Stratford Travel Guide
Cairns
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 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.
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 Stratford
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Accomodation flawless. Everything within walking distance.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Hilton Cairns
Ocean harbor views were fantastic
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
I absolutely loved my stay here! The staff were so helpful, my room was super clean and spacious and the location was perfect! 10/10
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Full of green ants and cockroaches
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Stayed here a few times over the years for business and in the past i've always been provided a free upgrade to ocean-view, which wasn't the case this time, but did have a nice view of the mountains. The 12th floor lobby hadn't been vacuumed all week + my toilet seat in room1201 was falling off. ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Great staff, location, food. Expedia has this classified as a three star hitel; WAY BETTER!!! We are staying in three star hotels throughout Australia and this one puts them all to shame. Way to go Novotel Cairns!!!!
Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Stratford
Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.
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.
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 Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Mount Whitfield Conservation 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.
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.
