13 hotels and resorts in Cairns you should know about

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

Whether you’re looking for the luxury of a five-star stay along the iconic Cairns Esplanade, a stylish haven in the heart of the city centre or perhaps an award-winning resort in the peaceful community of Palm Cove, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Cairns hotels and resorts.

From beachfront escapes to urban retreats, Cairns in Tropical North Queensland offers something for every kind of traveller.

Check out our list below to discover some of the best hotels and resorts in Cairns and find the perfect place to lay your head in this thriving tropical destination.

1. Crystalbrook Riley

the pool at Crystalbrook Riley, Cairns hotels — The five-star Crystalbrook Riley resort features a spacious lagoon-style pool spanning over 1,000 square metres. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Stylish sustainability

Part of the five-star Crystalbrook Collection portfolio, Crystalbrook Riley is a luxury resort situated on Cairns Esplanade with a huge focus on its environmental responsibility. Inside the beautiful yet sustainably modern rooms, choose between feature views of the Cairns city skyline, the iconic Cairns Lagoon, or spectacular Coral Sea views.

With luxury in mind, bring out the best of yourself at the resort’s Eléme Day Spa ahead of rooftop cocktails and share-style Mediterranean food at Rocco or tastes of Asia with a playful spin at Paper Crane .

Location: 131 – 141 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$$

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2. Crystalbrook Bailey

the bed at Crystalbrook Bailey, Cairns hotels — Bed down at Crystalbrook Bailey. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Appreciation for the arts

The second member in the Crystalbrook trio is the innovative Bailey, known for celebrating individuality and artwork of every description. Its goal is to make art accessible, inclusive and empowering for all, so you’ll find dedicated display areas and exhibitions, as well as paint-and-sip classes, poetry recitals or live graffiti sessions.

When you’re ready for a bite to eat, transport your taste buds to the rugged Australian outback at CC’s Bar and Grill . Pet-friendly rooms are also available.

Location: 163 Abbott Street, Cairns City

Average price: $$$$

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3. Crystalbrook Flynn

The Reef Eye views from Crystalbrook Flynn, Cairns hotels — Crystalbrook Flynn offers incredible views of the esplanade. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Fun and flair

Last but not least of the Crystalbrook trio is the life of the party, Crystalbrook Flynn. From glass swimming pools and DJ sessions to direct access to the esplanade, this social butterfly wants to put on a show, so be prepared to be entertained.

Feast on pub classics alongside live music at Boardwalk Social , enjoy a sophisticated Italian spread at Flynn’s Italian , or treat yourself to some of the best whiskey and wine in Cairns at Whiskey & Wine . When you’ve had enough of the limelight, retreat to your deluxe city views room.

Location: 85 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$$

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4. Hilton Cairns

Best for: Business trips

With first-class business facilities, an executive lounge, a mix of rooms and suites to choose from and a fitness centre, a stay at Hilton Cairns is perfect for those dropping into Cairns for work.

Peckish? Grab a delicious continental or buffet breakfast at its onsite Cafe Sunrise, taste the tropical flavours and freshness of the region at Signature Restaurant, or sip your way through the extensive collection of gins and craft beers at Gin Social.

Location: 34 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$$

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5. Oaks Cairns Hotel

the rooftop Oak & Vine restaurant at Oaks Cairns Hotel — Enjoy rooftop drinks at Oak & Vine restaurant. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Simple luxury with rooftop drinks

For a sprinkle of luxury on the simpler side, consider staying at Oaks Cairns Hotel. While you won’t find a pool or balcony here, the rooms are modern and comfortable and are priced at an affordable rate on Cairns Esplanade.

The hotel’s main attraction is the rooftop Oak & Vine restaurant, serving up breakfast and share plates daily, showcasing modern Australian cuisine As the sun sets over the Coral Sea, the terrace transforms into a lively cocktail bar where you can take your pick of signature cocktails, fine wines, craft beers and botanical gins with spicy tonics.

Location: 59 – 63 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$

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6. Mantra Trilogy Cairns

a balcony with sea view at Mantra Trilogy Cairns — Stay in a spacious room with ocean views. (Image: Mantra Trilogy Cairns)

Best for: Large groups and families

Looking for a hotel the whole family can enjoy? Mantra Trilogy offers spacious, open-plan rooms — some with fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities. Kids will love the lagoon-style swimming pool (with ocean views!) and children’s wading area, and there’s a 25-metre lap pool and onsite gym for the adults to enjoy too.

When you’re ready for lunch, hit the outdoor BBQ facilities before wandering to the nearby attractions along the esplanade.

Location: 101/105 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$

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7. Pacific Hotel Cairns

Best for: Accessible rooms

Enjoy a stay in one of the accessible rooms at Pacific Hotel Cairns, which carry a tropical paradise theme. Fitted with features that cater to every guest, there’s a wider doorway, lower benches, a walk-in shower, handrails, a specialised toilet, and elbow-operated taps.

