14 July 2025
11 mins Read
Ready to plan your next getaway? The laid-back city of Cairns is a fantastic landing pad to leisurely explore the rest of Tropical North Queensland.
If you’d rather be in the heart of the action than tucked away in the coastal suburbs, some of the best accommodation in Cairns can be found right in the city centre, combining comfort with unbeatable access to the region’s top attractions.
Whether you’re looking to bunker down in a luxury, full-service resort where you can lounge around all day in the sunshine or you prefer a simple yet stylish budget-friendly address that’s just a place to lay your head, here are the finest accommodation options in and around Cairns.
There are plenty of hotels and resorts in Cairns to base your adventure from, so you’re truly spoilt for choice, but Cairns Esplanade and its surroundings is an especially popular spot as it’s brimming with world-class dining options and gorgeous harbour views.
Relax poolside at Crystalbrook Flynn.
Best for: Fun and flair
Just one of the three Crystalbrook Collection properties, Flynn is a five-star boutique bolthole that continues to raise the bar on the Cairns accommodation scene.
Here you can relax poolside in one of the cabanas, dine on elevated classics at gastropub Boardwalk Social, enjoy a sundowner with friends at the super suave Whiskey and Wine bar, or kick back and relax after a day spent exploring the region and gorge on your room’s harbour, ocean or city views.
Location: 85 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
Sink into your suite’s bathtub at Crystalbrook Riley.
Best for: Stylish sustainability
Another member of the Crystalbrook Collection is Riley, where understated luxury is the name of the game here in its spacious, elegantly appointed rooms — most of which have balconies.
When it comes to food and drink, there are three options: a rooftop bar serving Moroccan-inspired treats and panoramic views (Rocco), a modern Southeast Asian fusion experience (Paper Crane), and a delightful tropical rum bar and seafood kitchen (Calypso Club).
Guests can bliss out at the onsite day spa, swim in the huge lagoon-style pool or man-made beach or hire an eco bike to explore the city.
Location: 131 – 141 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$$
This stylish stay is a great base near Cairns Esplanade.
Best for: Your choice of hotel room or an apartment
Located near the yacht harbour and offering plenty of onsite facilities including a lagoon-style pool, fully equipped gym, whirlpool spa and restaurant, Mantra Esplanade Cairns is the perfect base for those tropical north day trips.
Location: 101 – 105 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
Take in the beauty of the Coral Sea at the rooftop Oak & Vine restaurant. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Simple luxury with rooftop drinks
If you don’t care for extra trimmings, such as a pool or on-site parking, yet don’t want to sacrifice style when it comes to room design, Oaks Cairns Hotel is the solution. And if you don’t have the budget (or inclination) to stretch to a spacious suite or views, then you can opt for the internal hotel rooms. While they may be smaller than your average, the streamlined design and amenities on offer are just the same as the property’s deluxe options.
The rooftop bar and restaurant — Oak & Vine Cairns — has fast become a local hangout thanks to its stellar panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, taking in the Coral Sea and the neighbouring hills draped in greenery.
Location: 59 – 63 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
Best for: Modern facilities
With three resort swimming pools, two tennis courts, tropical surroundings and a guaranteed private balcony to enjoy at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns, it’s easy to spend your days relaxing here. Make sure to grab a cocktail or two at the resort bar.
Location: 209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
Settle into the stylish rooms at Pullman Cairns International. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Large rooms
Offering the perfect combination of comfort and convenience in the city, Pullman Cairns International reflects the architectural style and grandeur of the city centre’s rich past and has the largest hotel rooms in Cairns at over 40 square metres.
Our pick is the light-filled Deluxe Harbour View King room with a soothing neutral palette and stunning views over Cairns harbour, where you can watch the boats return from a day of adventuring on the Great Barrier Reef. Take some time to enjoy a relaxing treatment at Vie Spa and dine on the best local seafood at Coco’s Kitchen + Bar.
Location: 17 Abbott St, Cairns City
Average price: $$$$
Sip cocktails while enjoying live music at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino.
Best for: Exciting entertainment
Another Pullman sibling in Cairns is the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, boasting thrilling entertainment. With four restaurants on site (including the award-winning Tamarind restaurant), as well as gaming action, live music, sports viewing, events and more, this hotel provides the ultimate night out with friends.
Location: 35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns City
Average price: $$$$
Soak up waterfront views with a drink in hand. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Exceptional service and seascape view
The grand old dame of Cairns, the Shangri-La, has been part of the local cityscape for the last two decades, but following a total revamp, the look and feel of the rooms are now uber-contemporary and fresh in design.
With views of Trinity Bay, modern furnishings and lashings of natural light, the Deluxe Sea View Room is our pick of the guestrooms. But each one boasts a balcony, some with views of the city, some with views of the hotel’s tropical gardens, and others with views of the marina or Coral Sea.
Shangri-La The Marina has all the trappings you might come to expect from this high-end hotel brand (think pillow menus, white Egyptian cotton linens, a business centre, a gym, a pool and poolside bar and a casual dining restaurant) and it occupies some prime real estate on the Cairns marina too.
Location: Pier Point Rd, Cairns City
Average price: $$$$
The family-friendly Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort comes with a balcony. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
Best for: Cairns’ only swim-up pool bar
Within easy reach of the esplanade, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is especially popular with families due to its lagoon-style pool and sandy beach, large suites and kids’ activity program. Older guests will love the swim-up bar at MOKU Beach Club surrounded by swaying palms.
Location: 122 Lake Street, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
For those searching for affordable accommodation in Cairns alongside a wide range of on-site activities, caravans and campsites are an excellent solution, especially for families.
