If you’re currently figuring out where to stay in Cairns or elsewhere in northern Queensland, I need to warn you right from the start about one absolutely crucial thing. Most regular tourist guides tend to gloss over what swimming in the ocean is really like here. In this tropical region, you don’t just walk straight from the beach into the waves. The reason is the omnipresent crocodiles and, during the warmer half of the year, also life-threatening jellyfish.
This reality completely changes the entire way you should choose an address for your holiday. A quality hotel pool here is definitely not some unnecessary luxury. On the contrary, it’s absolutely basic equipment that you’ll struggle to do without on hot days. Choosing accommodation thus comes down to finding places where you can safely cool off.
Come along with us as we explore the areas that make the most sense, from the bustling center to resorts right by the stinger nets. I’ll show you where to find safe swimming enclosures and which places offer the best access to iconic rainforest excursions.
TL;DR
- Cairns vs. Palm Cove vs. Port Douglas: Cairns is a bustling hub without a beach but with the best tour accessibility. Palm Cove offers a peaceful beachfront promenade. Port Douglas is an elegant and pricier base close to the Daintree rainforest.
- Where you can swim safely: In the ocean only at beaches with protective stinger nets. Inland, in crater lakes or designated freshwater swimming holes without crocodiles.
- Which base suits whom: Cairns is loved by backpackers and those without a car. Palm Cove is ideal for romantic getaways. Port Douglas is appreciated by discerning travelers and families.
- When to go: The best weather prevails during the dry season from May to October. During the so-called wet season, you must expect heavy rains and high humidity.
- Main accommodation tip: A pool is not a luxury. In the tropical heat, it’s simply a lifesaver—look for it first, even before the room rate.
Where You Can Actually Swim in the Tropics
The most common question from all travelers heading to northern Queensland is perfectly logical. Everyone wants to know where they can safely jump into the water in that enormous heat. The ocean here unfortunately means a real risk of encountering crocodiles and jellyfish. Protective stinger nets are stretched roughly from November to May.
Right in central Cairns you won’t find any beach, which is why a massive artificial lagoon was created here. ⚠️ This popular lagoon in Cairns was temporarily under reconstruction in 2023, however. Always verify its current status just before your trip. It’s definitely worth having some alternative solution for hot days as a backup.
If you’re craving salt water, you need to head to beaches protected by special nets. Among the most famous are Palm Cove, Trinity Beach, Yorkeys Knob, and Kewarra Beach. Swimming outside these designated zones is very strongly discouraged. ⚠️ Keep in mind that beautiful Ellis Beach is listed as safe only and exclusively inside the net.
Crocodiles naturally occur all along the coast, and river mouths are especially dangerous. Absolutely avoid walking in the water at dusk and at night. In 2016, unfortunately, night-time swimming on the beach near Cape Tribulation ended tragically. Respect for the local nature here is simply a matter of survival.
A wonderful alternative to the sea are the gorgeous freshwater swimming holes hidden deep in the rainforest. A short distance from Cairns you’ll find the popular Crystal Cascades, and if you venture further to Babinda, be careful. Swimming is allowed exclusively in the designated pool—the nearby Devil’s Pool is fatally dangerous and has a strict entry ban.
Beautiful refreshment is also offered by Josephine Falls with its natural rock slide. Here too, clear rules apply: only the lower pool is safe, and because flash floods arrive completely without warning, the area is sometimes preventively closed.
The absolute guarantee of safe swimming is then offered by the breathtaking crater lakes inland. Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine have no inlet, so there are simply no crocodiles in them. You can enjoy completely peaceful swimming in clear water. At the latter, there’s also the historic Lake Barrine Teahouse, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In short, natural swimming here is never completely thoughtless, but there are more options than you’d expect. If you’re traveling with small children, choose accommodation exclusively with a large pool. Alternatively, opt for hotels that are in immediate proximity to beaches with protective nets. You’ll save yourself a lot of stress searching for safe refreshment.
