Freshwater
Cairns
Visit Freshwater
Popular places to visit
Cairns Esplanade
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.
Palm Cove Beach
Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
Esplanade Lagoon
Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.
Cairns Convention Centre
Learn about the events happening at Cairns Convention Centre during your trip to Tropical North Waterfront. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.
Things to do
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise
Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation Day Tour
Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets
Freshwater Hotel Deals
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Great location close to the Pier & Esplanade. Easy walking distance to restaurants & shops. The staff are very welcoming and helpful. Room was extremely clean and great pool area.
Reviewed on Apr 14, 2026
Hilton Cairns
Very nice hotel, on the waterfront. Good breakfast, easy to walk to the marina.
Reviewed on Apr 15, 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Needs to update the images on the website rooms and building is outdated
Reviewed on Apr 11, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
yes
Reviewed on Apr 9, 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
It is great
Reviewed on Apr 15, 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Overall amazing spot, very clean, very friendly helpful staff, delicious food and great range of drinks and cocktails Maybe a cheap shuttle bus to and from the resort for those who don't have cars. Maybe incorporate in the price or at a reasonable price. One stop into town, no other drop off point.uber ...
Reviewed on Apr 13, 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Freshwater
Barron
Though Barron might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Australian Armour and Artillery Museum and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station.
Whitfield
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Whitfield and surrounding area, you can visit Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Tanks Arts Centre.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Tanks Arts Centre or Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.
Redlynch
You'll enjoy the parks and shopping in Redlynch. You might want to make time for a stop at Crystal Cascades or Barron Gorge National Park.
Machans Beach
Though Machans Beach might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Crystal Cascades & Lake Morris and Yorkeys Knob Beach.
