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 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 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.
Clifton Beach
This quiet beach north of Cairns offers long stretches of white sand and clear water.
Things to do
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Fitzroy Island Day Trip 11am to 5pm Ferry INC Snorkel Equipment
Top hotels in Stratford
Hilton Cairns
Ritz attended to our concerns promptly. It was wonderful to have a pleasant place to stay. Live music in the Atrium was an enjoyable touch. Thank you again Ritz and team!
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Had a fabulous view from my balcony; fab housekeeping; breakfast was amazingly, fairly central especially to dive/reef boats. Great stay overall.
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025
Crystalbrook Riley
Paper Crane was terrific and well run. CC’s was still outstanding how it is run which is very Professional. A huge appreciation to Francisco as he Welcomed both my wife and myself with Great Professionalism. As soon as the bags were out of the Uber he was wheeling them in and then help check us in. ...
Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Breakfast was amazing staff very helpful cleaner extremely knowledgeable people every one was amazing
Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Clean rooms staff good
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Fantastic seaview and great price
Reviewed on 6 Jan 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 Cairns Botanic Gardens or Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.
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.
