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12 Places to Stay in Cairns: From Beachfront to City Centre
12 spots · curated by our editors

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.

  1. Vue Apartments Trinity Beach — Trinity Beach, Cairns1
    Where to Stay Trinity Beach

    1. 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.

    Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen Sundays
    66
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.8(503)· Google
    View venue
  2. Travellers Oasis2
    Where 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.

    Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen Sundays
    65
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(514)· Google
    View venue
  3. Roydon Beachfront Apartments — Trinity Beach, Cairns3
    Where to Stay Trinity Beach

    3. Roydon Beachfront Apartments

    Another Trinity Beach option offering beachfront positioning for easy beach access throughout your stay.

    Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen Sundays
    64
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.9(183)· Google
    View venue
  4. Crystalbrook Riley4
    Where to Stay Cairns City

    4. Crystalbrook Riley

    City-based hotel in Cairns proper, useful if you want to be close to restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions without driving.

    Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open Sundays
    64
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.4(3,088)· Google
    View venue
  5. Crystalbrook Flynn5
    Where to Stay Cairns City

    5. Crystalbrook Flynn

    Also in Cairns City, offering another urban-focused choice within the Crystalbrook collection.

    Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open Sundays
    64
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.5(1,089)· Google
    View venue
  6. Pullman Cairns International6
    Where to Stay Cairns City

    6. Pullman Cairns International

    Centrally positioned in Cairns City, a solid mid-range option for visitors focused on city exploration.

    63
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.3(2,490)· Google
    View venue
  7. Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore7
    Where to Stay Palm Cove

    7. 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.

    63
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.5(734)· Google
    View venue
  8. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns — Port Douglas, Cairns8
    Where to Stay Cairns City

    8. 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.

    Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open Sundays
    63
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.3(2,967)· Google
    View venue
  9. Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach — Trinity Beach, Cairns9
    Where to Stay Trinity Beach

    9. Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach

    Yet another Trinity Beach beachfront option, emphasising direct sand and ocean access for beach-focused visitors.

    Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen Sundays
    63
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.8(182)· Google
    View venue
  10. Crystalbrook Bailey10
    Where to Stay Cairns City

    10. Crystalbrook Bailey

    The third Crystalbrook property in our list, based in Cairns City if you're already familiar with the brand.

    Open late (after 10pm)Opens early (before 7am)Open Sundays
    62
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.4(998)· Google
    View venue
  11. NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park11
    Where to Stay Palm Cove

    11. 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.

    Open 7 daysOpen MondaysOpen Sundays
    62
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.5(451)· Google
    View venue
  12. The Reef House Adults Retreat12
    Where to Stay Palm Cove

    12. The Reef House Adults Retreat

    Palm Cove location marketed as adults-only, suited to travellers seeking a quieter, couple-friendly environment away from families.

    62
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.4(698)· Google
    View venue

At a glance

VenueSpot ScoreGooglePriceSuburbTop feature
Vue Apartments Trinity Beach66/1004.8(503)—Trinity BeachOpen 7 days
Travellers Oasis65/1004.7(514)—Edge HillOpen 7 days
Roydon Beachfront Apartments64/1004.9(183)—Trinity BeachOpen 7 days
Crystalbrook Riley64/1004.4(3,088)—Cairns CityOpen late (after 10pm)
Crystalbrook Flynn64/1004.5(1,089)—Cairns CityOpen late (after 10pm)
Pullman Cairns International63/1004.3(2,490)—Cairns City—
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore63/1004.5(734)—Palm Cove—
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns63/1004.3(2,967)—Cairns CityOpen late (after 10pm)
Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach63/1004.8(182)—Trinity BeachOpen 7 days
Crystalbrook Bailey62/1004.4(998)—Cairns CityOpen late (after 10pm)
NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park62/1004.5(451)—Palm CoveOpen 7 days
The Reef House Adults Retreat62/1004.4(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

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