Macalister Range Travel Guide

Cairns

This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia
This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia

Popular places to visit

This is great experience to see a rainforest from the top. Highly recommended and worth the money spend on the ticket.

Cairns Cable Ski

Hit the slopes at Cairns Cable Ski during your trip to Macalister Range. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Cable Ski
Cairns Esplanade showing a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming

Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(57 reviews)

Cairns Esplanade is just one of the places to see in Cairns, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Esplanade
Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

Palm Cove Beach

4.5/5(39 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Palm Cove Beach during your travels in Cairns? While in this romantic area, find time to visit its spas.

Palm Cove Beach
One of best things to do in Cairns is ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It's a 90 minute journey that takes you down the mountain to Cairns passing waterfalls, scenic lookouts and over old bridges. Catch the Skyrail up the mountain from Cairns and then catch the train back down. Or, vice versa.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

4/5(37 reviews)

During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can do some window-shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a marina

Cairns Marlin Marina

4.5/5(25 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Tropical North Waterfront with a trip to Cairns Marlin Marina. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Marlin Marina
Esplanade Lagoon which includes a hotel and a coastal town

Esplanade Lagoon

4.5/5(30 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to Esplanade Lagoon during your stay in Tropical North Waterfront. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Esplanade Lagoon

Top hotels in Macalister Range

Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is 3.132.820 ₫ per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
3.132.820 ₫
3.446.102 ₫ total
13 Mar - 14 Mar
includes taxes & fees
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 in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Nice service

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Hilton Cairns
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD
The price is 6.181.790 ₫ per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
6.181.790 ₫
6.800.061 ₫ total
13 Mar - 14 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Staff were so welcoming and helpful, they really went out of their way to make our stay feel special. The room was beautiful and very clean. A nice touch was the on tap sparkling and chilled water in the corridor.

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
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 2.563.216 ₫ per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
2.563.216 ₫
2.819.538 ₫ total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
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 clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
The room does not have a toaster, microwave or a sink. They do not even provide drinking water in a jug. They wanted me to bring my food down to reception/lobby and they will not allow me to use their microwave but heat my food without washing hands. Absolutely unacceptable to me as a doctor. Use ...

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is 3.758.043 ₫ per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
3.758.043 ₫
4.133.847 ₫ total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
Very good location and the horizon lounge a must

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
The price is 2.212.139 ₫ per night from 11 Mar to 12 Mar
2.212.139 ₫
2.433.279 ₫ total
11 Mar - 12 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
The pools and 2 restaurants made it a very convenient stay. It’s close to grocery stores so we could get some snacks. The resort dated, but clean and comfortable! The fire alarm went off in our room at 7am the morning we were leaving, so that got us out of there early. I’m sure a battery change would ...

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St Cairns QLD
The price is 3.350.609 ₫ per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
3.350.609 ₫
3.685.670 ₫ total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (883 reviews)
Great staff, location, food. Expedia has this classified as a three star hitel; WAY BETTER!!! We are staying in three star hotels throughout Australia and this one puts them all to shame. Way to go Novotel Cairns!!!!

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
See all 1,972 properties in Macalister Range
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Macalister Range

Clifton Beach which includes mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
Kewarra Beach. The best of Cairns' northern beaches. Stunning.

Kewarra Beach

Unique features of Kewarra Beach include the beaches and golf courses. Make a stop by Kewarra Beach or Kuranda National Park while you're exploring the area.

Kewarra Beach
Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
With a balcony boasting 180 degree views up and down the coastline Santai really is a special place to stay. plus - no kids allowed in the complex! So you can sip your poolside cocktails safe in the knowledge that no one is about to jump in and splash you...probably! www.cairnsluxuryapartments.com.au

Ellis Beach

Ellis Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Macalister Range National Park and Wet Tropics of Queensland.

Ellis Beach
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Trinity Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Trinity Park and surrounding area, you can visit Half Moon Bay Golf Course and Moon River Beach.

Trinity Park

Macalister Range Travel Guide

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