The best places to stay in Cairns

A $600 million investment has transformed this Far North Queensland gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Long known as a backpacker town, Cairns’ cool factor has skyrocketed in recent years. A $600 million investment by Syrian billionaire Ghassan Aboud, who’s opened three slick and sustainable Crystalbrook Collection hotels in the city since 2018, gave the city a much-needed boost, with many other revamps and refurbishments following in their wake.

CAIRNS

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Perfect for: Families with young kids, leisure seekers, business travellers

With the only swim-up pool bar in Cairns and a large, lagoon-style pool with a sandy beach, it’s easy to slip into the holiday groove at this refurbished resort. Kids quickly make friends playing with the supplied beach toys, while parents lie back in a cabana or on a day bed sipping mojitos and margaritas. The resort underwent a multi-million-dollar transformation in 2019, refreshing its 314 rooms and suites, plus Moku Bar and Grill restaurant and Moku Beach Club.

From $220 a night. 122 Lake St, Cairns. Phone: (07) 4080 1888. See novotelcairnsresort.com.au

Crystalbrook Riley

Perfect for: Instagrammers, eco-conscious travellers, families

The first of three cool and sustainably focused Crystalbrook Collection hotels to open in Cairns – followed by the arty Bailey and fun and centrally located Flynn – this luxury hotel’s 12-storey tower is instantly recognisable on the city skyline. Its 1000-square-metre pool with a man-made beach makes it a great option for families. Dine on the Esplanade at its Asian fusion restaurant, Paper Crane; soak up the vibe at tropical rum bar and seafood kitchen Calypso Club, and take in the sensational views from one of the city’s highest rooftop bars, Rocco.

From $349 a night. 131/141 Esplanade, Cairns. Phone: (07) 4252 7777. See crystalbrookcollection.com/riley

Mercure Cairns

Perfect for: Budget-conscious travellers who like a splash of style

This stylish four-star hotel is within cooee of several key attractions, including Cairns Aquarium and Cairns Performing Arts Centre, just a couple of blocks back from the Esplanade. The one-time Hotel Ibis Styles reopened in early 2022 after a stylish makeover, with its Queenslander-style architecture and cane furniture with palm-print cushions in the lobby quickly evoking a feeling of being in the tropics. The 75-room hotel’s tiered pool and tiled deck, complete with round wicker day-beds, is an inviting place to rejuvenate after a day’s sightseeing.

From $179 a night. 15 Florence St, Cairns. Phone: (07) 4051 5733. See all.accor.com

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Perfect for: Families and couples heading to the reef, solo travellers, business travellers

As the closest accommodation you can get to Marlin Marina – where boats depart for the Great Barrier Reef – you can confidently hit the snooze button at least once before a must-do day trip when staying at this hotel. Many of its 255 rooms and suites offer views over the marina or Trinity Inlet, as does its produce-focused restaurant, The Backyard. There’s also a pool with a sun deck and a bar serving meals in biodegradable and recyclable cardboard packaging.

From $250. Pier Point Rd, Cairns. Phone: (07) 4052 7500. See shangri-la.com

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Perfect for: Families on a budget, business travellers

When it comes to affordability and location, this hotel on Cairns Esplanade is hard to beat. The former Holiday Inn is just five minutes’ drive from the airport, and about 25 minutes’ walk along the boardwalk into the centre of town – or you can jump on the free shuttle bus. Each of its 173 rooms and suites has a balcony, and there’s a pool and a fresh, flower-filled restaurant, Harbourside Bar & Kitchen. And as a bonus for families, kids 12 and under stay and eat for free.

From $180 a night. 209-217 Esplanade, Cairns. Phone: (07) 4080 3000. See cairnsharboursidehotel.com.au

Little Drifter Cairns

Perfect for: Budget-conscious travellers

After a multimillion-dollar revamp in early 2025, Little Drifter brings a smart and affordable stay close to the action. Previously known as The Village Cairns, the 54-room property, offers a mix of smart dorm-style digs and stylish private rooms. Interiors lean playful and punchy, with communal spaces designed for connection and relaxation. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, a cosy TV lounge, laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi add to its appeal.

From $60 a night for a shared bunk suite and $150 per night for a private queen room. 1/7 Shields St, Cairns. Phone: 1800 180 288. See thedrifter.com/cairns

Alivio Hotel Cairns

Perfect for: Style-seekers wanting fresh, eco-friendly luxury

Cairns’ long-standing Sunshine Tower Hotel has been reborn as the Alivio Hotel Cairns following a top-to-toe refurbishment by the award-winning Alivio Group. The 61-room property on Sheridan Street now sports a fresh, contemporary look, complete with a Mediterranean-inspired pool surrounded by flowering frangipanis. The lobby and dining area showcase photographic feature walls that capture the spirit of Tropical North Queensland. Rooms offer views across the hinterland or the manicured gardens, with new glass balustrades adding a modern edge to private balconies. The Lobby Bar and Kitchen serves up light fare and cocktails in a relaxed setting. Sustainability has also had a moment, with the installation of a 100kW solar system.

From $199. 136 Sheridan St, Cairns. Phone: (07) 4041 1133. See aliviohotelcairns.com.au

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort

Perfect for: Fun-loving families
The kids will love racing each other down dual waterslides into the pool, frolicking in the splash park and riding pedal carts around this epic holiday park, around seven minutes’ drive from Cairns. The pet-friendly holiday park offers accommodation for every budget, including villas, cabins, condos and caravan and camping sites. With resort-style pools, a playground, jumping pillows, mini golf, basketball court, tennis court and activities like outdoor movies, you’ll have to drag the offspring away to see the Great Barrier Reef.

