Machans Beach Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Machans Beach
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.
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 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
Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Top hotels in Machans Beach
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Location was the best thing"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"Nice place but not a lot on offer It’s in North Cairns so about $20 each way in a taxi to cairns central Good pools and grounds and may stay again"
Reviewed on 28 May 2026
Hilton Cairns
"A great place to stay - awesome breakfasts. Walking distance to many places. We had minimal issues (eg: the TV was playing up) but the staff were eager to help out."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
"The only concern I have is the shower head would not stay in the shower. The room was clean and tidy. Check in was smooth. The food was beautiful at the Vine Restuarant"
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
"Everything is good about the hotel but the location is not very convenient. It takes about 30 minutes walk to the reef boat ports and 20 minutes to the downtown."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
"mould and rotten timber in bathroom all else good"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Machans Beach
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.
Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.
Barron
Barron might not have many top sights, but Australian Armour and Artillery Museum and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
Cairns North
Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.
