Cairns North Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Cairns North
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
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Top hotels in Cairns North
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Great staff. Great restaurant. Ocean views
Reviewed on 12 Mar 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
This is a very nice hotel and we were satisfied with the amenities..what far surpassed expectations was the stafff! Everyone at the front desk was so kind and helpful! They are enough of a reason to come back!! Thank you everyone!!
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Hotel Tropiq
Not really sure it was great
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
Bohemia Resort Cairns
Cheap and awesome
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Cairns Sheridan Hotel
Room is quiet, clean and maintained
Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026
Cairns City Palms
Staff was great. I needed assistance with airport transportation and she helped arrange for me.
Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Cairns North
Manunda
Shopping, gardens and spas are some highlights of Manunda. You might stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Cairns Performing Arts Centre while you're in the area.
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.
Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park.
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.
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.
