Neighborhood guide
Where to Stay in Cairns
The 3 areas worth basing yourself in Cairns, Australia — ranked by our editors, with walking distances from the center. First-timers: start with Esplanade.
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Top pick
Esplanade
Main waterfront — the lagoon swimming pool, restaurants, the Pier shopping centre.
22 min walk from center
#2
Trinity Beach
Quieter northern beach suburb — beachfront cafés, family-friendly, fewer hostels.
7.9 km from center
#3
Palm Cove
Resort village 25 km north — luxury hotels, beachfront restaurants, the spa town.
22 km from center
Getting around
Sun Bus covers the city; rental car for the Atherton Tableland and Cape Tribulation.
You can’t swim in the ocean here (crocs, jellyfish) — swim in the Esplanade lagoon or pool instead.