Cape York Peninsula

Travel Guide

A lot of rain isn't always a bad thing in Cairns - it means our waterfalls look like this! With an added benefit of less crowds a visit during the 'big wet' has it's advantages! #waterlust

www.cheskiesgaplife.com
When in Australia, you will have to go and pay a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Even just with snorkelling, there is a whole new magical world to explore. Like this turtle who swam with us for a good half an hour! 

Remember when travelling (and also at home) leave only footprints, only take photographs.

#Aquatrove
One of the best ways to experience a place is from the skies. If you feel like splurging, a helicopter flight over Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do when visiting Tropical North Queensland in Australia.
The Mossman River is a beautiful part of the Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland - you can do a guided SUP tour down the river with Windswell Port Douglas, the best way to experience the rainforest and river, with lots of swimming holes and tree swings along the way.
What a fall!

Where to stay in Cape York Peninsula

Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove.

Palm Cove
Cairns featuring a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(72 area reviews)

Cairns Central Business District is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tropical North Waterfront.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach which includes landscape views, surfing and a beach

Trinity Beach

Travelers to Trinity Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach.

Trinity Beach
The Cairns Lagoon at sunrise in Tropical North Queensland

Cairns North

Beaches and abundant dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.

Cairns North
Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains

Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

Yorkeys Knob
Clifton Beach featuring mountains, golf and a luxury hotel or resort

Clifton Beach

Travelers come to Clifton Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while you're in town.

Clifton Beach
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is CA $177 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
CA $177
CA $195 total
Mar 31 - Apr 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Had an absolutely wonderful stay at Shangri-La Hotel! From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome with their warm hospitality and attention to detail. A special mention to the receptionist, Nao, who was exceptionally kind, professional, and always ready to help. Their dedication ...

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is CA $157 per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
CA $157
CA $172 total
Apr 19 - Apr 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Comfortable clean room

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

Hilton Cairns
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St Cairns QLD
The price is CA $157 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
CA $157
CA $172 total
Mar 31 - Apr 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

4 out of 5
3-11 Water Street Cairns QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,626 reviews)
The apartment has no elevator. We stayed at 3rd floor and was hard to carry heavy luggage to it. The AC is not cool at all. I don't recommend the 3rd floor living especially during the hot summer due to AC inefficiency.

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

3.5 out of 5
23-51 Anderson Road Woree QLD
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (772 reviews)
Great spot for families . Needs to regulate some of the smoking trends around kids and also karts around kids play area is a receipie for disaster . Overall great spot for families

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2026

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

5 out of 5
Mitre Street Craiglie QLD
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Craiglie. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Vie Spa Port Douglas ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,030 reviews)
Really lovely place, nice idea with the pool interlocking all the accomodation. One thing, it could do with a bit of a spruce & attention to detail. It’s a bit tired looking.

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Cape York Peninsula