Cairns, Palm Cove, or Port Douglas: Decision Framework
| Type of Traveler | Ideal Base | Why Choose This Place |
|---|---|---|
| Backpackers and bargain hunters | Cairns | Cheapest accommodation, hostels, excellent public transport, and markets. |
| Romantics and beach lovers | Palm Cove | Peaceful atmosphere, beautiful promenade, and award-winning beach with net. |
| Discerning travelers and families | Port Douglas | Elegant resorts, top restaurants, and close proximity to Daintree rainforest. |
Cairns represents an absolutely ideal choice for those with a more limited budget. It’s the most affordable base with an enormous selection of tours. The city may lack its own sandy beach, but it makes up for it with the lively Esplanade promenade. You’ll also find a brand-new giant observation wheel here that offers a beautiful view of the bay. In terms of logistics and onward transport, the city simply has no competition.
Palm Cove, located about twenty-five kilometers from Cairns, offers a completely different atmosphere. Condé Nast Traveler named it the best beach in the world in 2024, and honestly, looking at that promenade, we’re not surprised at all. You’ll enjoy incredible peace here, safe swimming in the net, and walks along the picturesque Williams Esplanade. Expect, however, that prices are higher here and without a rental car, day trips are harder to organize. There are fewer restaurants, but they are very cozy.
Port Douglas is considered the most elegant and simultaneously most expensive option on the coast. It’s by far the most pleasant place for a longer and slower holiday stay. It’s strategically located much closer to the Daintree rainforest and to the stunning Agincourt Reef. The local streets are full of boutiques, luxury cafés, and top-class establishments. If you’re looking for a premium experience and don’t mind paying extra, this little town will definitely charm you.
Where to Stay: 10 Areas in Cairns and Surroundings
💡 Accommodation and experiences tip: We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com, where they usually have the best cancellation policies. Tickets, tours, and activities are worth comparing and buying through GetYourGuide.
Choosing the right base is key to the success of your entire holiday. Whether you’re looking for a bustling center, family apartments with a kitchenette, or absolute peace on the edge of the rainforest, you have plenty to choose from. ☺️
Below you’ll find ten specific areas where it makes sense to book a room. For each one, I explain who it suits and what you can expect from it, so you can choose your ideal haven.
1. Cairns City and Esplanade
Cairns is what every major hub city tends to be: a bit noisy, a bit chaotic, but absolutely indispensable and superbly equipped for everything waiting for you in the surroundings. You’ll find an endless number of restaurants with Thai or Indian cuisine, huge markets full of fresh tropical fruit, and the lively Esplanade promenade. Although the city doesn’t have its own sandy beach, the atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and genuinely holiday-like. In the evening, everyone gathers by the water, where you can stroll under the palms or ride the new giant observation wheel. It’s simply the ideal starting point for those who want to have everything within arm’s reach.
This base perfectly suits backpackers, young couples, and families planning to go on organized tours every day. Most boats to the Great Barrier Reef depart from Cairns, and you can easily get to the rainforests from here too. If you’re not planning to rent your own car, this city is the absolute clear choice, because buses go practically everywhere from here. Plus, you’ll get accommodation here at the most affordable prices along the entire tropical coast. You can reach the airport by taxi in a few minutes, and you can cover the entire center on foot without the slightest problem.
Among the cheaper options, guests highly praise Mad Monkey Village with a Google rating of 4.6 (832 reviews), or the popular Mumma’s Hostel Cairns with a rating of 4.5 (465 reviews). If you’re looking more for a middle ground and privacy, reviewers highlight Cairns City Apartments with a lovely 4.6 stars (92 reviews). For more discerning travelers, there’s the luxurious Riley A Crystalbrook Collection Resort, which has 4.4 (3174 reviews), or the traditional Pullman Cairns International with 4.3 stars (2529 reviews). 💡 Tip: Always carefully check when booking whether your chosen hotel has its own spacious pool available.
2. Cairns Northern Beaches (Trinity Beach)
The Northern Beaches area offers a fantastic compromise for anyone who finds Cairns city centre too noisy. Trinity Beach boasts a beautiful coastline where a protective stinger net is stretched out during the season. The entire neighbourhood feels like a sleepy beach village where life revolves around morning coffee and evening barbecues. You’ll find lovely ocean views and several excellent cafés serving fresh fruit smoothies. This location is perfect for slow mornings and long walks on soft sand.