The caravan park is set among swaying palm trees and tropical gardens. (Image: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort)
Best for: Family accommodation
Only a short 7-minute drive from Cairns town centre, the multi-award-winning caravan park BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort is a peaceful oasis set among beautifully landscaped grounds.
The park offers a wide variety of accommodation options, including spacious condos and villas, cabins, ensuite sites, and powered and unpowered sites. Enjoy a range of facilities on-site, such as its mini water park, tennis court, mini golf, basketball court, adventure playground, restaurant and plenty of other fun-filled activities for the whole family.
Location: 23/51 Anderson Rd, Cairns
Average price: $$
The mountainside retreat is a peaceful oasis for families. (Image: Tasman Holiday Parks)
Best for: Pet-friendly accommodation
Cool Waters Holiday Park is a welcome retreat from the city bustle. From open-plan cabins and picturesque caravan and camping sites with a backdrop of mountains and rainforest trees bordering the creek, it’s a lovely little spot in a natural setting for all ages — and your furry friends too.
In particular, the Daintree Cabin is situated next to the swimming pool for easy access. When you’re not taking a dip or bathing in the adjoining spa, look out for turtles and platypus in the sparkling freshwater creek.
Location: 2/14 Shale St, Brinsmead
Average price: $$$
Cairns Sunland Leisure Park offers budget-friendly cabins.
Best for: Close to the city centre
Another wonderful option close to the city centre is Cairns Sunland Leisure Park, offering various types of budget-priced self-catered villas and cabin accommodations. You’ll find a large resort-style swimming pool, a fully equipped camp kitchen, and free barbeques for the guests to use. You can even hop on the local bus directly outside, taking you to Cairns Esplanade.
Location: 49-61 Little Pease St, Manoora
Average price: $
Best for: A variety of accommodation options
Just a five-minute drive from Cairns City is NRMA Cairns Holiday Park, perfect for families looking for affordable facilities or caravan owners searching for the ideal site. Choose from an ensuite studio, cabin or powered/unpowered site to start your adventure.
Location: 12-30 Little St, Manunda
Average price: $
For more spacious accommodation options that offer far more flexibility with cooking and sleeping arrangements, or if you’re planning on staying for a while, get to know some of the dreamiest self-contained apartments and Airbnb’s in Cairns to call home.
Find a swim-out deck with direct pool access. (Image: Waters Edge Cairns Luxury Apartments)
Best for: 5-star self-contained apartments
A stay at Waters Edge Luxury Cairns Apartments is a luxury lifestyle experience. Each apartment has its own unique and distinctive style, with a gourmet kitchen, a large living-dining area, and spacious bedrooms. Want a private dip? Choose the Waters Edge – Swim Out Apartment or for a large balcony facing the esplanade, go for the Waters Edge – 2 Bedroom Oceanfront Apartment.
Location: 155 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$$
Best for: Large groups and families
Take your pick of one, two and three-bedroom apartments at Mantra Trilogy and take advantage of the beautiful resort pool on site, as well as a fully equipped gym, BBQ facilities and an on-site supermarket.
Location: 101/105 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
This boutique-style resort features modern and spacious apartments.
Best for: A touch of Bali
Looking for a touch of Bali in Cairns? Located just a short stroll from the esplanade, Bay Village Tropical Retreat is a Balinese boutique-style resort with one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. As well as two pools in the complex, you’ll also find the award-winning in-house Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant serving authentic Balinese cuisine.
Location: Corner Lake & Gatton Streets, Cairns
Average price: $$
Best for: Attentive and friendly service
A 20-minute walk from the city centre, Cairns City Palms offers family-run self-contained apartments. With one or two-bedroom options to choose from, a fully-equipped kitchen, and all the small comforts you need, you’ll feel right at home. Best of all, freshly made scones with jam and whipped cream are served daily in the communal lounge for in-house guests to enjoy with their preferred morning beverage.
Location: 199-205 Sheridan St, Cairns North
Average price: $$
Stay in style and enjoy modern comforts at Cairns Beach Resort.
Best for: Closest beachfront accommodation to the city
Set next to the sand and sea of Holloways Beach, Cairns Beach Resort provides a quiet and relaxed stay and is the closest beachfront accommodation to the city. With either sea view or garden views, the apartments are spacious and have a separate living/dining area, as well as a kitchen, laundry, and bathroom.
Location: 129-135 Oleander St, Holloways Beach
Average price: $$$
Best for: Locally produced products
If an eco-certified apartment in the heart of the city is your criteria, look no further than City Terraces. With a variety of one and two-bedroom units to choose from, all guests are welcome to use the large swimming pool, gardens and communal BBQ area.
Location: 63-65 McLeod Street, Cairns City
Average price: $$$
Wake up to uninterrupted views of the city skyline. (Image: Sky High)
Best for: City skyline view and private hot tub
You never know what you’ll discover in an Airbnb property, but Cairns has plenty. One of our favourites is Sky High, where you’ll be greeted by views of Cairns City the moment you walk through the door. Equipped with a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and two bedrooms, the main attraction is your very own hot tub on your private balcony.
Location: Bayview Heights
Average price: $$$
All that lounging around got you peckish? Check out the best restaurants in Cairns to dine at right now.
Looking for a bite to eat? From cheap eats to fine dining, make a booking at one of these top Cairns restaurants. Whether it's waterfront dining serv...
Get to know one of Queensland’s most adventurous cities. A place of natural beauty, Tropical North Queensland has plenty of places to explore righ...
Wondering how to fill your time in Cairns? Tick off these must-do experiences. As the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north, Cairns is home to th...
Get the latest travel news, insider tips, offers and more, direct to your inbox.
No thanks, I like to travel solo
LEAVE YOUR COMMENT