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 Cairns, 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
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Reception staff, they were very friendly and helpful.
Reviewed on 6 Nov 2025
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
It was ok - just needed a bit of a refresh
Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Love the breakfast, great variety. Very friendly staff. Many thanks.
Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025
Crystalbrook Flynn
It was great
Reviewed on 3 Nov 2025
Crystalbrook Riley
Room was very good
Reviewed on 31 Oct 2025
Crystalbrook Bailey
We had a wonderful stay. The bed and pillows were very comfortable! And excellent service from the staff if I needed something. Great location — so close to the esplanade lagoon and marina. I highly recommend this hotel. There are 2 pools in the property and a sauna too!
Reviewed on 3 Nov 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.
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 Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
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.
Freshwater Travel Guide
- Cairns Esplanade
- Cairns Central Shopping Centre
- Palm Cove Beach
- Cairns Marlin Marina
- Cairns Convention Centre
- Cairns Night Markets
- Yorkeys Knob Beach
- Cairns Base Hospital
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
- Clifton Beach
- Crystal Cascades
- Barron Gorge National Park
- Muddy's Playground
- Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens
- Clifton Village Shopping Centre