This spot is ideal for families with children and travellers seeking peace without being completely cut off from civilisation. Cairns city centre is about twenty kilometres away, which means a short and comfortable drive. If you’re relying on public transport, keep in mind that buses run less frequently and the journey takes longer. On the plus side, you’re much closer to the northern attractions towards Kuranda from here. It’s the perfect retreat for ocean lovers who prefer apartment-style accommodation.
The accommodation Vue Apartments Trinity Beach receives excellent reviews from guests and boasts an outstanding Google rating of 4.8 (517 reviews). Equally impressive is the beautiful complex Beachfront Apartments on Trinity Beach with a rating of 4.8 (182 reviews). If you’re looking for reliable quality, reviewers often recommend Bellevue at Trinity Beach with a lovely 4.7 stars (101 reviews). The spacious Blue Lagoon Resort is also very popular, rated 4.4 (774 reviews). 💡 Tip: Most of these complexes offer fully equipped kitchens, which makes preparing breakfasts and dinners incredibly easy.
3. Palm Cove
Palm Cove is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic places in all of Australia and radiates absolute tranquillity. The main pride is the beautiful Williams Esplanade promenade, lined with ancient trees and shops. The beach here is protected by a net and the sea is usually very calm and welcoming for swimming. In this location you won’t find any giant supermarkets or noisy nightclubs – everything is geared towards perfect relaxation. It’s no wonder the local beach collects prestigious international awards for its incredible beauty and cleanliness.
This base is an absolute dream for honeymooning couples and travellers who appreciate a higher standard. You’re about twenty-five kilometres from Cairns city centre, so without a hire car you’ll feel a bit trapped here. The restaurant selection is smaller, but you can treat yourself to first-class gastronomic experiences full of fresh mango and Thai flavours. Accommodation and food prices are at the higher end here. If you crave silence and the sound of the ocean, you definitely won’t regret spending a few extra euros on Palm Cove.
For lovers of absolute peace, guests recommend the hotel The Reef House Adults Retreat, which has a lovely Google rating of 4.4 (703 reviews). Very luxurious facilities are offered by the magnificent Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa with a score of 4.4 (885 reviews). The iconic Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove also has an excellent reputation, with a rating of 4.3 (1110 reviews). For a cosier experience, reviewers highlight Paradise On The Beach Resort with a rating of 4.3 (266 reviews). 💡 Tip: Book accommodation with a view of the tropical garden, where exotic birds sing in the morning.
4. Port Douglas
Port Douglas is the kind of place you think is overhyped. And then you arrive and instantly understand why everyone stays longer than they planned. You’ll find a beautiful marina here, from where the most luxurious catamarans set sail towards the outer edge of the barrier reef. Every Sunday the famous markets take place in Anzac Park, where over one hundred and fifty stallholders offer local products. The town is full of excellent restaurants, renowned cafés and stylish boutiques with summer fashion. The whole atmosphere is incredibly chic, yet maintains that proper Australian laid-back vibe.
This location is the clear choice for more demanding travellers who want the best of both worlds within reach. It sits very strategically close to both Agincourt Reef and the gates of the mysterious Daintree rainforest. You’ll drive about an hour from Cairns airport, which is why people tend to come here for longer, slower stays. You need to bear in mind that this is the most expensive area in the entire surroundings. At the same time, it’s the place you’ll find hardest to leave at the end of your holiday.
Absolute top quality is represented by the beautiful resort Meridian Port Douglas with an excellent Google rating of 4.7 (216 reviews). Similarly stunning is the peaceful hotel Shantara Resort Port Douglas, which earned a score of 4.6 (719 reviews). For wellness lovers and perfect privacy, guests praise Niramaya Villas & Spa with a rating of 4.6 (530 reviews). A very reliable choice is also the classic Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa with a score of 4.3 (1295 reviews). 💡 Tip: If you’re planning a reef trip, Port Douglas offers a shorter sailing time to the most beautiful outer corals.
