Cairns Accommodation Guide

Our hot air balloon rides include return transfers from Cairns accommodation, there are a variety of accommodation options available.  From 5 Star Private Luxury Retreats to Backpacker accommodation, there's something to suit every budget.  

We recommend that you book direct with Cairns Hotels or Cairns Resorts as they all have online booking facilities which allow you to ask extra questions about your stay and allow you some flexibility when it comes to change of dates and check out times. There are so many choices within the range of Cairns accommodation styles very broad, whether you are visiting as a couple, as a family, as a solo traveller, a corporate traveller or as a backpacker or a honeymoon couple, Cairns and the Cairns beaches area has something to suit both your budget and sense of style.

One of the first things to consider, when looking at the wide range of Cairns accommodation on the internet, is to choose not only your price bracket, a luxurious five star hotel or an older style apartment that has beach frontage but has seen better days or even a islander themed thatched cottage situated on the cliffs overlooking the Coral Sea.

The resorts in Cairns are located approximately 10 to 25 minutes' drive north of Cairns city, if you choose to stay at a Cairns Resort, you may not require a hire car at all, as all major Cairns tours and attractions offer door to door transfer services. The resorts on Cairns Beaches are located at Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach and Holloways Beach and every beach has its own personality.

Almost all Cairns accommodation comes with in room fridges, tea and coffee making facilities and en-suites. Unfortunately none of the Cairns Resorts or Hotels stock large or well-equipped gyms, with most providing simple exercise bike and free weights only but there are always long stretches of clean, wide sandy beaches to go out and jog or even hire a bicycle and cycle the beach.

You may be enjoying a longer stay and want to check out the range of Cairns Apartments, definitely look at size and location, a number of Cairns apartments are in suburban areas and do only come with very restricted reception opening hours & on site facilities. Most international visitors will find that Cairns apartments are much larger in size than overseas apartments but compare carefully the in-room services offered. It's easy to discover one, two and three bedroom apartments and most of them feature fully self-contained kitchens, so don't forget to visit Rusty's Markets if you stay in Cairns city or the Port Douglas markets, only on Sunday mornings until noon, to stock up on some wonderful fresh local fruit.

While booking your Cairns accommodation, don't forget to also book ahead for any of the Cairns tours and activities that you are keen on. These do book out and all local Cairns tour operators have very generous and simple cancellation and transfer conditions, so if you book ahead, you can always change the date when you arrive. Remember to book your Great Barrier Reef day trip, your Hot Air Balloon ride and some time in Kuranda as they truly are the Top Three Things to Do in Cairns.

So whether you choose to stay in a 5 star hotel or a 2 star motel, there is a range of choices in every Cairns accommodation category.

For more detailed information on Cairns accommodation click on the links below, each one has contact details to book direct with the hotel or resort that you choose.

  • The largest luxury Hotel in Cairns is the Shangri-la. The modern style hotel offers a spacious accommodation including Cairns harbour and City views. A rang of outstanding facilities are available including a gym, resort swimming pools and a resturant and bar with marina views.…

  • The largest 5 Star hotel in Cairns is the Pullman Cairns International.  This Heritage Style hotel offers a choice of spacious accommodation including beautiful Cairns harbour and mountain views.  A range of outstanding facilities are available including a relaxing day spa, and…

  • Royal Palm Villas offer fully self contained apartments in Cairns City, just around the corner from the Cairns Esplanade and Cairns City Centre.  The complex is private, with only 16 holiday apartments, catering for up to 4 people.  Entertain your friends and family with a BBQ…

  • A Luxury Five Star Hotel located in the heart of Cairns. Pullman Reef Hotel Casino offers multiple dining experiences, attractions, entertainment as well as a world class casino. Each room has a spa bath and private balcony, you can choose from a range of accommodation options…

  • Hilton Cairns Hotel is located on the scenic waterfront at the Cairns Esplanade.  This 5 Star luxury property is just walking distance to the beautiful Cairns Esplanade, a variety of Cairns restaurants, Cairns shopping, Great Barrier Reef tours and many other popular Cairns…

  • Set within 11 acres (4.5 hectares) of lush tropical gardens and with 3 lagoon style pools, casual and fine dining restaurants, tennis courts, hair and beauty salon and many other facilities, the Cairns Colonial Club Resort is a great place for a family holiday or Cairns vacation…

Most popular rides

See All Popular Rides
  • Go to detail page
    Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast best ballooning Weekends $495
    Balloon Rides

    Gold Coast

    Gold Coast Classic Ballooning with vineyard breakfast and return transfers

    21 Reviews
    $440
    Book Now
  • Go to detail page
    Thumbnail Weekends $450
    Balloon Rides

    Cairns

    Classic ballooning self drive to Mareeba, Atherton Tablelands

    11 Reviews
    $420
    Book Now
  • Go to detail page
    Thumbnail Weekends $495
    Balloon Rides

    Brisbane

    Brisbane Classic Hot Air ballooning with vineyard breakfast, self drive meet at Nerang or Canungra

    11 Reviews
    $440
    Book Now