Cape York Peninsula Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A lot of rain isn't always a bad thing in Cairns - it means our waterfalls look like this! With an added benefit of less crowds a visit during the 'big wet' has it's advantages! #waterlust www.cheskiesgaplife.com
A lot of rain isn't always a bad thing in Cairns - it means our waterfalls look like this! With an added benefit of less crowds a visit during the 'big wet' has it's advantages! #waterlust www.cheskiesgaplife.com
When in Australia, you will have to go and pay a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Even just with snorkelling, there is a whole new magical world to explore. Like this turtle who swam with us for a good half an hour! Remember when travelling (and also at home) leave only footprints, only take photographs. #Aquatrove
One of the best ways to experience a place is from the skies. If you feel like splurging, a helicopter flight over Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do when visiting Tropical North Queensland in Australia.
The Mossman River is a beautiful part of the Daintree Rainforest in Tropical North Queensland - you can do a guided SUP tour down the river with Windswell Port Douglas, the best way to experience the rainforest and river, with lots of swimming holes and tree swings along the way.

Where to stay in Cape York Peninsula

Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Cairns which includes a city

Cairns Central Business District

4.5/5(69 area reviews)

Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.

Cairns Central Business District
Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains

Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

Yorkeys Knob
Cairns Esplanade which includes night scenes

Cairns North

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cairns North. Make a stop by top sights like Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland while you're exploring the area.

Cairns North
Clifton Beach which includes mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD
The price is ₹19,986 per night from 31 Jan to 1 Feb
₹19,986
₹21,984 total
31 Jan - 1 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Staff were amazing!!

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is ₹12,488 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
₹12,488
₹13,737 total
29 Jan - 30 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
Great room and great property with excellent staff!

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is ₹8,991 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
₹8,991
₹9,890 total
30 Jan - 31 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
The room had a nice view of the river. The staff in the Bar and Restaurant were very friendly and helpful. The food and service was very good.

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Hilton Cairns
See all 2,168 properties in Cape York Peninsula
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

4 out of 5
3-11 Water Street Cairns QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,606 reviews)
Couldn't fault it at all. Perfect location, close to transport, shops etc.

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove

4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp Palm Cove QLD
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (856 reviews)
The room could have been cleaner on arrival, however overall we were happy with our stay.

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026

Drift Palm Cove
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

5 out of 5
Mitre Street Craiglie QLD
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Craiglie. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Vie Spa Port Douglas and Four ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,020 reviews)
Everything was awesome thank you A+A+A+

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025

Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa
See all properties in Cape York Peninsula
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cairns Esplanade showing a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming

Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(57 reviews)

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Esplanade
Take a wide angle lens if you're heading out to the Barrier Reef- the skies are amazing!

Macrossan Street

4.5/5(33 reviews)

During your visit to Port Douglas, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Macrossan Street. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours.

Macrossan Street
Four Mile Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach

Four Mile Beach

4.5/5(39 reviews)

One of the most-photographed stretches of beach in Australia has pristine white sands, waving palm trees, clear blue water and spectacular views across the ocean.

Four Mile Beach
Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

Palm Cove Beach

4.5/5(39 reviews)

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.

Palm Cove Beach
One of best things to do in Cairns is ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It's a 90 minute journey that takes you down the mountain to Cairns passing waterfalls, scenic lookouts and over old bridges. Catch the Skyrail up the mountain from Cairns and then catch the train back down. Or, vice versa.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

4/5(37 reviews)

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 Central Shopping Centre
Esplanade Lagoon which includes a hotel and a coastal town

Esplanade Lagoon

4.5/5(30 reviews)

Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.

Esplanade Lagoon

Cities near Cape York Peninsula

Adobe

Cooktown

Most of Horn Island is protected by Native Title, but King Point has been designated as a recreational area so you can picnic, fish and camp. Imagine walking out of your tent to this view??!! Bringing a car across to Horn Island is hugely expensive so you're best way to get here is by foot on the ferry from Thursday Island and catch a taxi or take a tour to get around.

Horn Island

Panoramic view of the port and dock of Thursday Island in the Torres Strait at the most northern part of Australia.

Thursday Island

Mareeba featuring a small town or village and landscape views

Mareeba