5. Four Mile Beach and Surroundings
The area around the iconic Four Mile Beach is actually the quieter sister of Port Douglas town centre itself. The beach stretches for several kilometres and offers breathtaking views of the bluish peaks of the surrounding mountains. At the northern end of the beach begins the popular trail to Flagstaff Hill, from where a perfect panorama of the Low Isles opens up. In the sea you can safely cool off during the season within the stretched protective net. It’s a wonderful place for lovers of long morning runs or evening walks in the shade of palm trees.
This part is most often chosen by families with children and all those who seek spacious hotel complexes with large pools. The centre of Port Douglas town is further away from here, but most resorts offer regular shuttle services. If you have a hire car, you can get to food and shopping within a few minutes. You’re also close to Wildlife Habitat, where you can have breakfast surrounded by koalas and toucans. And yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds. You simply get much more peace and space here for somewhat more affordable prices than in the town centre itself.
Extensive grounds in this area are represented by the popular Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas with a Google rating of 4.2 (1915 reviews). Travellers also very often choose the beautiful Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Douglas with an excellent score of 4.2 (1235 reviews). A little further south at Oak Beach you’ll find the absolutely unique Thala Beach Nature Reserve boasting a rating of 4.7 (731 reviews). If you’re looking for family-friendly facilities, reviewers mention Oaks Port Douglas Resort with a rating of 3.8 (1129 reviews). 💡 Tip: Book accommodation with access to a lagoon-style pool – children will absolutely love it.
6. Daintree
Staying right by the Daintree rainforest is a fascinating step into a completely different, ancient world of greenery. This area lies along the banks of the mighty river, where popular cruises for giant crocodiles are organised. You won’t find any busy streets or shopping centres here, just dense jungle and the sounds of exotic wildlife. You can visit the excellent Daintree Discovery Centre and walk along suspended walkways high in the tree canopy. Waking up to the morning mist surrounding the world’s oldest rainforest is an absolutely unforgettable experience.
The location is intended exclusively for lovers of wild nature who don’t require the buzz of the city or proximity to the beach. Bear in mind that the signal here is practically non-existent, you can’t get here without a car and accommodation is quite scarce. Book well in advance and consider it part of the adventure. Your reward will be complete immersion in nature and a peace you won’t experience elsewhere.
For an absolutely magical and ecological stay, guests warmly recommend Daintree Ecolodge, which maintains an amazing Google rating of 4.8 (363 reviews). If you’re travelling with a caravan or looking for a more affordable option, Daintree Riverview Lodges & Van Park has an excellent reputation with a score of 4.5 (206 reviews). Accommodation here is really scarce, so definitely don’t delay with your reservation. 💡 Tip: Try to go on a Daintree River cruise early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when crocodiles are most active.
7. Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is a legendary place where the world’s oldest rainforest meets the barrier reef. The main beach here is the stunning Myall Beach, but remember that you cannot swim here due to crocodiles. Instead of ocean swimming, you can explore mysterious rainforest trails and look out for rare prehistoric cassowary birds. The entire area has a strong sense of adventure and is full of small farms where you can enjoy amazing ice cream made from tropical fruits. It’s the true end of the world, where the asphalt road gives way to wilderness.
The journey here requires crossing the Daintree River by ferry and a bit of driving skill. ⚠️ You also need to be aware that the road to Cape Tribulation is undergoing repairs until around 2027, so be prepared for delays. The area appeals to adventurers and people who don’t mind occasional power outages or weak signal. Further north runs only the famous Bloomfield Track, which is exclusively for fully equipped 4WD vehicles. This base is perfect for those who want to experience genuine, raw Australian wilderness.
