Barron 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.

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.

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 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

Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Fitzroy Island Day Trip 11am to 5pm Ferry INC Snorkel Equipment

Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
Top hotels in Barron

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Staff was lovely and courteous and the restaurants and in room dining delicious. Price a little steep and the facilities need a bit of an upgrade to match the five star pricing and pretence.
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Check in was very friendly and helpful, which as it was late and I was tired was important
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Hilton Cairns
Excellent
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
yes
Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Amazing air con! So needed this every day. Bliss! Clean room, great size and fab view. Good breakfast. Great staff.
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
I like the toilet and the bed.Spotless clean.
Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Barron

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 Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.

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 Cairns Botanic Gardens.

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.

Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.

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.

