Your guide to the top Cairns family accommodation. In this article, I have rounded up the best places to stay in Cairns to help… The post 9 Top Cairns Family Accommodation Options to Suit All Budgets appeared first on...
Your guide to the top Cairns family accommodation. In this article, I have rounded up the best places to stay in Cairns to help you choose your perfect accommodation!
Located in Northern Queensland, if you haven’t been eyeing Cairns as your next tropical getaway, you should add it to your list. It has an array of sights and activities within the city and is an ideal hub to explore the region.
If you landed on this page hoping to find where to stay in Cairns then you’re in the right place! With hotels, serviced apartments, and holiday parks – the options are endless. With many choices, the task of selecting accommodation can become time-consuming and stressful, which is why I have created this list.
Continue reading to find my shortlist of the best Cairns resorts for families.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer for more information.
Featured Image: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort © Tourism and Events Queensland
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Cairns Family Accommodation: The Best Area
Overview of Neighbourhoods
When searching for accommodation in Cairns I found many hotels and apartments available.
Most accommodation in Cairns is central to the CBD and the Cairns Esplanade which is ideal for exploring the city, dining out and visiting attractions.
Cairns City Centre (CBD)
The Cairns CBD is buzzing with activity. By staying close to the CBD you will be in a central location to many landmarks, attractions, and a variety of entertainment. You will be close to shopping, lots of dining options, and the popular Rustys Markets. Rusty’s is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and is more than a fruit and vegetable market. There are stalls selling everything from pottery, jewellery, homewares, clothing, and much more.
Cairns Esplanade
A beautiful area in Cairns that stretches for 2.5 kms overlooking the Coral Sea. Many dining venues and accommodation options can be found close to the Cairns Esplanade with popular attractions within walking distance. One of the most iconic places to visit is the Cairns Lagoon. A free outdoor swimming area situated on the Cairns foreshore surrounded by grassy parklands.
Accommodation Features to Consider
What is important to you when looking for the best family accommodation in Cairns?
Consider the following list before booking.
Price – Are you searching for budget-friendly accommodation in Cairns? Rooms – How many guests are travelling? Do you want extra space? Facilities – What facilities are important to you for comfort and fun? Location – Do you want to be within walking distance of attractions and dining outlets? Dining – Do you want a kitchen within your room or a hotel that has dining options? WiFi – Is free WiFi available? Parking – Will you need car parking? Is there an extra cost?Which Booking Engine to Use
I have included links in this article to Booking.com as they are one of the most well-known holiday sites where you can book accommodation online.
There are many more booking engines available to compare accommodation prices, but with a background in hotel reservations and many years of travel experience under my belt, my suggestion is to stick to one or two.
I have chosen this company as I have booked accommodation through them before, the system is user-friendly, they provide guest reviews, the rates, inclusions, and cancellation policy are clear and they are a brand that I trust.
Summary of Family Accommodation Cairns
Don’t fancy reading my entire accommodation guide and just want to know my recommendation? Well, see below my shortlist.
Popular Accommodation in Cairns
Crystalbrook Bailey – Apartment / Hotel Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort – Hotel Cairns Private Apartments – Apartment / Hotel Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut – Holiday Park
Pool Area © Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Comparison Chart of Where to Stay in Cairns
Before I go into detail on family resorts in Cairns, hotels, and apartments, the below table is a way to compare each of them and their important features.
The review rating was collected from Booking.com at the time of publication and is subject to change.
Slide across to view the full chart
| Crystalbrook Bailey | 400 m from CBD | Apartment / Hotel | 8.7 | Check Rates |
| Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut | 6.1 km from CBD | Holiday Park | 9 | Check Rates |
| Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort | 250 m from CBD | Hotel | 8.2 | Check Rates |
| Cairns Private Apartments | .9km from CBD | Apartment / Hotel | 9 | Check Rates |
| Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns | .8 km from CBD | Hotel | 8.4 | Check Rates |
| Waters Edge Apartment Cairns | .6 km from CBD | Apartment / Hotel | 9.3 | Check Rates |
| Cairns Luxury Waterfront Apartment | .8 km from CBD | Apartment | 9.2 | Check Rates |
| Cairns Aquarius | 450 m from CBD | Apartment / Hotel | 8.6 | Check Rates |
| Vision Apartments | 450 m from CBD | Apartment / Hotel | 9 | Check Rates |
Keep reading below for our full information on each property and more.
Find the Best Cairns Family Accommodation here!
Crystalbrook Bailey
The Crystalbrook Bailey is part of the Crystalbrook Collection. Located in the heart of Cairns CBD and close to top attractions, including the Cairns Aquarium and Cairns Esplanade. A modern 5 star luxury hotel with contemporary city view rooms and one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
There are several accommodation options. The Urban Family Room has two interconnecting rooms or opt for an Urban Deluxe Room with two queen beds. It is not common to find apartment accommodation that has hotel luxuries. The Crystalbrook Bailey offers the best of both worlds! The spacious serviced apartments offer guests a full kitchen with self-catering amenities, plus the use of all the facilities within the hotel.
