TNQ Writer
Adventure meets comfort at these top Cairns stays.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway, an adventurous escape or a family holiday, Cairns offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every style and budget.
From luxurious resorts and charming boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels, the city is brimming with places to rest your head after a day of exploring the Great Barrier Reef, lush rainforests, and vibrant local culture.
Budget Friendly Stays
Gilligan’s
Centrally located in Cairns, Gilligan’s is the ideal base to stay, play, eat and explore Tropical North Queensland. Popular with backpackers, large groups and budget conscious couples, choose from a variety of mixed and female-only share dorms or upgrade to a hotel room, all with private ensuites.
The atmosphere is all about fun and no two nights are the same. There’s a packed calendar of entertainment on offer to enjoy those balmy tropical nights – from live DJ sets, pool party sessions and themed events.
If relaxation is high on the agenda, cooling off in the resort-style pool is the ultimate way to recharge the batteries and schedule in some ‘me time’. When it’s time to rally your friends for a social gathering, Gilligan’s Kitchen is the go-to for pub style meals and chilled drinks.
YHA Cairns Central
YHA Cairns Central offers comfortable shared and private rooms for freedom-loving travellers who want to chill out and enjoy the simple things after big days of exploring the region.
This resort-style property located right in the heart of town is surrounded by the main shopping hub, cafes and tourist zones.
There’s a range of sleeping options from male-only, female-only and mixed dorms as well as private rooms. In the communal areas, you can mix and mingle with fellow travellers around the swimming pool or BBQ area.
Little Drifter Cairns
Say hello to Cairns’ newest and most stylish hostel tucked right in the heart of the CBD. After a multimillion-dollar design revamp, Little Drifter is redefining hostel living. From sleek private suites to thoughtfully styled shared dorms, it’s the kind of place that might tempt you to ditch the resort and stay somewhere with a bit more character. With pop-up DJ sets, Sunday cook-ups, and a wellness-focused Drifter Leisure Club, there’s no shortage of ways to stay entertained or meet others.
Luxury Stays
Shangri-La The Marina Cairns pool
Shangri-La The Marina Cairns pool
Shangri-La The Marina Cairns room view
Shangri-La The Marina Cairns room view
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Experience the finest of Cairns at the 5-star Shangri-La The Marina where luxury guest rooms, award-winning service and an incredible location meld together to create unforgettable memories.
Sitting between Trinity Inlet, the Coral Sea and Cairns Esplanade with views across the marina and mountains, Shangri-La The Marina is a tropical escape where luxury meets refined coastal hospitality, waterfront dining and access to the wonders of Tropical North Queensland.
All rooms are elegantly styled with subtle nautical touches and the private balconies offer panoramic views of glowing sunrises and yachts moored in the marina.
There are modern touches at every turn from the state-of-the-art health club to the sparkling resort pool to soak in the warm Cairns weather.
For a taste of best local produce from the reef to the rainforest, make your way to The Backyard restaurant where fresh Australian ingredients blend with bold Southeast Asian flavours to create a mouthwatering feast. Indulge in the flavours of grilled king prawns, housemade sambals, locally-caught barramundi and treasure trove of ingredients from pineapple to pandan.
Beyond the hotel, Shangri-La The Marina’s network of partners offer made-to-order memories and bespoke experiences for those seeking to connect with this pristine paradise. Sail the Great Barrier Reef aboard a 47-foot Riviera, explore the coastal roads with a luxury car rental or get a bird’s eye perspective of the glittering reef in a private helicopter tour.
Hilton Cairns
Lay in the lap of luxury at the five-star Hilton Cairns, where prestigious dining, luxurious rooms and friendly hospitality have all the makings for a memorable stay.
With an absolute waterfront location, you’ll be a stone’s throw from the Reef Departure Terminal and a five-minute walk from downtown Cairns for bars, restaurants and shopping.
The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated with prestigious amenities, all with their own private balcony overlooking mountains, rainforests and the Cairns skyline.
Food lovers will rejoice with the ample dining options. Indulge in chef-made omelettes at Café Sunrise or after hours there’s the hotel’s trendy lobby bar Gin Social and high-end Signature restaurant which overlooks the water and offers mouthwatering meat selections and locally caught seafood.
After a day of exploring, the outdoor lagoon-style pool will be calling your name. Take a refreshing dip, recline on your sun lounge and let the team deliver your cocktail and light bites direct to you.
