Macalister Range Travel Guide

Cairns

This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia
This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia

Popular places to visit

This is great experience to see a rainforest from the top. Highly recommended and worth the money spend on the ticket.

Cairns Cable Ski

Hit the slopes at Cairns Cable Ski during your trip to Macalister Range. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Cable Ski
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

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
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
Best of Fitzroy Island Day Tour

Best of Fitzroy Island Day Tour

Rp1.673.418
per adult
Best of Fitzroy Island Day Tour
Cairns City Sights & Surrounds Half Day Tour

Cairns City Sights & Surrounds Half Day Tour

Rp1.264.051
per adult
Cairns City Sights & Surrounds Half Day Tour
See all activities in Cairns

Top hotels in Macalister Range

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is Rp2.330.219 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
Rp2.330.219
Rp2.563.241 total
6 Mar - 7 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! (1,008 reviews)
Clean spacious room and bathroom.

Reviewed on 2 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 Rp1.302.241 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
Rp1.302.241
Rp1.432.465 total
9 Feb - 10 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 room , friendly staff, great food, comfy beds.

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is Rp2.167.957 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
Rp2.167.957
Rp2.384.753 total
28 Feb - 1 Mar
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! (1,012 reviews)
Great welcome on arrival. Very personal. Lovely room Very comfortable. Breakfast was fantastic. Recommended

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Hilton Cairns
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD
The price is Rp4.133.591 per night from 5 Feb to 6 Feb
Rp4.133.591
Rp4.546.950 total
5 Feb - 6 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
We were there in off season and not all the restaurants were open. The pool bars closed early too. The room was roomy with a little sitting area. Lots of pools. The cabana was amazing! Buffet breakfast was great!

Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St Cairns QLD
The price is Rp2.167.744 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
Rp2.167.744
Rp2.384.518 total
15 Feb - 16 Feb
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! (864 reviews)
Lovely staff

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
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 Rp1.806.454 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
Rp1.806.454
Rp1.987.099 total
28 Feb - 1 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! (1,002 reviews)
A bit of a must y smell and no ventilation in lifts other then that, staff were lovely and was central

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
See all 1,981 properties in Macalister Range
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 Macalister Range

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
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
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
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
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

Ellis Beach

Ellis Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Wet Tropics of Queensland and Macalister Range National Park.

Ellis Beach
Default Image

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

Macalister Range Travel Guide