For dinner, head downstairs to Bushfire Flame Grill , an award-winning Brazilian-inspired restaurant serving a unique Australian BBQ-style experience where the theatre of the kitchen is brought to your table.

Location: 43 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$

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8. Pullman Cairns International

a couple walking inside Pullman Cairns International — Pullman Cairns International mirrors the architectural style and grandeur of the city’s past. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Spoiling yourself

Pullman Cairns International offers the ideal fusion of convenience and comfort in the city. Its rooms are the largest in Cairns at over 40 square metres and mirror the architectural style and grandeur of the city centre’s illustrious past. The Deluxe Room Harbour View, which has plenty of natural light and stunning views of the harbour, is our top pick. From here, you can watch the boats return from a day of exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

For an extra treat, stop in for a massage at Vie Spa before indulging in a delicious high tea experience .

Location: 17 Abbott St, Cairns City

Average price: $$$$

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9. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

a woman relaxing by the pool at Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns — Relax by the pool with a fresh mojito. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Exceptional service and seascape views

Receiving worldwide recognition for its legendary hospitality, the five-star Shangri-La Hotel is known for its warm welcome (there’s a complimentary shoeshine service for one) and luxury accommodation.

Each room features a private balcony overlooking either Trinity Bay, Marlin Marina or a tropical garden. Relax by the swimming pool with a fresh mojito or sample the flavours of Tropical North Queensland in their waterside restaurant, The Backyard , serving modern Australian cuisine.

Location: Pier Point Rd, Cairns City

Average price: $$$$

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10. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

a couple inside their room at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort — Each guest room is spacious with its own private balcony. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Cairns’ only swim-up pool bar

Treat yourself to five-star resort-style accommodation in the heart of Cairns at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. There’s a range of bright guest rooms to choose from — each with its own private balcony or terrace with views overlooking either the lagoon pool, the hotel’s tropical gardens or Cairns city. With its sandy lagoon-style pool with a fun swim-up bar, guests can relax by the pool with a drink in hand.

For sustenance, head to Moku Bar & Grill for drinks and daily specials, including 1kg of Buffalo wings for $23.

Location: 122 Lake Street, Cairns City

Average price: $$$

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11. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

a couple relaxing in the pool at Cairns Harbourside Hotel — Laze by the outdoor pool with spa at Cairns Harbourside Hotel. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Kids stay and eat free

Located on Cairns Esplanade, check in to paradise at the family-friendly Cairns Harbourside Hotel for relaxed holiday vibes all year round. Unwind with cocktails on tap by the outdoor pool with spa, enjoy a moment of serenity in the lush secret garden, taste the local produce at the on-site Harbourside Bar & Kitchen and take advantage of the free shuttle bus to the Central Business District and night market.

Location: 209-217 Esplanade, Cairns City
Average price: $$$

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12. Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

a woman relaxing at the infinity pool with a backdrop of palm trees at Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore — Soak up the picturesque Coral Sea from one of the pools. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Direct beach access

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore is the only resort in Tropical North Queensland with direct beach access, making it easier than ever to unwind.

If you’re looking to drop and flop, join a beach yoga class or relax by one of the three pools (choose between family-friendly and adults-only options), indulge in a treatment at the hotel’s famed L. M. Spa, or dine at the fabulous Nu Nu beachside restaurant nearby.

Location: 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove

Average price: $$$$$

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13. The Reef House Adults Retreat

a Japanese-style pool at The Reef House Adults Retreat — Take a relaxing dip in the Japanese-style pool. (Image: The Reef House Adults Retreat)

Best for: A couple’s retreat

Another Palm Cove favourite is The Reef House, the perfect adults-only getaway for a peaceful stay in Cairns. On arrival, you’ll be greeted with a gin-infused drink, and that’s just the start.

Enjoy award-winning dining on the deck overlooking the beach at Reef House Restaurant , rejuvenate in the tranquillity and heated mineral pools, join in on the daily wellness and interactive classes (including cocktail mixing and wine tasting) or relax with cruiser bikes, chess sets, the guest library, or complimentary sketch pads.

Location: 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

Average price: $$$$$

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If spacious houses and apartments are more your style, here are some of the dreamiest Airbnbs in Cairns to call home.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

13 hotels and resorts in Cairns you should know about

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

1. Crystalbrook Riley

2. Crystalbrook Bailey

3. Crystalbrook Flynn

4. Hilton Cairns

5. Oaks Cairns Hotel

6. Mantra Trilogy Cairns

7. Pacific Hotel Cairns

8. Pullman Cairns International

9. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

10. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

11. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

12. Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

13. The Reef House Adults Retreat

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8 experiences that make Moreton Bay the best getaway

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

4. D’Aguilar National Park

5. Arcade Wine Bar

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

7. Farm Visits

8. Miss Sprinkles