If you'd rather wake up to birdsong than traffic, Edge Hill is the Cairns suburb for you. It sits at the foot of Mount Whitfield, about eight minutes from both the airport and the city, and it's home to the Cairns Botanic Gardens.
The Cairns Botanic Gardens
The Gardens are free and among the best in tropical Australia. Wander through the palms and gingers, follow the Rainforest Boardwalk, then head to Centenary Lakes, where freshwater and saltwater lakes support quite different wildlife. Go early in the morning for cooler air and the best birdlife.
Mount Whitfield walking tracks
Mount Whitfield Conservation Park is a forested range right behind the Gardens, with rainforest, eucalypt woodland and grassland. The Red Arrow circuit is a steep but rewarding climb with city and ocean views, and the longer Blue Arrow track is for keen walkers. Take water, start early and wear proper shoes.
Cafés and the village
Edge Hill has a relaxed village feel, with cafés, a bakery and restaurants that locals actually use. It's an easy place to grab a coffee before the Gardens or a meal after a day on the reef.
Getting around
- Airport: about eight minutes by car, great for early flights.
- City and Esplanade: about eight minutes by car.
- Reef boats: the Reef Fleet Terminal is in the city, about 10 to 15 minutes away. See our reef tours.
- Kuranda and the Tablelands: easy to reach for day trips. Our Kuranda guide has the details.
Where we stay: Renovated Edge Hill Apartment
Our renovated Edge Hill apartment has a queen bedroom and a double bedroom, a new kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, a private courtyard and one of the few pools in the area. It's pet-friendly, with free parking and self check-in.
Book direct to pay less than on Airbnb, with automatic discounts for stays of six nights or more.