Cashmere(Australia) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Cairns, the top choice for families is Cairns Riverside Resort, located along the McArthur River. It offers spacious family suites, a kids’ play area, and direct access to Cairns Marketplace and the Tropical Rainforest Walkway. The resort features an outdoor pool, barbecue areas, and guided nature tours—perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest with children.

The Cairns CBD (Central Business District) is the prime area for lodging, offering easy access to Cairns Harbour, Jumpin' Jack's Lookout, and a wide range of dining options. This vibrant district hosts boutique hotels like Cairns Harbour Hotel, which provides convenient walking distance to the Great Barrier Reef Tourist Centre, making it ideal for travelers planning reef excursions and rainforest adventures.

Don’t miss the Indigenous Art Workshops led by local Yirrganydji artists, where you can learn traditional dot painting and wood carving techniques. Additionally, the Cairns Indigenous Culture Centre hosts nightly campfire storytelling sessions, sharing ancestral legends and Dreamtime stories, offering deep insight into Aboriginal spirituality and heritage.

For couples seeking romance, Cairns Cliffside Lodge is a standout choice, nestled near Cape Tribulation with panoramic ocean views, private hot tubs, and secluded balconies overlooking the Coral Sea. The hotel offers sunset cruise packages and candlelit dinners on the deck—perfect for a memorable getaway amidst tropical beauty.

Great Barrier Reef Coast Resort is one of the nearest accommodations to the Great Barrier Reef, situated on the Cairns North Shore. The resort provides helicopter transfers, complimentary snorkeling gear, and direct boat access to Green Island and Davies Island—ideal for diving into vibrant coral gardens and spotting rainbow fish and sea turtles.

Must-try dishes include the Cairns Tropical Seafood Platter, featuring fresh king crab, lobster, and barramundi, served with mango salsa and herb butter. Another highlight is the Aboriginal-style Barramundi Borek, slow-roasted wild barramundi with native spices, paired with coconut rice—a true taste of Queensland’s tropical culinary identity.

Cairns has a tropical maritime climate, warm and humid year-round. The best time to visit is from May to October, when rainfall is low and temperatures range between 24–30°C—perfect for snorkeling, hiking, and beach activities. The wet season (November to April) brings lush greenery and dramatic storms, ideal for nature lovers seeking immersive rainforest and wildlife experiences.

Cairns Backpackers Hostel in the city center offers affordable dormitory-style rooms with lockers, private bathrooms, and shared kitchens. The hostel provides free city tours, rooftop bar access, and organized trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, making it a top pick for budget travelers seeking adventure and community.

Cape Tribulation is a must-visit natural wonder, where the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Hike through ancient rainforests tangled with vines, then gaze across turquoise waters. Other highlights include Black Water Falls and Maraam River Rafting, offering thrilling adventures and stunning photography opportunities.

Yes, Cairns Transit buses cover major attractions including the Great Barrier Reef and Cape Tribulation. Bike rentals and taxis are widely available, and many hotels offer free shuttle services. For deeper exploration into rainforests or islands, renting a 4WD vehicle or HopeGoo a local guided tour is highly recommended for flexibility and safety.