Travellers seeking an authentic experience often choose Safari Lodge and Campground, which has a beautiful Google rating of 4.5 (271 reviews). Right by the beach you’ll find the popular Cape Trib Beach House with a solid rating of 4.2 (512 reviews). Beautiful accommodation set directly in the greenery is offered by Ferntree Rainforest Lodge with a rating of 4.1 (700 reviews). For backpackers, the popular resort PK’s Jungle Village works well, with a rating of 3.3 (641 reviews). 💡 Tip: During rainforest walks, always keep your eyes peeled – an encounter with a giant cassowary is breathtaking, but requires keeping your distance.
8. Wonga Beach and Newell
The Wonga Beach area represents an amazingly hidden stretch of coastline north of Port Douglas, where regular tourists rarely venture. It offers incredibly long stretches of deserted sand lined with coconut palms and ancient tree ferns. Again, strict caution applies here, as we’re in strong crocodile territory and you cannot enter the water. But it’s a fantastic spot for collecting washed-up shells and long photographic walks at sunrise. You’ll find genuine local tranquillity here, far from all the glitzy hotel resorts.
This location is a strategic point for travellers with a car who want to explore Daintree but prefer sleeping by the ocean. From here, you’re only about twenty minutes’ easy drive from the ferry across the Daintree River. Infrastructure here is very basic, and for shopping or a proper dinner you need to drive to Mossman, so this location suits mainly those who love independence and are travelling in a campervan or looking for a cheap campsite. You’ll experience the genuine, sleepy atmosphere of the Australian countryside here.
The absolute number one in this area is the very popular Daintree Beach Resort, which boasts an excellent Google rating of 4.6 (343 reviews). This campground provides perfect facilities, clean amenities, and incredible peace right by the beach. There are no other verified hotels in this narrowly specified area, which only emphasises its untouched character. 💡 Tip: If you’re staying here, definitely drive to nearby Mossman Gorge for a morning walk before the tour buses arrive from Cairns.
9. Mission Beach
Mission Beach lies about two hours’ drive south of Cairns and is another fantastic tropical paradise. The beach stretches for fourteen kilometres, and from the mainland there are beautiful views of nearby Dunk Island. Here too, warnings about stingers apply, but during the season protective swimming nets are usually set up. The town has a wonderfully sleepy atmosphere full of small art galleries and pleasant beach cafés. The area is also known as one of the best places in Australia to spot wild cassowaries.
This destination will be loved by anyone who finds the northern area around Port Douglas too commercial and touristy. Accommodation and service prices here are noticeably more attractive, and on the beach you often won’t meet a soul. It’s an excellent stop for those doing a long road trip along the east coast. We recommend coming here for several days and simply slowing down the pace. Mission Beach offers the perfect mix of rainforest cascading right onto a wide, white beach.
If you’re looking for cosy, smaller accommodation, guests warmly recommend Rainforest Motel with a beautiful Google rating of 4.5 (116 reviews). For families and campers, Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village is absolutely ideal, with a rating of 4.4 (606 reviews). Those wanting classic hotel service by the sea will appreciate Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach, praised by reviewers with a rating of 4 (891 reviews). 💡 Tip: Set aside one afternoon for a slow drive along the surrounding rainforest roads – the chance of spotting a cassowary is truly enormous here.
10. Atherton Tablelands and the Hinterland
Atherton Tablelands works as a release valve. People come here to escape from the coastal heat, drive through the hills, and finally cool down a bit even without a pool. This is where you come for the most beautiful waterfalls, like the famous Millaa Millaa, where safe swimming is allowed, by the way. You’ll find the enormous Curtain Fig Tree here, and in the early morning you can observe shy platypuses in local streams. Agriculture thrives here, so along the way you’ll encounter farms offering amazing fresh cheeses and excellent chocolate. It’s an area where you finally escape the scorching tropical heat of the coast for a while.
Most travellers visit this hinterland only as a day trip from Cairns or Mission Beach. While this is a great shame, from a logistical standpoint it’s the easiest option for many people. Covering the popular waterfall circuit requires a car and about two hundred kilometres of driving. Temperatures here are always several degrees more pleasant thanks to the higher elevation. If you love nature and independent travel, feel free to plan even a two-day stopover here.
