Manoora is one of those Cairns suburbs visitors rarely hear about, which is exactly why it works. It's quiet, residential and handy to everything, about 10 minutes by car to both the city and the airport.
Where is Manoora?
Manoora sits just west of the CBD, between the city and the foothills. It's mostly homes and low-rise apartment complexes, with local shops and a bus stop nearby for trips into town.
Why stay here rather than the city?
- Space for your money. A two-bedroom apartment here usually costs less than a city hotel room for the same group.
- Free, secure parking. No paying for city car parks.
- Quiet nights. No nightclub noise or late-night traffic.
- Resort facilities. Complexes like Retreat on Pease have a pool, BBQs and gated grounds.
Easy outings from Manoora
- The Esplanade and Lagoon: about 10 minutes by car for the free saltwater pool and boardwalk.
- Cairns Botanic Gardens and Centenary Lakes in neighbouring Edge Hill.
- Reef trips from the Reef Fleet Terminal. See our reef tours.
- Kuranda by Scenic Railway or Skyrail. Read our Kuranda guide.
- Palm Cove and Trinity Beach, about 25 to 30 minutes north.
Where we stay: Urban Oasis at Retreat on Pease
Urban Oasis is a bright, top-floor two-bedroom apartment in the secure Retreat on Pease complex. It has a balcony overlooking the resort pool, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, in-unit laundry, a proper work desk, fast Wi-Fi, air-conditioning throughout and free secure parking. Guests rate it 4.93 out of 5.
Book direct to pay less than on Airbnb, with automatic discounts for stays of six nights or more.