From $149 a night. 23-51 Anderson Rd, Woree. Phone (07): 4054 6644. See ingeniaholidays.com.au

PORT DOUGLAS

Silky Oaks Lodge

Perfect for: A romantic getaway or special celebration

Imagine swaying in a hammock on the deck of your private villa listening to the sounds of the Daintree Rainforest. Or soaking in your outdoor bath as you gaze out at the treetops. Or watching the trickling waters of the Mossman River from the open-air pavilion Jungle Perch as you enjoy a sunset drink before dining in the Treehouse Restaurant. These are the kind of experiences you can expect at this uber-luxury retreat at Mossman, north of Port Douglas.

From $1200 a night. 423 Finlayvale Rd, Mossman. Phone: (07) 4098 1666. See silkyoakslodge.com.au

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas

Perfect for: Influencers out to impress on the ‘gram, families, couples

Offering luxe experiences like the chance to step straight out of the pool onto the balcony of your room, a stay at this beachfront resort can feel more like being in Bali or the Maldives than Australia. Set among tropical gardens with its own golf course, the 295-room resort has a swim-up bar, a restaurant where you can watch your dinner being prepared in the open kitchen and a multi-award-winning Harrisons Restaurant.

From $385 a night. 168-190 Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas. Phone: (07) 4099 5888. See marriott.com

Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Perfect for: Nature-loving couples, special-occasion trips

Embrace your inner naturalist with a stay among the treetops at this eco-retreat, about an hour’s drive north of Cairns and 15 minutes’ south of Port Douglas. Set on a former sugar cane farm with its own private beach and two free-form pools with rock waterfalls and grottos, it offers bungalow accommodation, with an open-air pavilion-style restaurant. Busy yourself with butterfly and nature walks and stargazing tours, or just lie in a hammock under a palm tree.

From $562 a night. 5078 Captain Cook Hwy, Oak Beach, Port Douglas. Phone: (07) 4098 5700. See thalabeach.com.au

PALM COVE

The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove

Perfect for: Girls’ getaways, couples, wellness seekers, foodies

Once the private residence of former federal minister Brigadier David Thomson, who hosted high-profile guests such as prime minister Gough Whitlam, this colonial-style, adults-only hotel is in the laid-back enclave of Palm Cove, around 30 minutes’ drive north of Cairns. Start the day with beachfront yoga, book a spa treatment, do a cocktail-making or wine-appreciation class, or just chill out by the Mineral or Tranquillity pools, where a pool butler delivers cold towels and sorbet.

From $1029 for two. 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove. Phone: (07) 4080 2600. See reefhouse.com.au

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Perfect for: Couples, families, spa lovers

Set around an expansive pool with an even more inviting bar at the southern end of Palm Cove, this stylish resort makes an idyllic base for a tropical escape. Families love the modern, spacious apartments, while couples unwind with indulgent treatments at Vie Spa, romantic beach strolls and fire-lit dinners at poolside eatery Temple of Tastes, where Asian-inspired dishes are expertly crafted with fresh local produce.

From $299 a night. 5 Triton St, Palm Cove. Phone: (07) 4059 9600. See pullmanpalmcove.com.au

ISLANDS

Fitzroy Island Resort

Perfect for: Conservation-minded holidaymakers, budget-conscious families, groups of friends

Pssst … want to know a secret? There’s an affordable resort on a tropical island just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns with one of the most beautiful patches of sand you are ever likely to come across, Nudey Beach (not to be taken literally). The island is also home to a turtle rehabilitation centre, and guests can book citizen science tours with marine biologists and see coral nurseries being grown to help restore the Great Barrier Reef just offshore.

From $185 a night. Fitzroy Island, Queensland. Phone: (07) 4044 6700. See fitzroyisland.com

Bedarra Island Resort

Perfect for: Honeymooners, privacy-seeking couples, luxury lovers

Secluded, serene and strictly adults-only, Bedarra Island Resort is the epitome of barefoot luxury. The only resort on the island, just off the coast of Mission Beach, the boutique, all-inclusive property has just 12 private villas built around natural boulders overlooking the Coral Sea. Spend your days snorkelling in the stinger-free waters, paddling to private beaches and enjoying intimate dinners on private decks. But while it’s super exclusive, it’s also highly social, with guests gathering around a circular table at the bar for pre-dinner drinks each night.

From $1690 a night. Bedarra Island. Phone: (07) 4068 8233. See bedarra.com.au

Lizard Island Resort

Perfect for: Honeymooners, cashed-up nature lovers, baby boomers spending the kids’ inheritance

This exclusive resort on Lizard Island at the northern end of the Great Barrier Reef is the stuff dreams are made of. It has 40 suites and villas – some with their own plunge pool – and a fine-dining waterfront restaurant. Order a hamper, borrow a dinghy and motor to a private beach for a picnic lunch, climb to Cook’s Lookout to take in the panoramic views, and check out the Australian Museum Lizard Island Research Station.

From $2516 for two per night. Lizard Island, Queensland. Phone: 1800 867 169. See lizardisland.com.au

The Elandra Mission Beach

Perfect for: Boutique lovers, couples, destination wedding guests, privacy seekers

Set high above the Coral Sea on a rainforest-cloaked hill, The Elandra on South Mission Beach is a dreamy tropical hideaway just a short drive from the hideaway of Mission Beach, about two hours’ drive south of Cairns. Once a glamorous celebrity haunt that fell into disrepair, the resort has been lovingly revived by the owners of Bedarra Island Resort. It now offers just a handful of beautifully refurbished, whitewashed suites. Days begin with yoga and end by the dazzling infinity pool, cocktail in hand. It’s intimate, exclusive and effortlessly chic – perfect for romantic getaways or show-stopping destination weddings.

From $590 a night. 23 Explorers Dr, South Mission Beach. Phone: (07) 4054 9300. See elandraresorts.com