Macalister Range Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Macalister Range
Popular places to visit
Cairns Cable Ski
Hit the slopes at Cairns Cable Ski during your trip to Macalister Range. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
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.
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 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.
Things to do
Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Tour
Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Top hotels in Macalister Range
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Good location and spacious executive rooms with lounge access which is very good. Breakfast and lounge food were good. However hotel and furnishings were quite dated and no longer provide the luxury feel of shangrila. Time for a revamp..."
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
"Our room didn’t get made up, so had to use a wet towel the next day"
Reviewed on 17 Jun 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
"checked out because it was so dirty and smelled bad."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"Microwa"
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Pacific Hotel Cairns
"A great sport with a great location"
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Crystalbrook Flynn
"Good Clean Property"
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Check Macalister Range hotel availability
Where to stay in Macalister Range
Palm Cove
Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.
Cairns Central Business District
Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.
Trinity Beach
Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.
Cairns North
The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Cairns North Beach might round out your trip.
Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.
