Cairns is a green city in northern Queensland, Australia, and its tourist appeal derives from the city's diverse variety of attractions and surroundings.
The accommodation in Cairns is some of the best the country has to offer and there are some great hotel deals to be had. The CBD is home to Cairns Central Shopping Centre, which is full of high street stores and a handful of boutique shops. Earlville also has a popular shopping mall, Stockland Cairns, and the suburb of Smithfield has Smithfield Shopping Centre complete with an arcade area for kids.
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is only an hour from Cairns and is a natural wonder that draws tourist year in, year out. Rainforestation Nature Park and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park are two of the theme parks found on the edges of Cairns and provide endless fun for all ages.
The city has an abundance of top quality hotels and some boast impressive sea views while others are ideally situated in the heart of the city. Trinity Bay is in the north of the city and it has great beaches to explore and keen hikers may be interested in checking out the mountainous regions.
There are also a few hotels that provide a good base for keen walkers. Tropical rainforest surrounds the city and the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway allows visitors to cable ride on zip lines above nearly five miles of World Heritage rainforest.
The driest periods are from May to November and with the sun come tourists, so be prepared to book your Cairns hotel in advance. You are more likely to secure a good deal if you book prior to your arrival for a stay during the quieter periods.
Our recommendations in Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Located in Cairns's Cairns Central Business District neighborhood, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina is in the city center and on the waterfront. Cairns Marlin Marina and Reef Fleet Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns Night Markets. Traveling with kids? Consider Esplanade Lagoon, or check out an event or a game at Barlow Park.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Located in Cairns's Cairns Central Business District neighborhood, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is in the city center and near the beach. Cairns Marlin Marina and Reef Fleet Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns Night Markets. Traveling with kids? Consider Esplanade Lagoon, or check out an event or a game at Cazaly's Stadium. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
Located in Cairns's Cairns Central Business District neighborhood, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino is in the city center and on the waterfront. Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Marlin Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns Night Markets. Traveling with kids? Consider Esplanade Lagoon, or check out an event or a game at Barlow Park.
Hilton Cairns
Located on the waterfront, Hilton Cairns is in Cairns's Cairns Central Business District neighborhood, a walkable area with great shopping. Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Marlin Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns Night Markets. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Barlow Park or Cazaly's Stadium.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Located on the waterfront, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns is in Cairns's Cairns Central Business District neighborhood, an area with good shopping. Cairns Marlin Marina and Reef Fleet Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns Night Markets. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Cazaly's Stadium or Barlow Park.
Pullman Cairns International
Located near the beach, Pullman Cairns International is in Cairns's Cairns Central Business District neighborhood, an area with good shopping. Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Marlin Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns Night Markets. Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome are also worth visiting.
Mantra Esplanade
Located near the beach, Mantra Esplanade is in Cairns's Cairns Central Business District neighborhood, a walkable area with good shopping. Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Marlin Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Cairns Night Markets and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Barlow Park or Cazaly's Stadium.
Mantra Trilogy
Located by the ocean, Mantra Trilogy is in Cairns's Cairns Central Business District neighborhood, a walkable area with great shopping. Cairns Marlin Marina and Reef Fleet Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Cairns Night Markets and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Aquarium are also worth visiting.