Most visitors only see Bungalow from the window on the way in from the airport. Locals know it as one of Cairns' oldest suburbs, sitting right between the CBD and the airport, and it's one of the smartest places to stay if you want space, parking and a fair price without being out of the way.
Where is Bungalow?
Bungalow sits just south-west of the Cairns CBD, either side of Mulgrave Road. That road is the main artery into town, so getting around is easy: the city centre, the Esplanade and Cairns Central are about five minutes away by car, and the airport is a short drive. Parts of the suburb are light industrial, but the residential streets are quiet, leafy and full of classic Queenslanders and low-rise apartment complexes.
The Cairns Showgrounds
From our apartment it's about a 10-minute walk to the Cairns Showgrounds. The Cairns Show is the big one each winter, and the grounds host markets, concerts, sporting carnivals and expos throughout the year. If you're in town for an event there, staying within walking distance means no parking hunt and an easy stroll home.
Five easy outings from Bungalow
- The Esplanade and Lagoon. A five-minute drive gets you to the free saltwater Lagoon, the boardwalk and the waterfront cafés. Go early or late to beat the heat.
- Rusty's Markets. Fresh tropical fruit, coffee and street food on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings in the city. Grab breakfast and stock the fridge.
- The reef. The Reef Fleet Terminal is about 10 minutes away. Most reef day trips leave in the morning, and many include a pick-up. See our reef tours.
- Kuranda. The Scenic Railway and Skyrail make a classic day trip into the rainforest. Our Kuranda guide explains the options.
- The northern beaches. Trinity Beach and Palm Cove are about 25 to 35 minutes north for a swim in the stinger nets and a long lunch.
Why it works for families and groups
City hotel rooms in Cairns are small and parking is often extra. In Bungalow you get a full apartment: separate bedrooms, a proper kitchen, a washer and dryer, and free parking at the door. With the pool a few steps from the patio, the kids can swim while dinner's on.
Where we stay: Bungalow Poolside Hideaway
Bungalow Poolside Hideaway is a ground-floor, two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in a secure gated complex, with the pool steps from the door. It sleeps six with a queen, two singles and a sofa bed, and has fast NBN Wi-Fi, three smart TVs, air-conditioning throughout and lockbox self check-in.
Book direct and you pay less than on Airbnb, and stays of six nights or more get an automatic discount.