Cairns is one of Australia's great family destinations: the reef, the rainforest, crocodiles, waterfalls and a free lagoon pool in the middle of town. Where you stay makes a big difference to how relaxing it all is.
Two bedrooms, two bathrooms
Most reef boats and tours leave early. With two bathrooms, the morning rush is calm instead of a queue, and parents get their own room with a door that closes. A separate living room means the kids can watch a movie while the adults sit outside.
A kitchen saves real money
Eating out three times a day adds up quickly for a family. With a full kitchen you can do breakfast and packed lunches at home, then eat out when it counts. Pick up fruit at Rusty's Markets in the city on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning.
A pool at the door
After a hot day out, a pool a few steps away is gold. It also gives you an easy afternoon when everyone's tired and nobody wants to get back in the car.
Free and low-cost things to do with kids
- The Esplanade Lagoon: a free, lifeguarded saltwater pool in the city.
- Muddy's Playground: free water play and climbing on the Esplanade, open daily from 9am to 7pm.
- Cairns Botanic Gardens: shady walks, the Rainforest Boardwalk and Centenary Lakes.
- Cairns Aquarium in the city for a rainy-day option.
- Hartley's Crocodile Adventures on the way to Port Douglas. Our private transfers can take you there.
A note on stingers and crocs
From roughly November to May, swim inside the stinger nets at patrolled beaches and wear a full-length stinger suit. Never swim in creeks, rivers or the ocean outside netted areas, and always follow the warning signs. The Lagoon is a safe and easy option all year.
Our family pick: Bungalow Poolside Hideaway
Bungalow Poolside Hideaway sleeps six across two bedrooms and a sofa bed, with two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, free parking and the pool steps from the front door. It's about five minutes from the city by car.
Book direct to pay less than on Airbnb. Staying six nights or more? A long-stay discount is applied automatically.