Stratford Travel Guide
Cairns
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
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Top hotels in Stratford
Hilton Cairns
The best breakfast ever
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Clean hotel, great free breakfast and beautiful atrium
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
The staff were exceptional and the hotel was clean with lots of facilities. However the rooms are jaded versus other 5 star hotels, hence the 4 rating.
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
My partner and I experinced another wonderful time at the Cairns Colonial Club Resort.Lovely meals, Beautiful clean rooms, the staff were very helpful. Thank you
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Everything was perfect! Had such a great weekend. Totally recommended
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Hotel looks a bit tired and worn-out but rooms were clean. Staff friendly but inconsistent with information.
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Stratford
Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
