Freshwater Travel Guide
Cairns
Visit Freshwater
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.
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.
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 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.
Things to do
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Top hotels in Freshwater
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Good location. On site pool. Lovely breakfast.
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
Hilton Cairns
Everything was good . Had a wonderful stay
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Needs to update the images on the website rooms and building is outdated
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
yes
Reviewed on 9 Apr 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Property along the Esplanade but almost 2 miles from the Marina and shopping. Fitness facility is OFFSITE and a 10 minute walk. Rooms are very basic, although good size. Tubs (showers) are very difficult to get in and out and the faucets dripped constantly
Reviewed on 10 Apr 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
ants and cockroaches in the room
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Freshwater
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.
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 Tanks Arts Centre.
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.
Redlynch
You'll enjoy the parks and shopping in Redlynch. You might want to make time for a stop at Crystal Cascades or Barron Gorge National Park.
Machans Beach
Though Machans Beach may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Crystal Cascades & Lake Morris and Yorkeys Knob Beach.