Sustainable Havens
Crystalbrook Riley
Crystalbrook Riley
Crystalbrook Flynn
Crystalbrook Flynn
Crystalbrook Bailey
Crystalbrook Bailey
Crystalbrook – Riley, Bailey and Flynn
In such a pristine part of the world, Crystalbrook offer celebrity-worthy stays paired with environmentally-friendly practices at their three iconic Cairns locations – Riley, Flynn and Bailey.
Each hotel brings its own flair to the Esplanade – Riley is the sophisticated yet playful flagship with a sprawling lagoon-style pool, rooftop bar and spa. Bailey is the arty, creative sibling featuring vibrant interiors, dedicated art spaces and its own rooftop and wine bar and Flynn is the young, fun-loving social butterfly complete with glass pool, sea views and lively restaurants.
Whichever hotel-sibling you choose, your feel-good stay will be as stylish as it is environmentally friendly as Crystalbrook’s commitment to low-waste and climate actions are subtly integrated into their outstanding guest experience.
Thoughtful touches like recycled wood key cards, locally sourced amenities, plastic-free alternatives and a commitment to reducing energy, water and waste as an EarthCheck Certified Partner ensure your stay is as kind for the planet as it is memorable.
At Crystalbrook, you really can have it all – luxury and style, all while treading lightly on the planet.
City Terraces
City Terraces
City Terrace’s self-contained apartments are your next home-away-from-home, with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
The charming Queenslander-style exterior leads to a range of comfortable one and two-bedroom apartments with considerate environmentally-friendly features.
From the refillable consumable products, ‘boomerang’ bags (reusable tote bags) to assist with plastic-free local shopping and free bicycle hire so you can explore the Cairns CBD with the wind in your hair, the hotel’s commitment to protecting the environment is evidenced in all the details.
Whether you’re here for business or leisure, enjoy a relaxing escape with private balconies, fully equipped kitchens, and a serene outdoor pool.
Island Retreats
Fitzroy Island Resort
Fitzroy Island Resort
Fitzroy Island Resort
Fitzroy Island Resort
Fitzroy Island Resort
Set your watch to island time at the stunning Fitzroy Island Resort, a tropical haven nestled within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Located only 29 km off the coast of Cairns, the island is a listed National Park with a 4-star resort offering a relaxed barefoot vibe with top-notch facilities including a beachfront restaurant, marine hub, resort pool and contemporary suites.
Embrace the island’s true natural wonders with a range of activities such as diving, snorkelling, kayaking and glass bottom boat tours, where you can explore the thriving marine life and native wildlife.
The resort’s Zephyr Restaurant delivers a relaxed yet elegant tropical experience of à la carte modern dining and sweeping ocean views over Welcome Bay, while Foxy’s Bar is a 70s-inspired laid-back café on the way to Nudey Beach.
Consider yourself a budding marine conservationist? Dive into the Marine Conservation Program to learn about reef preservation efforts alongside local non-profits, and visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to see rescue and recovery of sick and injured turtles before their return to the wild.
Green Island Resort
Stay and play in paradise at Green Island Resort, a private island located on a coral cay where lush greenery meets crystal-clear waters right on your doorstop.
Located a 45-minute boat ride off the coast of Cairns, Green Island Resort opens a world of experiences from peaceful seclusion, exciting water sports or romantic getaway.
The boutique eco-resort boasts 46 beautifully appointed guest suites nestled among the lush rainforest canopy, where the sounds and sights of nature surround you at every turn and offer an immersive experience in one of the world’s most stunning ecosystems.
To make your stay even more memorable, the resort includes a range of complimentary activities designed to connect you with the local wildlife and marine life.
Dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkelling adventures, explore the underwater world without getting wet on a glass-bottom boat tour, and learn about the fascinating reef inhabitants during engaging fish-feeding presentations.
For those eager to deepen their understanding, marine biologist-guided eco tours provide expert insights into the delicate balance of the Great Barrier Reef.
For a truly memorable meal, let the team at signature restaurant Emeralds prepare an intimate beach dining table or private beach picnic as the sun sets on your private oasis.
Apartment Convenience
Park Regis Piermonde Apartments
Park Regis Piermonde Apartments
Situated in one of Cairns most accessible locations, enjoy premium hospitality, convenient facilities and plenty of space to unwind at the Park Regis Piermonde Apartments.
With sweeping views of the mountains or waterways, these modern apartments blend home comforts with modern essentials and generous balconies to take in the sunset after a day of exploring.
Ideal for groups and large families, you and your travel buddies will be only moments stroll to Cairns’ main attractions including the Esplanade, Night Markets, Marlin Marina and Reef Casino and a selection of restaurants, cafes and bars.
