Barron Gorge Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Barron Gorge
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Top hotels in Barron Gorge
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Great location and view if marina facing . Spacious rooms .Good breakfast and club lounge ( great service from Vivian ) Also room service Daisy and Winnie. Certain parts of this resort like facility look a bit dated but most other 5 star hotels in Cairns I noted had similar look . Overall good value ...
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Neerds upgrading
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cockroach in room
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Hilton Cairns
Stayed here 15 years ago and not much changed. Bed was uncomfortable and pillows flat. Buffet was really great However, was disappointed with the overall quality of this hotel, didn’t seem to meet up to a Hilton standard we find in other places around the world.
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Great place friendly staff!
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
The pool area is great. Did not find it very clean. Front desk staff were super kind and helpful. Comfortable beds. Shutters don’t 100 percent close so kinda bright.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Barron Gorge
Smithfield
You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Smithfield. You might want to make time for a stop at Smithfield Shopping Centre or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station.
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.
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.
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 Tanks Arts Centre.
