Barron Gorge Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Barron Gorge
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.
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 Central Shopping Centre
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 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 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.
Activities
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Half-Day Kuranda Skyrail & Rail Tour
Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Admission Tickets
Our pick of the best Barron Gorge Hotel Deals
Hilton Cairns
Great service and attitude
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
The day of the 15th, when the room was serviced, a few things were not done. I had to request tea bags, hand towels, etc. For a Hilton Hotel at $260 per night, I was slightly disappointed. Next time I stay in Cairns, I will choose another hotel. Buffet breakfast was excellent
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Fabulous room with two queensize beds, roomy well designed bathroom, bar fridge, kettle and tea and coffee sachets. The groundfloor room had an outdoor table and chairs overlooking the pool surrounded by palms and tropical vegetation.
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
This hotel is lovely, staff were truly kind & courteous. The hotel is showing age but the linens were lush & the rooms were well appointed with great amenities. Pool is beautiful too. Again I would have loved to have seen it when it opened 30 years ago. Currently it just needs a good scrub. Food ...
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Everything was perfect! Had such a great weekend. Totally recommended
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Crystalbrook Riley
The room was fantastic - spacious, clean and comfortable with great views of the pool and esplanade. Crystalbrook Riley is always a great place to stay and unwind in Cairns.
Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Barron Gorge
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.
Smithfield
You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Smithfield. You might want to make time for a stop at Smithfield Shopping Centre or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station.
Whitfield
While there might not be top attractions in Whitfield, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Cairns Botanic Gardens or Centenary Lakes 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.
Holloways Beach
Beaches, restaurants and gardens are just a few things travellers enjoy about Holloways Beach. Check out Yorkeys Knob Beach or Holloways Beach while you're exploring the area.
