Cairns is a modern, sophisticated city, and is an ideal base to explore the wider Tropical North Queensland region with front door access to World Heritage listed Reef, Rainforest and Outback.
The city itself is where much of the accommodation is situated close to international standard restaurants, boutique shopping, modern art galleries and evening entertainment. All the attributes of a world class modern city are to be found here: International air access, rail systems, high-standard accommodation facilities, an art gallery, botanic gardens, university, a casino and a convention centre.
Over a century of architecture is reflected in the city streets – a comfortable blend of traditional Queenslander style and modern designs. There is enough of the old town left for the astute visitor to imagine what the city was once like.
Modern buildings grace the city scape with a mixture of architectural designs including the Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns International Hotel and the Cairns Convention Centre. A focal point for the city is the Cairns Esplanade. Almost two kilometres of landscaped parkland fringes a busy thoroughfare and restaurant strip on one side, and a natural harbour inlet on the other.
Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the Esplanade to relax on the grass, eat at sidewalk cafes, meet new people, to walk under the trees, and to watch the many bird species which come to feed on the tidal zone.
Luxury Hotels in Cairns
There are many great resorts and hotels in Cairns to suit any budget from indulgent luxury to backpacker hostels, perfect for a romantic getaway, weekend escape or family vacation. Below are a few of the luxury hotel options in Cairns.
The Homestead A peaceful Getaway 
From $30
The Red Sparrow From $65
Amphora Resort Luxury Private Apts From $74
Sanctuary Palm Cove From $77
Pullman Cairns International From $88
Hilton Cairns From $90
The Reef House - MGallery by Sofitel From $90
Bellevue At Trinity Beach From $107
Peppers Beach Club & Spa From $108
Sea Change Beachfront Apartments From $109
The Beach Club Luxury Private Apartments From $113
Shangri-La Hotel The Marina Cairns From $116
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino From $124
TROPICAL Ginger at Mango Lagoon From $130
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore From $139
Cairns Beach House Our Oasis From $142
Couples private spa beach getaway From $144
Cairns International Airport
The Cairns Airport is located north of Cairns, between the city center and Cairns’ Northern Beaches and is only a 10 minute drive from the city centre. The Cairns Airport is a 25 minute drive to Trinity Beach and a 35 minute drive to Palm Cove. Allow an hour when travelling between Port Douglas and the Cairns Airport.
The Cairns Airport has a Domestic and International Terminal, with shopping and dining outlets available.
Cairns Skyrail
Enjoy a ride on the scenic Cairns Skyrail over the tropical rainforest to Kuranda for a stroll along the main street before returning.
Gateway to Port Douglas
Just one hours drive north of Cairns along some of Australia’s most scenic coastal roads is Port Douglas, offering the distinctive laid back atmosphere of a beachside resort. Port Douglas has quickly transformed from a sleepy fishing village to one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations.
Map of Cairns
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