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.
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 Night Markets
During your trip to Tropical North Waterfront, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.
Top hotels in Freshwater
Hilton Cairns
Good
Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Reception staff amazing at check in and out, nothing was too much trouble. House keeping excellent, room cleaned each day with nice notes left from the house clerking staff. Breakfast staff very happy and cheerful good variety. Horizon club was also fab
Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Good hotel
Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025
Crystalbrook Flynn
Manager Michael and all the staff at reception were exceptional in getting our two harbour view rooms close together on same floor. Michael even escorted us to the rooms to make sure we were happy with them, and they were perfect! Location on the Esplanade Lagoon swimming park was fantastic for our ...
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
Crystalbrook Riley
Great place to stay.
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Did not have breakfast. Service at the bar was excellent.
Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025
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.
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.
Machans Beach
Though Machans Beach may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.
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.
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.
