Cairns
This holiday home in Cairns offers a spacious wooden deck.

Best for: Spacious family stays

Airbnb status: Superhost property and Guest Favourite

Close to Cairns Botanic Gardens is Maison Daintree, a three-bedroom home with an elegant design and spacious layout.

The outdoor space is equally impressive, featuring a private pool and a meticulously landscaped garden that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Location: Whitfield
Average price: From $550 per night
Insider tip: The Cairns Botanic Gardens are only a few minutes away and make an easy morning outing before the tropical heat sets in.

Rainforest Sunsets

Rainforest Sunsets Airbnb Cairns
Immerse yourself in nature at Rainforest Sunsets.

Best for: Romantic mountain escape

Airbnb status: Superhost property and Guest Favourite

For a romantic escape that feels like camping but offers much more luxury, get out of the city and head to the mountain village of Kuranda for a stay at Rainforest Sunsets.

This tiny house is perfect for holidaymakers looking to immerse themselves in nature while still enjoying a comfy bed, hot shower and coffee on hand. In the evening, light up the outdoor fire pit and watch the spectacular sunset views overlooking rolling green hills.

Location: Kuranda
Average price: From $280 per night
Insider tip: Arrive before golden hour and settle in by the fire pit – the sunset views are one of the property’s biggest highlights.

Spring Haven Kuranda – Rainforest Garden Retreat

Spring Haven Kuranda – Rainforest Garden Retreat Airbnb Cairns
Soak up the views from your private bath.

Best for: Luxury couples’ escapes

Airbnb status: Superhost property, Guest Favourite and Top 1% of homes

Tucked away in a lush rainforest garden just five minutes from Kuranda Village, Spring Haven is the kind of Airbnb designed for slowing down. This contemporary one-bedroom cabin combines modern comforts with a peaceful natural setting, complete with wildlife encounters, leafy outlooks and an outdoor bath made for long soaks beneath the trees.

Fully self-contained and thoughtfully designed for privacy, it’s an ideal choice for couples looking to switch off and reconnect while still being within easy reach of Kuranda’s markets, cafes and attractions.

Location: Kuranda
Average price: From $250 per night
Insider tip: Pack a bottle of wine and make time for an evening soak in the outdoor bath – it’s one of the property’s standout features and the perfect way to unwind after exploring the village.

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

Coral Sea View

Coral Sea View Airbnb Cairns
Enjoy the elevated pool at Coral Sea View.

Best for: Close to the beach

Airbnb status: Superhost property and Guest Favourite

Just one street back from the beach is Coral Sea View with plenty of space for up to four people, an elevated pool to enjoy and a balcony with magnificent views. Location is everything here, being a short 5-minute stroll to the restaurants and shops of Trinity Beach.

Location: Trinity Beach
Average price: From $300 per night
Insider tip: Trinity Beach is generally quieter than Palm Cove, making it a great choice if you’re after a more laid-back coastal stay.

Pura Villa

Pura Villa Airbnb Cairns
Embrace coastal luxury in this stunning four-bedroom home.

Best for: Coastal luxury

Airbnb status: Superhost property and Guest Favourite

Found in the coastal town of Palm Cove, Pura Villa is a modern four-bedroom home with a private in-ground pool and outdoor entertaining area.

With its minimalist design, high ceilings and glass walls that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces, this stunning property creates a sense of freedom and endless space.

Location: Palm Cove
Average price: From $800 per night
Insider tip: Pick up supplies from nearby Clifton Village and make the most of the outdoor entertaining area and private pool.

Stoney Treehouse

Stoney Treehouse Airbnb Cairns
Be surrounded by tropical rainforest.

Best for: Nature lovers

Airbnb status: Superhost property, Guest Favourite and Top 5% of homes

Nestled along the serene waters of Stoney Creek is Stoney Treehouse, surrounded by tropical rainforest. Just a short drive from Cairns yet wonderfully tranquil with waterfalls and hiking trails on your doorstep, it’s the perfect base for adventure and relaxation.

Location: Stoney Creek
Average price: From $690 per night
Insider tip: Bring reef shoes if you plan to explore Stoney Creek and nearby swimming holes.

Looking beyond Airbnb? Explore our complete guide to Cairns accommodation for hotels, resorts, apartments and family-friendly stays across Tropical North Queensland.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Jemma Fletcher
Based in sun-kissed Brisbane, Jemma Fletcher is an accomplished writer, editor and content manager. Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Queensland, as well as over a decade of tourism marketing experience, Jemma now specialises in freelance travel writing and has a soft spot for the beauty of Queensland. Her expertise has been honed through her previous roles as Chief Editor of Queensland.com and WeekendNotes.com and she is the passionate creator of High Cup of Tea, an online directory celebrating Australia's finest high tea experiences. After growing up in the UK (hence her love for tea and scones) and a delightful chapter in Sydney, Jemma loves to explore quaint towns with a rich history. Also high on her weekend list is tasting the local cafe scene, enjoying charming farm stays with her young family and deciding where her next travel adventure will be (half of the fun is in the planning!)
View profile and articles
Guest room at hilton palm cove cairns resort and spa
Cairns

Palm Cove is getting a breezy new resort just steps from the beach

The much-loved tropical destination is set to gain a new resident with The Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa.

Read more
a woman walking by the pool at Crystalbrook Flynn, best accommodation in Cairns
Cairns

The ultimate guide to the best accommodation in Cairns

Accommodation in Cairns is as diverse as its landscape, so you can afford to be choosy on your next sojourn to Tropical North Queensland.