Location: 400 m from CBD Accommodation Type: Apartment / Hotel Cooking &/or Dining Facilities: Full kitchen in apartments plus1 restaurant on site Laundry Services: Laundry facilities within the apartments Car Parking: Parking is available for a daily fee Other: Free WiFi, Nespresso machine with pods, outdoor swimming pool, complimentary moviesFeatured Guest Review: “Staying in the residences. The apartment was everything we wish for. The best surprises included the rain shower head, free kids movies, Crystalbrooks signature scents and body products, the chilled main foyer playlist and the ability to access both pools. Everything you need is within walking distance. We had an amazing time in Cairns. We will be recommending Crystalbrook Bailey to our friends and family. Thankyou” – Meaghan
Check the Latest Prices and Reviews Here
Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut
The Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort is spread over 28 acres of landscaped tropical gardens. There are 10 different styles of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. You will have access to 2 swimming pools (one including slides), a water park with slides, a playground, jumping pillows, and more on-site activities. The Cairns Coconut Resort is a haven for kids.
All cabins include cooking facilities. However, if you prefer not to cook the holiday park is located close to fast food options and has a restaurant on site.
Based on TripAdvisor reviews, the BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut is rated in the top 10 Cairns family resorts from a value perspective.
Practical Information: The Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort is located outside of the city, therefore it would be best to have a form of transport to stay here. You will need to weigh up if it is a convenient location based on your itinerary.
Location: 6.1 km from CBD Accommodation Type: Holiday Park Cooking &/or Dining Facilities: Full kitchen in cabins plus a restaurant on site. Laundry Services: Self-service laundry machines available for a fee Car Parking: Free parking Other: Free WiFi, 2 heated swimming pools, water park, sporting activities (free and paid)Featured Guest Review: “Staff were friendly and helpful when we needed something, so many activities and things for the kids to do all round a great spot to stay” – Toalii
Check the Latest Prices and Reviews Here
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Standard Twin Room © Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
The 4.5 star Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort features a spectacular lagoon pool with a sandy beach area, a children’s pool, and the only swim-up bar in Cairns.
All accommodation rooms have a private balcony overlooking the pool, city, or hotel’s tropical gardens. The bedding configuration of two double beds can typically accommodate families with children if they are sharing the existing bedding. 16 years and above is classed as an adult at this property.
Based on TripAdvisor reviews, the Novotel is rated the best hotel in Cairns from a value perspective.
Location: 250 m from CBD Accommodation Type: Hotel Cooking &/or Dining Facilities: 1 restaurant on site Laundry Services: Laundry services available for an additional fee Car Parking: Parking is available for a daily fee Other: Free WiFi, lagoon pool, swim-up bar,Featured Guest Review: “Clean and welcoming, amazing pool for the kids and staff were great. We will definitely stay again.” – Higgins
Check the Latest Prices and Reviews Here
Cairns Private Apartments
The Cairns Private Apartments is in a premium location with it being a short stroll from the Cairns Esplanade and the Cairns dining precinct. The luxury 4.5 star apartments offer 1, 2 & 3- bedroom fully self-contained units with harbour or garden views.
Location: .9 km from CBD Accommodation Type: Apartment / Hotel Cooking &/or Dining Facilities: Full kitchen Laundry Services: Laundry facilities within the apartments Car Parking: Parking is available for a daily fee Other: Outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi, BBQ facilities, fitness centre,Featured Guest Review: “Fabulous location, absolutely spectacular view. very comfortable with everything we needed.” – Jennifer
Check the Latest Prices and Reviews Here
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Pool Area © Shangri-La The Marina Cairns
Deluxe Twin Sea View Room © Shangri-La The Marina Cairns
The Shangri-La is a 5 star luxury hotel overlooking the Cairns Marlin Marina. Centrally located within walking distance of the Pier Shopping Centre and the Great Barrier Reef departure terminal.
Some accommodation rooms consist of two double beds where typically children 12 years of age can stay for free in their parent’s room using the existing bedding. All rooms feature a private balcony with views of tropical gardens, Trinity Bay, or Marlin Marina.
Location: .8 km from CBD Accommodation Type: Hotel Cooking &/or Dining Facilities: 3 restaurants on site Laundry Services: Laundry services available for a fee Car Parking: Parking is available for a daily fee Other: Free WiFi, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centreFeatured Guest Review: “Great staff and awesome location right on the harbour where all the action is. Every time you saw staff in the hallways or the bar, or at breakfast they always smiled and said hello, really good attitude shown by everyone. Great pool also with plenty to keep kids happy and engaged. Rooms are super comfy and modern too with plenty of hot water and nice temp in room.” – Tim
Check the Latest Prices and Reviews Here
Waters Edge Apartment Cairns
The Waters Edge Apartments in Cairns have spacious fully self-contained 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, and laundry facilities.
