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

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 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

Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets

Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour

Fitzroy Island Day Trip 11am to 5pm Ferry INC Snorkel Equipment
Top hotels in Stratford

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Property Is very dated and dirty
Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026

Hilton Cairns
Mountain view was impressive we were fortune to watch a cruise ship dock a few meters from our hotel
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Staff made beautiful corners on the toilet paper but forgot to make the bed
Reviewed on 5 Apr 2026

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Good property near to everything
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Great
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
I LOVED this hotel. Such a fun vibe. Staff were polite, it was family friendly (even tho I was travelling as a couple), they had pool that were well lit and everyone was enjoying into the evening, heaps of places to relax on the property, activities, they even had baskets of Easter eggs for Easter ...
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Stratford

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 Cairns Botanic Gardens.

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.

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.

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.

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.
