Ellis Beach Travel Guide

Cairns

With a balcony boasting 180 degree views up and down the coastline Santai really is a special place to stay. plus - no kids allowed in the complex! So you can sip your poolside cocktails safe in the knowledge that no one is about to jump in and splash you...probably! www.cairnsluxuryapartments.com.au
With a balcony boasting 180 degree views up and down the coastline Santai really is a special place to stay. plus - no kids allowed in the complex! So you can sip your poolside cocktails safe in the knowledge that no one is about to jump in and splash you...probably! www.cairnsluxuryapartments.com.au

Popular places to visit

Cairns Esplanade showing a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming

Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(57 reviews)

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Esplanade
One of best things to do in Cairns is ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It's a 90 minute journey that takes you down the mountain to Cairns passing waterfalls, scenic lookouts and over old bridges. Catch the Skyrail up the mountain from Cairns and then catch the train back down. Or, vice versa.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

4/5(37 reviews)

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 Central Shopping Centre
Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a marina

Cairns Marlin Marina

4.5/5(25 reviews)

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Cairns Marlin Marina
Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

Palm Cove Beach

4.5/5(39 reviews)

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.

Palm Cove Beach
Esplanade Lagoon which includes a hotel and a coastal town

Esplanade Lagoon

4.5/5(30 reviews)

Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.

Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Convention Centre, Queensland: Aerial Photo of Iconic Architecture, Urban Landscape, Waterfront, and City Infrastructure in Tropical North Queensland, Australia

Cairns Convention Centre

3/5(1 review)

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.

Cairns Convention Centre

Things to do

Couple snorkeling among abundant coral reefs and marine species at the Green Island Reef in Cairns

Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Rp1.137.646
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class

Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets

Rp3.200.717
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Half-Day Green Island, Great Barrier Reef Cruise

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

Rp1.391.616
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns

Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns

Rp1.217.664
per adult
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
Fitzroy Island Day Trip 11am to 5pm Ferry INC Snorkel Equipment

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

Rp1.495.987
per adult
Fitzroy Island Day Trip 11am to 5pm Ferry INC Snorkel Equipment
relaxing at the deck of a ship in Australia

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour

Rp3.073.152
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
See all activities in Cairns

Top hotels in Ellis Beach

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St Cairns QLD
The price is Rp1.840.379 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
Rp1.840.379
Rp2.024.417 total
18 Mar - 19 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
The room was extremely clean and fresh. The staff were exceptionally helpful and pleasant. The buffet breakfast offered me what I needed with vegan, gluten-free options and the food was thoroughly delightful. I highly recommend this hotel for your Cairns stays.

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is Rp2.330.461 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
Rp2.330.461
Rp2.563.507 total
18 Mar - 19 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Everything is great!

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
The price is Rp1.326.697 per night from 19 Feb to 20 Feb
Rp1.326.697
Rp1.459.367 total
19 Feb - 20 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
Clean and spacious

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is Rp2.116.435 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
Rp2.116.435
Rp2.328.079 total
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Clean room, helpful staff

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

Hilton Cairns
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St Cairns QLD
The price is Rp2.046.068 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
Rp2.046.068
Rp2.250.675 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (876 reviews)
Very nicely run

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley

5 out of 5
131-141 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is Rp2.658.709 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
Rp2.658.709
Rp2.924.580 total
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
Beautiful hotel. Very clean, nice rooms and furnishings. Staff relocated us to an upgraded room when we had trouble with our A/C.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Crystalbrook Riley
See all 1,559 properties in Ellis Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Ellis Beach

Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Clifton Beach which includes mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Village Shopping Centre and Clifton Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
Kewarra Beach. The best of Cairns' northern beaches. Stunning.

Kewarra Beach

Unique features of Kewarra Beach include the beaches and golf courses. Make a stop by Kewarra Beach or Kuranda National Park while you're exploring the area.

Kewarra Beach
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Trinity Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Trinity Park and surrounding area, you can visit Half Moon Bay Golf Course and Moon River Beach.

Trinity Park
Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains

Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

Yorkeys Knob

Ellis Beach Travel Guide