Located on the northern end of the Cairns Esplanade. The Waters Edge Apartment is within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Location: .6 km from CBD Accommodation Type: Apartment / Hotel Cooking &/or Dining Facilities: Full kitchen in apartments Laundry Services: Laundry facilities within the apartments Car Parking: Free parking Other: Free WiFi, outdoor swimming pool, BBQ facilitiesFeatured Guest Review: “Great location, clean and heaps of room with a fantastic view” – Nick
Check the Latest Prices and Reviews Here
Cairns Luxury Waterfront Apartment
The Cairns Luxury Waterfront Apartment is a 2-bedroom modern apartment located in the Rydges Esplanade Resort complex.
The apartment has uninterrupted ocean views, two balconies, and a spacious open-plan living, dining lounge area. A fully equipped chef kitchen and laundry facilities make it a comfortable home away from home.
Being a privately-owned apartment, it offers extra amenities including free Netflix and sporting equipment.
Location: .8 km from CBD Accommodation Type: Apartment Cooking &/or Dining Facilities: Full kitchen in apartments and 1 restaurant on site Laundry Services: Laundry facilities within the apartments Car Parking: Free parking Other: Free WiFi, two outdoor swimming pools, room service, espresso machineFeatured Guest Review: “The location is amazing and the property is spacious with all the amenities” – Pankaj
Check the Latest Prices and Reviews Here
Cairns Aquarius
The Cairns Aquarius Holiday Apartments are located on the Cairns Esplanade, only 300 metres from the Cairns Lagoon and a short walk from restaurants and cafes. The accommodation is within a 5-minute walk from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, where some reef and island cruises depart.
The 1 and 2-bedroom apartments have a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities making them suitable for longer stays.
Location: 450 m from CBD Accommodation Type: Apartment / Hotel Cooking &/or Dining Facilities: Full kitchen in apartments Laundry Services: Laundry facilities within the apartments Car Parking: Free parking Other: Free WiFi, two outdoor swimming poolsFeatured Guest Review: “On the Esplanade, very centrally located to shops, tourist attractions, boardwalk and outdoor areas. Apartment fully furnished, great views. Easy and secure access.” – Biglev
Check the Latest Prices and Reviews Here
Vision Apartments
Vision Cairns Apartments is a self-contained 5 star property located on the Cairns Esplanade. Each apartment is equipped with a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and a spacious open-plan interior including a balcony off the living room.
Set amongst lush tropical gardens, the property has two swimming pools, including a lap pool, a gymnasium, a steam room, and shaded BBQ facilities for guests to use.
Location: 450 m from CBD Accommodation Type: Apartment / Hotel Cooking &/or Dining Facilities: Full kitchen in apartments Laundry Services: Laundry facilities within the apartments Car Parking: Free parking Other: Free WiFi, two outdoor swimming pools, sauna, fitness centreFeatured Guest Review: “The apartment was absolutely beautiful. The location was perfect and the grounds were stunning with a lovely pool and spa. We would definitely consider staying there again. It was close to restaurants and walking distance to shops and transport.” – Alftak
Check the Latest Prices and Reviews Here
Top Things to Do in Cairns
To help you plan the perfect trip to Cairns, here are 10 of the best things to do:
Visit the Cairns Aquarium Stroll along the picturesque Cairns Esplanade Visit Rusty’s Markets Take a trip to the Great Barrier Reef Wander around Cairns Botanical Gardens Embrace nature on a trip to Kuranda Marvel at the beauty on Fitzroy Island For a fun day visit Cairns Zoom & Wildlife Dome Go for a splash at the Cairns Lagoon Hit the road and visit Port DouglasRead More: A 5 day Cairns Itinerary Guide
Ready to book your stay?
Cairns is one of the top destinations to visit in Australia.
As you have read there are many accommodation options to choose from for your visit. Hopefully, with this list, your family will be able to find the perfect stay!
If you need further assistance with planning your Queensland holiday, make sure to check out our other articles as well. Below are some of our travel guides for North Queensland.
The Top Planning Tips for a Kuranda Day Trip The Ultimate List of Things to do in Palm Cove with Kids The Most Amazing Stops on a Brisbane to Townsville Road Trip North Queensland Road Trip Itinerary (One for the Bucket list)Do you have any unanswered questions? Let me know in the comments below!
Note: Every effort has been taken to ensure the above information is accurate at the time of publication. The information on each property is subject to change.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which may reward us with a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase through them.Thanks for supporting the blog in this way as it allows me to continue sharing helpful content with you.
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The post 9 Top Cairns Family Accommodation Options to Suit All Budgets appeared first on Inspire Family Travel.