After a day of meandering the sights, pick up some famous local produce to enjoy an alfresco BBQ at the hotel and a dip in the sun-soaked pool overlooking Cairns CBD.
Mercure Cairns
Experience a fresh new take on tropical hospitality at the recently renovated Mercure Cairns.
All guest suites and public spaces elude North Queensland style with warm, welcoming and modern styling and everything you need for an enjoyable stay.
The outdoor pool offers a refreshing escape, surrounded by lush tropical landscaping and perfect for a relaxing dip after a day of exploring the city or reef.
Whether you’re feeling peckish or after an unhurried long lunch, guests and visitors can dine at the newly opened restaurant ‘The Stanley’ where vibrant modern Australian cuisine and cocktails are on the menu.
Mercure Cairns is only a short walking distance to all the primary sights and attractions of Cairns, so you can enjoy the best of Cairns whether you’re staying for business, leisure or both.
Bay Village Tropical Retreat
If you’re after Bali vibes for your Cairns holiday, minus the international travel pain, then the Bay Village Tropical Retreat is where you should roll your luggage to.
Surrounded by lush gardens and featuring Balinese-inspired decor, your apartment is a comfortable base to discover the sites of the Cairns Esplanade and CBD only a stroll away.
The resort features not one, but two, sparkling outdoor pools surrounded by tropical foliage, complemented by sun-drenched sundecks and poolside lounges.
Dining on-site is a delight at the Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant & Bar, where authentic Indonesian flavours are served in a warm, tropical ambience and have earned praise from both guests and locals.
Family Fun
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
At the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, everyone from the youngest guests to the young at heart will be entertained all day long.
Located only a short walk from the Esplanade and Cairns city centre, the hotel is a gateway to all the family fun the region has to offer.
The sparkling lagoon-style pool with sandy white beach, complete with swim-up bar, is the crown jewel of the resort and sets the holiday scene perfectly, as do the bright and airy guest rooms.
The on-site open-air restaurant Moku Bar & Grill is a must with mouth-watering seasonal selection of fresh tropical produce, locally caught seafood and premium meats.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort also stands at the forefront of eco-conscious hospitality having become the first resort in North Queensland to earn Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Certification. From recycling, to composting and energy-efficient technologies, experience the mindful touches throughout your stay.
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut
If you’re after huge fun for little people, then set your GPS for Big4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut.
When it comes to activities there’s something for every kid – water park, tennis court, mini golf, basketball court or adventure playground, you dream it, they’ve got it. Plus, the park is pet friendly if your fur child is also along for the ride!
Surrounded in an oasis of palm trees and gardens, this family-friendly destination has a wide range of accommodation options. Choose the ultimate comfort with a private villas or cabin, or BYO your own camp site set up.
Located only seven minutes’ drive from Cairns town centre, you’ll be in close vicinity to Cairns best attractions.
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
How many lagoon-style pools does one family friendly trip need? At Cairns Colonial Club Resort, the magic number is three!
Set on a sprawling estate of spectacular rainforest gardens, the resort is designed for both comfort and fun.
Choose from a range of accommodation options and then head out and about to take advantage of all the activities on offer – from the mini golf course and pedal karts to the Thirsty Flamingo poolside bar and dining options.
The Cairns Colonial Club offer the ultimate relaxed tropical resort experience coupled with warm, friendly hospitality for your whole tribe.
On the Esplanade
Mantra Trilogy Cairns
The Esplanade is the buzzing heart of Cairns, and Mantra Trilogy Cairns is conveniently located only steps from the Cairns Lagoon, public walking paths and variety of vibrant oceanside cafés and restaurants.
From the hotel rooms to apartments, each suite is fresh and comfortably furnished with spacious balconies and the added convenience of fully equipped kitchens, great for extended stays.
Soak up the sun’s rays and relax on the sun deck by the beautiful lagoon style pool or get active and take advantage of the 25m lap pool. The outdoor barbecue facilities create the perfect place to entertain during your stay.
Oaks Cairns Hotel
A gem on the Esplanade, Oaks Cairns Hotel is a trendy addition to the Cairns waterfront, ideal for both business and holiday travellers.
The hotel offers spacious modern rooms and facilities as well as the Oak & Vine Cairns rooftop restaurant and bar, serving up Peruvian dishes made with Japanese techniques and locally sourced seasonal produce.
Whether you’re exploring the Great Barrier Reef or soaking in the immediate surrounds and buzzing restaurant scenes, Oaks Cairns Hotel connects you to the wonders of the tropics.
