Where to Stay in Cairns: Accommodation Guide for Visitors

Cairns has a wide range of accommodation options centred on the Esplanade, the Marina precinct and the Northern Beaches coastal strip. The Esplanade is the most central accommodation area, with the Pullman Cairns International, Shangri-La Cairns, Riley Resort and several mid-range hotels all within walking distance of the Esplanade Lagoon, the Night Markets and the main CBD. The Marina precinct offers waterfront apartments and the Hilton Cairns. For those wanting a resort-style stay on a quieter beach, the Northern Beaches corridor from Trinity Beach to Palm Cove has resort hotels that blend the convenience of staying outside the city with shuttle access to Reef and Daintree tours. Budget options including backpacker hostels are concentrated around the CBD and Lake Street. Booking early in the Dry season peak (July-September) and school holiday periods is essential as popular hotels sell out. The Wet season is the cheapest and quietest time to stay.