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.
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 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 Night Markets
During your trip to Tropical North Waterfront, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.
Clifton Beach
This quiet beach north of Cairns offers long stretches of white sand and clear water.
Things to do
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Big Cat Green Island - Half-Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Fitzroy Island Day Trip 11am to 5pm Ferry INC Snorkel Equipment
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
Top hotels in Stratford
Hilton Cairns
Room was clean and reasonably up to date. Staff were courteous. 30 dollars per night parking for guests seems unreasonable.
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Had a fabulous view from my balcony; fab housekeeping; breakfast was amazingly, fairly central especially to dive/reef boats. Great stay overall.
Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025
Crystalbrook Riley
Overall, enjoyable, but a bit too expensive. Particularly good breakfast buffet - but rather expensive. The breakfast buffet is quite similar but actually slightly better at Crystalbrook Bailey, where it's also significantly cheaper. Room had an okay view but was only a few floors up, so it was more ...
Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Great as usual
Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Clean rooms staff good
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026
The Benson Hotel
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Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
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 Centenary Lakes 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 Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
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.
