Cairns Central Business District Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Cairns Central Business District
Popular places to visit
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.
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 Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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.
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.
Cairns Museum
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Cairns Museum during your trip to Tropical North Waterfront. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
Things to do
Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour
Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef
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
Top hotels in Cairns Central Business District
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Lovely hotel. Super friendly and helpful staff. Great, peaceful location. Good restaurants nearby."
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
"The hotel is centrally located to the esplanade, marina, town. Several good restaurants nearby. The staff was pleasant and attentive. The room was good size but the finishes are dated and finishes needs updating particularly the bathroom which was very small. There was a musty smell in the room which ..."
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Hilton Cairns
"The room was clean and the check-in in and out process easy"
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Crystalbrook Flynn
"Perfect no issues"
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
"Budget friendly hotel, requires some serious maintenance, shower leaks badly. Other than that not a bad stay."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Crystalbrook Riley
"Did not use"
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Check Cairns Central Business District hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Cairns Central Business District
Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park.
Cairns North
Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.
Manunda
Shopping, gardens and spas are some highlights of Manunda. You might stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Tanks Arts Centre while you're in the area.
Bungalow
The beaches and shopping are a few reasons travellers visit Bungalow. Want to see more of the surrounding area? DFO Cairns and Cazalys Cairns are a few top sights nearby.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Tanks Arts Centre or Cairns 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.
