TNQ Writer
Choosing to visit Tropical North Queensland is easy. Choosing where to stay, that’s a lot harder.
If you’ve got CNS printed on your boarding pass, you have the superb Cairns, Palm Cove or Port Douglas all within 60 kilometres of each other.
From premium high rises to smaller boutique accommodation, find out where to check in during your next Tropical North Queensland adventure with this guide.
The Sebel Cairns Harbour Lights
For the shortest distance between your overnight stay and Cairns Harbour, book The Sebel Cairns Harbour Lights. Make the most of marina, city or parkland views from the balconies of the one, two, or three-bedroom self-contained units, or book a hotel studio if you’re happy to forgo the additional space. Soak up the warm weather from the rooftop pool or if you can drag yourself away from the comfort of the hotel, the city centre and shopping precinct is only a short walk away.
Perfect for: friends, families, conferences
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Looking for a North Queensland resort property with the convenience of being only 200 meters from the city and esplanade? Book Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort. A multi-million dollar design transformation in 2019 sets the scene for a tropical sanctuary where the good vibes begin and summer never ends. With Cairns’ only swim up pool bar, get on island time with a meal or mojito at Moku Bar and Grill or Beach Club.
Perfect for: families, friends, business
Pullman Cairns International Hotel
Looking for a property 400 metres walk from the departure point to the Great Barrier Reef? Think Pullman Cairns International Hotel. This property in the heart of Cairns CBD not only impresses guests with its impressive colonial style lobby but with its 16 floors of tropical inspired rooms. Treat yourself to a massage, facial or beauty treatment at the award-winning Vie Spa or relax under the swaying palm trees poolside from its elevated rooftop position.
Don’t think this hotel is just for the holiday makers, either. With 2,700 square meters of conferencing and events space, you’ll want to start dropping hints to your boss next time you need to plan a work event.
Perfect for: families, couples, conferences
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Live by the hashtag #ResortLife and book Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa. Positioned a few minutes’ walk away from the main esplanade along the southern end of the beach at Palm Cove, this resort provides privacy, seclusion and luxury bundled together. This five-star, boutique resort also offers a five-star dining experience at its onsite Temple of Taste restaurant, where Executive Chef Anthony Smith’s plates up a menu of organic, seasonal produce from the Coral Sea and nearby Atherton Tablelands. You won’t have to cross any bitumen for your sunrise or sunset walk, with direct beach access from the resort.
With conferencing facilities accommodating up to 150 guests, this tropical location is perfect for your next business event.
Perfect for: couples, weddings, conferences
The Reef House Adults Retreat
If a romantic weekend away is calling, book The Reef House Adults Retreat . Get cosy on an outdoor couple’s swing, relax in your own private spa or recline on a daybed on your balcony. While The Reef House is located along Williams Esplanade, you won’t feel like you have to wait for Palm Cove’s diners to go to bed before you can turn in for the night – this hotel is set back from the street to ensure absolute peace and privacy on your retreat.
Indulge in a spa treatment with a difference and book a Purifying Phyto Facial and you’ll be pampering yourself and the marine ecosystem at the same time. These special ‘phytomer’ treatments and products are developed with marine biotechnology to limit the environmental impacts. Wrap up your day with sundowners by lantern-light at Brigadier’s Bar & Lounge before dining alfresco under Melaleuca trees and palms at the award-winning Reef House Restaurant.
Perfect for: couples
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa
With a lagoon pool spanning over 3000 sqm, Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa takes poolside lounging to the next level. From studio rooms to penthouse apartments and luxury three-bedroom villas – there’s a room to suit your travel mood. Make the most of the expansive lagoon pool and book a swim-out apartment to roll out of bed and slide into the pool in just a few steps.
If rejuvenation is part of your holiday agenda, unwind at Vie Spa, the resort’s award-winning spa that uses natural skin and body care products along with organic Australian-made products from the Blue Mountains to ensure your skin keeps its holiday glow. When you need a break from lounging, tee-up for a round of golf at the Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course next door or stretch the legs along Four Mile Beach – perfect for working up an appetite before dinner. There’s no need to leave the resort to dine, either. Book a table at the resort’s onsite restaurant Aluco and watch the sun set over the flame-lit lagoon while you dine on local produce served with side of tropical flare.
Perfect for: couples, families, weddings & conferences