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.
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.
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can do some window-shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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 Convention Centre
Learn about the events happening in Cairns Convention Centre during your trip to Tropical North Waterfront. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
Things to do
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Top hotels in Freshwater
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Great location!!
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
Hilton Cairns
The room was lovely with a little view of the ocean, however they must have had new staff and we had an issue with wifi and the app required for the garage. She took ages and finally another staff helped her and said we could as we had an appointment to attend.
Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Good clean and
Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Room very small, hotel very busy, there was no where to sit out and have a glass of wine, poolside cafe only. Our room was very small and sheets stained badly. Would have been ok for one night but I was sad I had to spend 3 days there. Travelling so seeing many hotels
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Great staff, location, food. Expedia has this classified as a three star hitel; WAY BETTER!!! We are staying in three star hotels throughout Australia and this one puts them all to shame. Way to go Novotel Cairns!!!!
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Ocean view was spectacular room 721 was magnificent We had 2 balconies with great ocean view . Comfortable bed ...nice mini kitchenette. The only negative thing was the dated cupboards but roomy and functional Staff friendly and helpful. Would recommend this hotel .
Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026
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 Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
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 Crystal Cascades & Lake Morris and Yorkeys Knob Beach.
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.
