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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!)
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.