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.

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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
Aerial view above Rhodes with views to Wentworth Point and Concord West with Parramatta River in Sydney NSW Australia

Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cazaly's Stadium and Barlow Park.

Parramatta Park
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Manunda

Shopping, gardens and spas are some highlights of Manunda. You might stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Cairns Performing Arts Centre while you're in the area.

Manunda
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is AU$224 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$224
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! (1,014 reviews)
Very good location and the horizon lounge a must

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$187 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
AU$187
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! (1,007 reviews)
Nice service

Reviewed on 4 Mar 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 AU$153 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$153
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! (1,002 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
See all 1,314 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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,625 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 5 Mar 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort

3.5 out of 5
23-51 Anderson Road Woree QLD
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (766 reviews)
Great place for kids to make new friends & parents to relax.

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort
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! (868 reviews)
The apartment was great (location, etc.) but the furniture was all pretty beat up and really needed replaced. There was also construction going on around the pool the entire stay, which was rather inconvenient. Staff were helpful but sparse.

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Drift Palm Cove
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
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
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 Convention Centre, Queensland: Aerial Photo of Iconic Architecture, Urban Landscape, Waterfront, and City Infrastructure in Tropical North Queensland, Australia

Cairns Convention Centre

4/5(130 reviews)

Learn about the events happening in Cairns Convention Centre during your trip to Tropical North Waterfront. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Convention Centre

Cities near Cairns and Barrier Reef

Cairns and Northern Beaches showing signage

Kuranda

Aerial photo of tropical housing estate in mountain range

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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