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.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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.
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.
Top hotels in Freshwater
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Clean spacious room and bathroom.
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Hilton Cairns
Great welcome on arrival. Very personal. Lovely room Very comfortable. Breakfast was fantastic. Recommended
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Great room and amenities
Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Lovely staff
Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
A bit of a must y smell and no ventilation in lifts other then that, staff were lovely and was central
Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026
Crystalbrook Riley
Very clean room, very friendly and helpful staff, everything surpassed our expectations of a resort hotel. This was our first stay in a Crystalbrook hotel. Would book again
Reviewed on 6 Feb 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 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.