Since most of our verified hotels are located closer to the coast, we’re not listing specific properties directly on the tablelands plateau in this list. However, an excellent starting point for trips into the hinterland can be the already mentioned accommodation in Cairns or nearby Woree. 💡 Tip: You absolutely must not miss the breathtaking Paronella Park, a Spanish castle built in the middle of the rainforest, which has an absolutely fascinating history and housed the first private hydro-electric power station in Queensland.
Accommodation by Type of Stay
| Accommodation Type | Location | Google Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian Port Douglas | Port Douglas | 4.7 (216 reviews) | Couples, luxury, peace |
| Daintree Ecolodge | Daintree | 4.8 (363 reviews) | Nature lovers |
| Cairns City Apartments | Cairns City | 4.6 (92 reviews) | Mid-range, independence |
| Vue Apartments Trinity Beach | Trinity Beach | 4.8 (517 reviews) | Families, apartments |
| Beachfront Apartments | Trinity Beach | 4.8 (182 reviews) | Families by the beach |
| Mad Monkey Village | Cairns City | 4.6 (832 reviews) | Backpackers, hostels |
| Mumma’s Hostel Cairns | Cairns City | 4.5 (465 reviews) | Budget travel |
This brief overview for quick orientation clearly shows you where and for whom it’s ideal. You’ll find the rest of the details above for each location. If you’re travelling during high season, always check availability well in advance. Accommodation with high ratings disappears from availability first.
Trips That Determine Your Base
Your choice of base should largely depend on what exactly you want to see. An absolute classic is the trip to the village of Kuranda. The journey up by historic train costs 58 AUD for an adult and 87 AUD return. Much better, though, is the combination of train and Skyrail cableway, which will cost you around 145.50 AUD. In Kuranda, don’t miss the Original Rainforest Markets (daily 10–15) and the rescue centres. Entry to Koala Gardens costs 24 AUD and to the neighbouring Birdworld also 24 AUD. If you want to save money, buy a combo ticket to all three parks from 35.50 AUD.
On your way to Kuranda, you’ll see the famous Barron Falls. ⚠️ However, these waterfalls only thunder and show their full power during the wet season, roughly from December to April. During the dry season, only a thin trickle remains, as most of the water is diverted to the local power station. If you love wild nature, definitely head north from Port Douglas. In Daintree, you can try a crocodile cruise with Solar Whisper on a solar-powered boat from just 30 AUD per hour. Also stop at the Daintree Discovery Centre with entry at 41 AUD.
The hinterland, specifically the Atherton Tablelands area, is absolutely not to be missed. Definitely take the Waterfall Circuit, 17 kilometres long, where you’ll see stunning waterfalls like Millaa Millaa, Zillie and Ellinjaa. All these natural sights are completely free. You can also visit the enormous Curtain Fig Tree for free, and at dusk watch for platypuses from the platform at Yungaburra. A trip to the hinterland is ideally split into one long full day, as the circuit measures around two hundred kilometres.
An absolute gem of the entire region is the unique Paronella Park, located about an hour and a half south of Cairns. This Spanish castle in the middle of the jungle was built in 1935 by Catalan immigrant José Paronella. Entry costs 62 AUD for an adult and also gives you access to an absolutely magical night tour. From a logistical perspective, be careful when planning trips to the reefs and marine life. ⚠️ If you were hoping to visit the giant aquarium Reef HQ in Townsville, it’s closed until 2029 due to extensive reconstruction.
Where to Eat
Speaking of local delights, the food in northern Queensland definitely won’t disappoint you. Because places are quite far apart, it very much depends on where you’ve parked or where you’re staying. In Cairns itself, I recommend heading to the Esplanade promenade, where countless Asian and traditional Australian bistros await you. If you’re staying in Port Douglas, definitely don’t miss the famous Sunday markets, where you’ll find the best fresh produce from surrounding farms and stalls with amazing local food.
