12 Places to Stay in Cairns: From Beachfront to City Centre
Cairns offers accommodation to suit different budgets and preferences, scattered across the city centre, nearby beaches, and tropical villages. Whether you're after a serviced apartment, a full-service resort, or a holiday park, here are 12 options worth considering.
1Where to Stay Trinity Beach1. Vue Apartments Trinity Beach
Self-contained apartments right in Trinity Beach, convenient if you want direct access to the beach without staying in the city centre.
View venue4.8(503)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look- 2Where to Stay Edge Hill
2. Travellers Oasis
Located in Edge Hill, a quieter residential suburb inland from the coast, suitable if you prefer a more local neighbourhood vibe.
View venue4.7(514)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
3Where to Stay Trinity Beach3. Roydon Beachfront Apartments
Another Trinity Beach option offering beachfront positioning for easy beach access throughout your stay.
View venue4.9(183)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Where to Stay Cairns City4. Crystalbrook Riley
City-based hotel in Cairns proper, useful if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions without driving.
View venue4.4(3,088)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Where to Stay Cairns City5. Crystalbrook Flynn
Also in Cairns City, offering another urban-focused choice within the Crystalbrook collection.
View venue4.5(1,089)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Where to Stay Cairns City6. Pullman Cairns International
Centrally positioned in Cairns City, a solid mid-range option for visitors focused on city exploration.
View venue4.3(2,490)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Where to Stay Palm Cove7. Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Palm Cove location offers a quieter beach village setting, roughly 25 km north of Cairns, with its own community feel.
View venue4.5(734)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Where to Stay Cairns City8. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Waterfront property in the city centre with marina access, appealing if you want built-in leisure facilities in an urban setting.
View venue4.3(2,967)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Where to Stay Trinity Beach9. Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach
Yet another Trinity Beach beachfront option, emphasising direct sand and ocean access for beach-focused visitors.
View venue4.8(182)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Where to Stay Cairns City10. Crystalbrook Bailey
The third Crystalbrook property in our list, based in Cairns City if you're already familiar with the brand.
View venue4.4(998)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Where to Stay Palm Cove11. NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park
Holiday park in Palm Cove offering a more casual, caravan-park style experience at a lower cost point than hotels.
View venue4.5(451)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Where to Stay Palm Cove12. The Reef House Adults Retreat
Palm Cove location marketed as adults-only, suited to travellers seeking a quieter, couple-friendly environment away from families.
View venue4.4(698)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vue Apartments Trinity Beach | 66/100 | 4.8(503) | — | Trinity Beach | — |
| Travellers Oasis | 65/100 | 4.7(514) | — | Edge Hill | — |
| Roydon Beachfront Apartments | 64/100 | 4.9(183) | — | Trinity Beach | — |
| Crystalbrook Riley | 64/100 | 4.4(3,088) | — | Cairns City | — |
| Crystalbrook Flynn | 64/100 | 4.5(1,089) | — | Cairns City | — |
| Pullman Cairns International | 63/100 | 4.3(2,490) | — | Cairns City | — |
| Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore | 63/100 | 4.5(734) | — | Palm Cove | — |
| Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns | 63/100 | 4.3(2,967) | — | Cairns City | — |
| Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach | 63/100 | 4.8(182) | — | Trinity Beach | — |
| Crystalbrook Bailey | 62/100 | 4.4(998) | — | Cairns City | — |
| NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park | 62/100 | 4.5(451) | — | Palm Cove | — |
| The Reef House Adults Retreat | 62/100 | 4.4(698) | — | Palm Cove | — |
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for visiting the Great Barrier Reef?+
Most reef tours depart from Cairns City or nearby Port Douglas. City centre accommodation offers the easiest access to these departure points, though shuttle services from beach suburbs are common.
Is Trinity Beach or Palm Cove better for a beach holiday?+
Both have beach access. Trinity Beach is closer to Cairns City (about 15 km) and busier. Palm Cove is quieter and further north (about 25 km), offering a more secluded village atmosphere.
Are there budget options in this list?+
NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park and Travellers Oasis typically offer lower nightly rates than the Crystalbrook properties and Shangri-La, though prices vary seasonally.
Which venues are best for couples?+
The Reef House Adults Retreat is explicitly marketed for adults only. Boutique properties like the Crystalbrook collection and Shangri-La also cater well to couples.
Keep exploring
Cairns guides
roundupCairns Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
Cairns may be best known as the gateway to the reef and rainforest, but once the sun drops the city centre comes alive with a compact, walkable cluster of bars, breweries and live
Read guide →roundupFree Things to Do in Cairns
From the Esplanade Lagoon and Botanic Gardens to Palm Cove and rainforest escapes, these are Cairns’ best free outings — plus what costs extra.
Read guide →roundupCairns With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
From the free Esplanade Lagoon to the Daintree, here are Cairns family activities worth planning around, with practical ideas for wet and sunny days.
Read guide →The best of Cairns, in your inbox
New openings, hidden gems and weekend ideas. One thoughtful email a week. No spam.