Cairns Hotels and Accommodation

(Cairns, Far North Queensland - QLD, Australia)




Picture of the coastlineVisitors looking for lodging in Cairns will find that accommodation is certainly plentiful. In fact, the sheer choice of hotels, backpacker youth hostels (20+) and motels is almost a little overwhelming at times. The nearby northerly suburb of Trinity Beach offers an additional number of beachfront hotels overlooking the Pacific Ocean, around the Vasey Esplanade.

There is much competition between hotels in Cairns, and seasonal accommodation rates are known to fluctuate in a big way. The low season in Cairns falls between November and May, when lodging of all descriptions is at its cheapest. June to October marks the high season, and at this time of the year, weekly rates rise sharply.


Waterfront view

Where to Stay

Those who have just arrived in Cairns and are looking for somewhere to stay will find that the Accommodation Centre on Aplin Street is a good place to start, with helpful staff searching all lodging to locate the accommodation that matches both your budget and requirements.

Backpackers in Cairns who require something a little cheaper than mainstream hotels should consider looking along the Esplanade, between Aplin Street and Shield Street, since this forms the main backpacker strip. Many hostels here boast enticing waterfront locations and are conveniently close to the famous party scene of the Esplanade itself. Further youth hostels are located on the northern side of the railway line, together with a good selection of family orientated guest houses.

Marina photographMany holiday makers staying in Cairns prefer self-contained apartment accommodation, rather than rooms in hotels and motels. Apartments can provide very good value, particularly for large families, and the choice has never been better. Mid-range hotels too are in good supply, with popular choices including the Comfort Inn and the Queens Court, both of which reside of Sheridan Street.

Along the sunny Esplanade, three-star hotels come in the form of the upmarket Breakfree Royal Harbour Resort and the modern Cairns Plaza Hotel, while the Esplanade's Floriana Guesthouse is also of particular note.

Image of local hotels and scenerySelf-contained luxury accommodation in Cairns is certainly widespread, with many apartments featuring laundry facilities and other useful amenities, such as the Sea Change Beachfront Apartments next to Trinity Beach. The best four-star hotels and resorts in Cairns include the Kewarra Beach Resort on Kewarra Street, the 201 Lake Street Hotel on Lake Street and the Harbour Lights on Marlin Parade, which has views of both the harbourfront and the parklands.

On the Esplanade itself is the highly regarded Pacific International Hotel, the Mantra Trilogy Resort and the Mercure Cairns Harbourside. For something more out of the ordinary, consider staying on nearby Dunk Island, where lush rainforest and white sandy beaches combine for a truly memorable holiday.