Read more
a balcony with sea view at Mantra Trilogy Cairns
Cairns

13 hotels and resorts in Cairns you should know about

Your go-to list on where to spend your next luxury escape in Cairns.

Read more
a private tub with sea views at Drift Palm Cove accommodation
Cairns

The absolute best accommodation in Palm Cove to try now

Your go-to guide on where to find Palm Cove accommodation to suit all budgets.

Read more
hero media

Can’t handle the cold? Hamilton Island serves a slice of summer in winter

(Image: Hamilton Island)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
    Continue
    When the winter chill settles in, an escape to Hamilton Island’s year-round tropical shores is the only acceptable coping mechanism.

    As a heliophile with the cold tolerance of a Mediterranean house cat, the arrival of winter tends to spark a particular panic. How will I survive? Must I really start layering? What do you mean, Aperol season is over? But there are far better ways to spend the cooler months than sulking in the depths of your doona.

    Enter, Hamilton Island. With its year-round sunshine and permanent on-holiday atmosphere, this Whitsundays favourite promises a veritable slice of summer in winter.

    Think salt-stiff hair and the smug pleasure of devouring seafood beside the water while friends back home are defogging their windscreens. Here’s why Hamilton Island should figure into your winter plans.

    1. Year-round summer weather

    A woman hiking along the Passage Peak trail on Hamilton Island.
    Hike under sunny winter skies on Hamilton Island. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    In the crisper months, Hamilton Island offers perfectly mild, sunny weather (17-24°C) that lends itself to morning swims and afternoon spritzes. Better still, you can enjoy the island’s outdoor adventures – from hiking to mountain biking – without the humidity or rain you’ll often find in summertime. With direct flights from most major Australian cities offering ease of access, Hamilton Island is the ideal place to flee the cold.

    2. Getting active without the humidity

    A buggy parked overlooking Hamilton Island’s golf course, with sweeping views of the sea at Whitsundays in winter.
    Zip around Hamilton Island by buggy. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Whether you’re hiking up to Passage Peak or exploring the island by buggy, tropical Queensland humidity is nobody’s friend. The one way to guarantee you will avoid the inevitable stickiness and fluffy hair? Visit during winter. There’s plenty to be enjoyed, from sunrise yoga at The Sundays (exclusive to guests of The Sundays) to playing golf on Dent Island.

    3. Hamilton Island Race Week

    Yachts racing across the sparkling Whitsundays during Hamilton Island Race Week.
    Feel the thrill of Hamilton Island Race Week. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    Taking place in August, Hamilton Island Race Week is a destination in its own right that attracts spectators and racers from around the globe. Boating enthusiasts and thrill-seeking holidaymakers flock to the island, which is palpably energetic as the first yachts set off for Dent Passage from Hamilton Island Yacht Club. The annual action-packed week, taking place from 15 to 22 August in 2026, offers an exciting calendar of on- and off-water events – spanning everything from celebrity chef dinners to golfing comps and wine tastings.

    4. Best time for snorkelling

    A woman snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Explore Hamilton Island’s winter waters. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    While the crowds on Hamilton Island may disperse with the cooler weather, the marine life certainly doesn’t. Winter is widely considered one of the best times to snorkel and dive in the Whitsundays.

    It’s down to a number of reasons: excellent water visibility, higher chances of seeing whales as they migrate north and – best of all – no nasty stingers. This means no need to wear those notoriously unflattering full-body wetsuits visitors have to wear in warmer months. On top of all this, you’ll find calm seas ideal for sailing and Great Barrier Reef tours.

    5. Fewer crowds

    People kayaking.
    Experience a quieter Hamilton Island on a kayaking adventure. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Winter is often the quietest time to visit Hamilton Island, with the peak season crowds thinned to a relaxed trickle. You can snorkel or dive straight off the reef-laced waters of Catseye Beach, then swap fins for a buggy and zip between One Tree Hill, the marina and sunset cocktails without the usual summer queues. Active days stretch from kayaking, sailing and jet skiing to hopping over to famous Whitehaven Beach to witness those breathtaking white swirls of silica sand. You won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the crowd to get a good snap.

    6. Delicious dining

    The interiors of Bommie Restaurant, featuring modern coastal design with warm lighting and elegant detailing.
    Treat yourself to Bommie Restaurant’s fine dining featuring fresh, seasonal Aussie produce. (Image: Nikki To)

    The food on Hamilton Island tastes just as good any time of year, and winter is still perfect weather for sundowners. Start with an iced tea Negroni at harbourside Bommie Deck, before transitioning to Bommie Restaurant for a fine-dining feast centering on seasonal Aussie ingredients. Or perhaps enjoy a more casual poolside evening at Sails Restaurant, where plates of chermoula chicken skewers, baked cauliflower steak and crispy sumac squid come served with ocean views. From family-friendly pub meals to elevated wine tastings, there’s something for everyone.

    5. Clear skies for idyllic views

    The golden hour across the Whitsundays in winter.
    End your day with golden Hamilton Island sunsets over the water. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Never let a cloud rain on the parade of Hamilton Island’s spectacular scenery. Winter brings clearer skies and more stable weather to the Whitsundays, meaning your picture-perfect sunset at One Tree Hill is likely to remain that way. And after putting in the legwork to hike to a scenic lookout, the last thing you want is a vista hidden behind low cloud and haze.

    To learn more about travelling to the Whitsundays in winter, visit hamitlonisland.com.au.