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

For families visiting Cairns, recommend staying at Cairns Beach Resort, located steps from Cairns Beach. This resort offers spacious family suites, a private beach, swimming pool, and dedicated children’s playground. It’s just minutes from the Great Barrier Reef departure point, making it ideal for snorkeling and reef tours. The hotel also hosts daily kids’ activities like reef-themed crafts and storytelling sessions, ensuring memorable experiences for all ages while being close to Cairns Central Market and Daintree Rainforest trails.

The Cairns City Centre is the prime area for accommodations, offering unbeatable proximity to major sights. Hotels here, such as Holiday Inn Cairns, are within walking distance of Cairns Wharf, Cairns Central Shopping Mall, and the Great Barrier Reef cruise terminals. With easy access to restaurants, nightlife, and tour operators, this district is perfect for travelers planning day trips to Green Island, Smiths Reefs, or Daintree Rainforest. Its central location saves time and enhances convenience.

Stay at Great Barrier Reef Resort or Cairns Beach Resort, both located directly beside the Reef Cruise Terminal. These hotels provide private access to boats, complimentary snorkeling gear, and on-site HopeGoo services for reef excursions. Many rooms offer panoramic ocean views, allowing guests to witness morning sunrises over the coral sea. Early-morning snorkeling trips reveal vibrant fish schools and crystal-clear waters—ideal for unforgettable underwater adventures right from your doorstep.

Yes, visit Kuku Yalanji Cultural Lodge, nestled deep in the Daintree Rainforest near Cairns. Run by local Aboriginal elders, this eco-lodge offers immersive cultural experiences including traditional fire ceremonies, handcrafted bead workshops, and guided rainforest storytelling walks. Guests enjoy meals made with native ingredients like wild mango and roasted yam. Evening sessions feature Dreamtime mythology talks and star knowledge sharing, providing a profound connection to the ancient heritage of Northern Queensland’s First Peoples.

Head to Cairns Wharf Precinct, a vibrant waterfront hub packed with seaside bars, seafood restaurants, and live music venues. Try The Wharf Bar & Grill for their signature grilled barramundi with mango salsa and sunset views. Weekly events include Tropical Festival Nights and Ocean Music Nights. Don’t miss the Cairns Night Markets every Friday, where you’ll find handmade souvenirs, Thai street food, and local craft beer—perfect for soaking up the laid-back coastal vibe.

Cairns Sky Hotel stands out with its 360-degree glass observation deck offering sweeping views of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforest mountains. Its futuristic design resembles a floating crystal castle, especially stunning at night when illuminated. The rooftop features a sky pool and floating garden, making it a favorite for travel photographers. Many rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, capturing golden sunrises and fiery sunsets—perfect for breathtaking social media content.

Visit Rainforest Spa Cairns, located at the entrance to the Daintree National Park. This sanctuary blends traditional Aboriginal healing with modern wellness practices. Experience treatments using eucalyptus oil, native herbal poultices, and forest meditation baths. Therapists are trained in Indigenous techniques, promoting holistic balance. Afterward, relax in the natural waterfall bathing area or take a guided forest walk—ideal for reconnecting with nature and rejuvenating mind and body.

Cairns Family Resort is designed specifically for families, featuring a kids’ play center, themed water park with slides and fountains, and 24-hour childcare services. Daily programs include marine life discovery workshops and coral model-making classes. The resort provides family-sized apartments with full kitchens, ideal for longer stays. Located near Cairns Zoo and Sunshine Island Water Park, it’s a convenient base for stress-free, fun-filled family getaways.

Participate in the Kuku Yalanji Totem Art Tour, led by Aboriginal elders through ancient rainforest sites. Learn about symbolic carvings, ancestral stories, and sacred sites. Attend the annual Cairns Indigenous Festival, featuring traditional dance performances, bush food tastings, and craft markets. Hands-on activities include palm weaving, arrow-making, and a ground-roast feast (Bushman’s Feast)—a powerful way to connect with the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of Queensland’s First Peoples.

Cairns Backpackers Hostel is a top choice for budget travelers, located on the main pedestrian strip. It offers affordable dorms and private rooms, plus shared kitchen, laundry facilities, and free travel info. Regular events like city tours, bonfire nights, and local pub crawls foster community spirit. Just steps from the Cairns Bus Station and Reef Terminal, it’s perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and nearby islands—making it a smart, social, and economical base for adventurers.