And if you head inland towards the lakes, be sure to stop at the historic Lake Barrine Teahouse. Besides excellent cooking and their own homemade desserts, the view over the calm surface of the crater lake is simply priceless. Just watch the opening hours—they close in the afternoon! 😉
When to Book and What to Avoid
Northern Queensland has very specific weather divided into two main seasons. The best time to visit is the so-called dry period, which lasts roughly from May to October. Temperatures are pleasant, it doesn’t rain, and there’s no danger from stingers. In contrast, the wet season, lasting roughly from December to April, brings extreme humidity and monsoon rains. During the wet season the waterfalls thunder beautifully, but many rainforest roads can be flooded.
If you’re planning a trip during the dry period, book your accommodation well in advance. The same applies to Australian school holiday dates, when prices shoot up and everything is hopelessly full. Stinger season runs roughly from November to May. During this period, swimming in the sea without a protective suit or outside netted areas is highly risky. Always carefully check in advance whether your beach has a protective net installed.
When choosing accommodation, pay very close attention to the exact location on the map. It often happens that a hotel has “Cairns” in its name but is actually located in an outer suburb far from the Esplanade promenade. Getting to the city centre can then be difficult and expensive without a car. A similar situation applies to the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Bear in mind that in the north there’s a very limited choice of accommodation, no large supermarkets, and mobile phone signal often doesn’t work at all.
Where to Next
- Cairns and Daintree: 18 Tips on What to See in the Gateway to the Tropics
- Great Barrier Reef: Trips, Prices and How to Experience It
- Holiday in Australia: 30 Most Beautiful Places + Practical Tips
- Road Trip Around Australia: Visas, Routes, Prices
- Brisbane, Australia: 20 Tips on What to See and Do
A similarly structured overview for the southernmost state can be found in the article Where to Stay in Tasmania: Bases and Tried-and-Tested Hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still not sure exactly how to piece together your northern trip? Believe me, you’re not alone. The area is huge and has its own unchanging rules that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Here’s a quick summary of the most common questions travellers regularly ask me, so you can plan with complete confidence.
Cairns or Port Douglas?
It depends on your budget and travel style. Cairns is busier, cheaper, and works as a great transport hub full of backpackers. Port Douglas, on the other hand, is very elegant, quieter, and more expensive, with an amazing selection of top-notch restaurants and boutiques.
Where can you swim safely?
In the ocean, only swim at beaches with protective stinger nets in place. Inland, you can safely use the crater lakes Eacham and Barrine, where there are no crocodiles, or designated freshwater pools in the rainforest.
Do you need a car?
If you’re staying in central Cairns and only planning organized boat or bus tours, you don’t necessarily need a car. For exploring the surroundings, trips to beaches like Palm Cove, or journeys inland, however, having your own car is a huge advantage.
Where to stay with kids?
The best choice for families are apartment complexes in the Trinity Beach area or near Four Mile Beach. It’s essential to choose accommodation with a large pool, because swimming in the ocean in the tropics is often problematic.
Where to stay for the reef?
Boats to the Great Barrier Reef depart most frequently from ports in Cairns and Port Douglas. If you want to go to the most remote and pristine corals of the outer reef, the journey from Port Douglas is somewhat shorter.
Is Palm Cove worth it?
Definitely yes, if you’re looking for peace and romance. This area was voted the world’s best beach, offers a beautiful tree-lined promenade and safe swimming within the nets. Prices here are somewhat higher than in bustling Cairns, though.
Can you sleep in Daintree itself?
Yes, accommodation in the Daintree rainforest and at Cape Tribulation is possible and absolutely magical. The selection is limited, though, there’s no signal, and you need to expect occasional road repairs. Book well in advance, therefore.
When is the best time to visit?
The most ideal conditions are during the Australian winter, which is the dry season from May to October. Temperatures are pleasant and there’s no danger from stingers in the water. During the wet season from December to April, expect massive humidity and rain.
Is Cairns expensive for accommodation?
Compared to other Australian cities, Cairns offers fairly affordable options, including plenty of quality hostels. The closer you move to Port Douglas, the higher accommodation prices you need to expect.
When to book hotels?
If you’re planning a trip in the high season from June to August, we recommend booking accommodation even half a year in advance. The same applies to accommodation with a private pool, which usually disappears from availability first.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
