Must-see hotels in Cairns & Far North Queensland

  • Lizard Island Resort

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    This sumptuous, ultra-exclusive resort, fully and exquisitely refurbished in 2015, won't be within everyone's travel budget, but many consider it one of…

  • Green Island Resort

    Cairns

    Luxurious Green Island Resort maintains a sense of privacy and exclusivity despite having sections opened to the general public, including restaurants,…

  • Bailey

    Cairns

    Billed as the 'arty one' of Cairns' three Crystalbrook Collection five-star hotels, Bailey's green, eye-catching facade is already a cityscape icon,…

  • Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa

    The Daintree

    The sublime boutique 'banyans' (pole cabins; 10 with private spa) here sit in seclusion high in the rainforest canopy a few kilometres south of Daintree…

  • Silky Oaks Lodge

    The Daintree

    This eco-resort on the Mossman River woos honeymooners and stressed-out execs with amazing architecturally designed tree houses, riverside lodge suites,…

  • Tropic Days

    Cairns

    Tucked behind the showgrounds (with a courtesy bus into town), this popular hostel has a tropical garden with hammocks, pool table, fresh linen and towels…

  • Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    A favourite with nature lovers of all stripes, these 10 self-contained lodges are hidden among thick rainforest; expect plenty of birds, sugar gliders and…

  • Heritage Lodge & Spa

    The Daintree

    The friendly, accommodating owners of this wonderful retreat will do their best to make sure you feel at home. Their cute but comfortable renovated cabins…

  • Reef House Resort & Spa

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Once the private residence of an army brigadier, Reef House is more intimate and understated than most of Palm Cove’s resorts. The whitewashed walls,…

  • Salty Souls

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    If you want to linger longer in Palm Cove, make yourself at home in this gorgeous tropical-style house. The decor and facilities are second to none, with…

  • Canopy Treehouses & Wildlife Sanctuary

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Boutique eco-accommodation doesn’t get much better than this cluster of superbly designed timber-pole homes set among 100 acres of rainforest teeming with…

  • Travellers Oasis

    Cairns

    Folks adore this little hippy hostel, hidden away in a side street behind Cairns Central Shopping Centre. It's intimate, inviting and less party-centric…

  • On the Wallaby

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    This cosy ecofriendly hostel features handmade timber furniture, lots of green-energy touches (solar, rainwater tanks), spotless rooms and no TV. Nature…

  • Coral Beach Lodge

    Port Douglas

    A cut above most backpacker places, this chilled-out hostel has well-equipped en-suite dorms (with four or five beds) and double or triple rooms that put…

  • Peppers Beach Club

    Port Douglas

    A killer location and an exceptional, enormous, sandy lagoon pool, combined with luxurious, airy apartments with high-end furnishings and amenities, put…

  • Cedar Park Rainforest Resort

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Set deep in the bush (a 20-minute drive from Kuranda towards Mareeba), this unusual property is part Euro-castle, part Aussie-bush-retreat. In lieu of TV,…

  • Lion's Den Hotel

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    An iconic pub with a tangible history dating back to 1875 and a heap of memorabilia on the walls, Lion's Den is a must-stop. You'll find fuel, ice-cold…

  • Atherton Woodlands

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    A favourite with everyone from birdwatchers to mountain bikers and young families to grey nomads, this beautifully maintained caravan park enjoys gorgeous…

  • Cairns Beaches Flashpackers

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Palm Cove's first and only hostel is a splendid, spotless place just 100m from the beach. It's more a restful retreat than party palace. The bunk-free…

  • Bounce

    Cairns

    Bounce is a cut above many Cairns budget spots, with tidy dorms and neat studio-style apartments with kitchen and balcony, sleeping four. The central deck…

  • Chillagoe Eco Lodge

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    The top place to stay in Chillagoe, this easygoing resort has 10 modern and comfortable units with aircon, fridge and verandahs. There's space for camping…

  • Epiphyte B&B

    The Daintree

    This lovingly built, laid-back place is set on a lush 3.5-hectare property. Individually styled rooms are of varying sizes, but all have their own…

  • Daintree Wilderness Lodge

    The Daintree

    Beautiful wood-floored cabins with balcony deep in the rainforest make this a top place for immersion in the Daintree. Service is impeccable, there's a…

  • Sea Point on Trinity Beach

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    One of the most handsome blocks on the beachfront, Sea Point's indoor-outdoor balconies, tiled floors and breezy outlooks are alluring. Great low-season…

  • South Pacific B&B

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Idyllic, private and hosted by a genuinely welcoming couple, this is everything a B&B should be. Rooms and cottages are expansive and tropical, as are the…

  • Cooktown Motel

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Also known as Pam's Place, Cooktown Motel is no longer YHA affiliated but is still one of the best budget places in town, with a big communal kitchen,…

  • Sweetwater Lodge

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Sweetwater Lodge is where the rainforest meets the bush. The two romantic, sensationally designed and deliciously isolated luxury, self-contained cabins…

  • Milkwood Lodge

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    The six split-level pole cabins here have a wonderfully secluded rainforest feel. Beautifully designed with large balconies and modern amenities, they…

  • Cairns Plaza Hotel

    Cairns

    One of Cairns' original high-rise hotels, the Plaza is – thanks to recent renovations and professional staff – a good choice in this price range. Rooms…

  • Thala Beach Nature Reserve

    Port Douglas

    On a private coastal headland 15km south of Port Douglas, Thala Beach is a sublime upmarket eco-retreat so relaxing that even locals come here to splash…

  • Mungumby Lodge

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Explore the surrounding rainforest and waterfall of Mungumby Lodge, where 10 delightful en-suite eco bungalows are scattered among the lawns and mango…

  • 201 Lake Street

    Cairns

    Looking as though it's been lifted from the pages of a trendy magazine, this gorgeous apartment complex has a stellar pool and a whiff of exclusivity…

  • Wild River Caravan Park

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    Shady, spacious, sprinkled with quirky touches and with a ruthlessly clean camp kitchen, this idyllic spot along the Wild River makes an excellent base…

  • Fitzroy Island Camping Ground

    Cairns

    These idyllic island bush-camp sites have showers, toilets and barbecues and can accommodate up to four people. Advance bookings through Fitzroy Island…

  • Granite Gorge Caravan Park

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    At Granite Gorge Nature Park, this is a fabulous, family-friendly park with riverside camping, powered sites, cabins and safari tents, all with easy…

  • Turtle Cove Beach Resort

    Port Douglas

    Midway between Palm Cove and Port Douglas, Turtle Cove is one of the few LGBTIQ+ resorts in Far North Queensland. Refurbished rooms all have sea views,…

  • Mad Monkey

    Cairns

    This branch of the popular Mad Monkey chain has prime position on the Esplanade, with bars, restaurants and the lagoon a mere stagger away. That's…

  • Mt Louis Station

    Cairns & Far North Queensland

    On Mt Louis Station, a 1200ha working cattle property between Rossville and Ayton, this delightful three-bedroom holiday home can be rented by the room or…

  • The Lakes

    Cairns

    These gigantic resort apartments are a winning choice for families, groups, or anyone who wants to be away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. All…

  • Fitzroy Island Resort

    Cairns

    This resort's tropi-cool accommodation ranges from sleek studios, suites and beachfront cabins through to luxurious apartments; the apartments and suites…