Cairns and Barrier Reef Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Babinda boulders in the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Australia. Legend has it that the spirit of an Aboriginal woman resides in the Boulders waiting for the return of her love. Our tour guide told us the tragic love story of Oolana and Dyga. Oolana is a beautiful young lady destined to marry an Elder from her tribe. After the pair was married, another tribe wanders into their community and Oolana fell in love with a young, handsome man from the visiting tribe. As their forbidden love blossoms, they run away. But their respective tribes found the couple in the Babinda Boulder and soon, Dyga was captured and taken away from Oolana. Oolana, knowing that she cannot be with the person she loved, throws herself to the deep waterhole of the boulders. Today, it seems like Oolana is still looking for her true love as there are stories of mysterious deaths of young men swimming in the creek. Our tourist guide told us that Oolana lures these young men into the waterhole where her spirit resides, and realising that the man was not the true love that she was looking for, she brings his body back to the rocks. Of all the deaths that occurred in the creek, all but one was a male victim. The mysteries of Babinda Boulders are still being told and a warning sign is erected outside the creek, warning of the dangers of the Boulders. Fortunately, there's a shallow waterhole near the Boulders which still has pristine and cool water. This waterhole is safe to swim in. #gopro #goprophotography
Babinda boulders in the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns, Australia. Legend has it that the spirit of an Aboriginal woman resides in the Boulders waiting for the return of her love. Our tour guide told us the tragic love story of Oolana and Dyga. Oolana is a beautiful young lady destined to marry an Elder from her tribe. After the pair was married, another tribe wanders into their community and Oolana fell in love with a young, handsome man from the visiting tribe. As their forbidden love blossoms, they run away. But their respective tribes found the couple in the Babinda Boulder and soon, Dyga was captured and taken away from Oolana. Oolana, knowing that she cannot be with the person she loved, throws herself to the deep waterhole of the boulders. Today, it seems like Oolana is still looking for her true love as there are stories of mysterious deaths of young men swimming in the creek. Our tourist guide told us that Oolana lures these young men into the waterhole where her spirit resides, and realising that the man was not the true love that she was looking for, she brings his body back to the rocks. Of all the deaths that occurred in the creek, all but one was a male victim. The mysteries of Babinda Boulders are still being told and a warning sign is erected outside the creek, warning of the dangers of the Boulders. Fortunately, there's a shallow waterhole near the Boulders which still has pristine and cool water. This waterhole is safe to swim in. #gopro #goprophotography
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.
This is a popular swimming spot - and for good reason. Try to visit on weekdays and out of school hours for your best chance to beat the crowds. but even with them it's still a pretty awesome sight! #waterlust www.cheskiesgaplife.com
Stoney Creek Falls is one of the smaller more local swim spots and waterfalls near Cairns. Perfect place to chill out and cool down.

Where to stay in Cairns and Barrier Reef

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 featuring tropical scenes, landscape views 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
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 a luxury hotel or resort, golf and mountains

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
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Barron

Barron might not have many top sights, but Australian Armour and Artillery Museum and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Barron
The lagoon is a great place to watch the sun setting in Cairns. www.cheskiesgaplife.com #colorful

Bungalow

The beaches and shopping are a few reasons travellers visit Bungalow. Want to see more of the surrounding area? DFO Cairns and Cazalys Cairns are a few top sights nearby.

Bungalow
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is AU$227 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
AU$227
30 Jan - 31 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Had a fabulous view from my balcony; fab housekeeping; breakfast was amazingly, fairly central especially to dive/reef boats. Great stay overall.

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is AU$179 per night from 4 Feb to 5 Feb
AU$179
4 Feb - 5 Feb
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! (1,003 reviews)
The room had a nice view of the river. The staff in the Bar and Restaurant were very friendly and helpful. The food and service was very good.

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Hilton Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
The price is AU$122 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
AU$122
25 Jan - 26 Jan
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! (1,002 reviews)
Check in was very friendly and helpful, which as it was late and I was tired was important

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
See all 1,331 properties in Cairns and Barrier Reef
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,606 reviews)
Couldn't fault it at all. Perfect location, close to transport, shops etc.

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove

4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp Palm Cove QLD
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (856 reviews)
The room could have been cleaner on arrival, however overall we were happy with our stay.

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026

Drift Palm Cove
Mantra Trilogy

Mantra Trilogy

4 out of 5
101 - 105 The Esplanade Cairns QLD
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,295 reviews)
Will stay again

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

Mantra Trilogy
See all properties in Cairns and Barrier Reef
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

Cairns Esplanade which includes a luxury hotel or resort, a pool and swimming

Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(1,351 reviews)

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

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

Palm Cove Beach

4.5/5(1,059 reviews)

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.

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(1,110 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
Esplanade Lagoon showing a hotel and a coastal town

Esplanade Lagoon

4.5/5(888 reviews)

Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.

Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a marina

Cairns Marlin Marina

4.5/5(664 reviews)

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Cairns Marlin Marina
Cairns Night Markets showing markets as well as a small group of people

Cairns Night Markets

4/5(731 reviews)

During your trip to Tropical North Waterfront, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.

Cairns Night Markets

Cities near Cairns and Barrier Reef

Cairns and Northern Beaches showing signage

Kuranda

Barron Gorge at sunrise. I managed to get there before the white water rafters arrived.

Koah

If you're looking for an inexpensive but lovely way to spend an evening then hop on a sunset cruise with Cairns Harbour Cruises. At only $44 it's worth it to see the sun setting behind the mountains. #goldenhour www.cheskiesgaplife.com/a-delightful-evening-the-cairns-sunset-cruise

Portsmith

Barron Gorge National Park featuring a river or creek and forests

Speewah

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