Freshwater Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Freshwater
Popular places to visit
Cairns Esplanade
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
Palm Cove Beach
Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.
Esplanade Lagoon
Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.
Cairns Night Markets
During your trip to Tropical North Waterfront, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.
Things to do
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Fitzroy Island Day Trip 11am to 5pm Ferry INC Snorkel Equipment
Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park: ,Culture & Wildlife Tour (R1)
Top hotels in Freshwater
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Nice large room. Warm and welcoming staff. Excellent place to stay gor families. 45 minute walk into city centre
Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Great location. Clean
Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Everything was great - thanks!
Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025
Hilton Cairns
The room was clean, the bed was very comfortable, and the towels were soft and fluffy. I appreciated receiving a text message asking if I needed anything during my stay, it was convenient to be able to communicate that way. Both the front desk staff and the breakfast staff were friendly, and it made ...
Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025
Crystalbrook Riley
Everything was subperb
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
Crystalbrook Bailey
Great location, wonderful and accommodating staff
Reviewed on 13 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Freshwater
Barron
Barron might not have many top sights, but Australian Armour and Artillery Museum and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Whitfield
While there might not be top attractions in Whitfield, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Cairns Botanic Gardens or Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.
Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.
Machans Beach
Though Machans Beach may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.
Holloways Beach
Beaches, restaurants and gardens are just a few things travellers enjoy about Holloways Beach. Check out Yorkeys Knob Beach or Holloways Beach while you're exploring the area.
