Cairns holiday homes

Why visit Cairns

• Stunning Beaches: Cairns is home to beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, providing a tropical paradise for visitors.
• Great Barrier Reef Access: As a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers unparalleled opportunities for snorkelling and diving in one of the world's natural wonders.
• Vibrant Esplanade: The lively esplanade features markets, cafes, and recreational areas, ideal for both relaxation and socialising.
• Lush National Parks: Explore scenic national parks nearby, offering hiking trails and breathtaking views of the region's natural beauty.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Cairns provides numerous attractions for families, ensuring fun for all ages in a welcoming environment.

Top attractions in Cairns

Cairns in Queensland offers a rich blend of outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities and vibrant city experiences. Visitors can explore beautiful beaches, scenic national parks and a lively esplanade, which together provide the perfect setting for adventure, relaxation and memorable sightseeing moments. Cairns invites you to enjoy its natural wonders and dynamic urban charm, making it a top choice for those seeking both outdoor thrills and a touch of city life.

• Cairns Esplanade: Enjoy outdoor romance and family fun along the scenic waterfront, offering a vibrant ambiance perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics.
• Palm Cove Beach: Experience the charm of sun, sand, and surf with beach vibes that invite relaxation and seaside adventures.
• Cairns Marlin Marina: Embrace adventure with outdoor water activities and beachside excitement at this lively marina, ideal for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Things to do recommended for couples

Experience romance in Cairns with a scenic ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Glide above the lush rainforest, soaking in breathtaking views together. It's the perfect start to your adventure, combining nature and intimacy in one unforgettable journey.

Things to do recommended for families

Families visiting Cairns can explore the stunning Great Barrier Reef with a family-friendly boat tour, visit the Cairns Esplanade for splash pads and playgrounds, and discover wildlife at the Cairns Tropical Zoo, where kids can get close to native Australian animals.

Things to do recommended for groups

Groups visiting Cairns can embark on a scenic reef cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, explore the lush Daintree Rainforest, and enjoy a thrilling Kuranda Scenic Railway journey through breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss the vibrant Esplanade markets for local crafts and cuisine.

What do I need to keep in mind when booking a vacation in Cairns

Whether you're journeying with friends, family, or even your furry companions—or if you're planning an extended stay—ensure you set the ideal filters for your needs. Here are some helpful Vrbo booking pointers for you.

• Traveling to Cairns with a group: Think about how many bedrooms you require, as well as features like a full kitchen or outdoor areas for group gatherings. Thankfully, you can easily search for these options and much more on Vrbo.
• Traveling to Cairns with young kids: Travelling with young children can present its own set of challenges. It's important to prioritise their comfort and safety, alongside ensuring access to suitable amenities like a private swimming pool. Additionally, it's wise to think about how close you are to family-friendly attractions.
• Taking your pets with you to Cairns: For many families, a holiday isn't truly complete without their furry companion along for the adventure. If that resonates with you, explore the Vrbo properties that welcome pets. Most of these pet-friendly accommodations come equipped with feeding bowls and beds, ensuring that everyone feels at home.
• Planning for a long term stay visiting Cairns: If you’re in search of holiday rentals offering deals for stays of a month or more, you’ve come to the right spot. By using the appropriate filters, you can effortlessly discover and save on monthly rentals. Don’t forget to include preferences like a parking space, a well-equipped kitchen, or a private pool in your search as well.

Where to stay in Cairns

Cairns, Queensland offers a diverse holiday experience with its vibrant city vibe and family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy exploring local attractions such as bustling markets, scenic waterfronts, and relaxing tropical parks. Whether you're out for a romantic getaway or a fun family holiday, Cairns invites you to savour its lively nightlife and charming seating areas, all set against a backdrop of lush, tropical landscapes that make it a perfect destination for every traveller.

• Cairns: Cairns is a vibrant city set in a tropical locale, offering a blend of lush natural surroundings and urban excitement. Its geographic setting provides easy access to outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities and city attractions alike. Visitors can explore the bustling shopping centres and modern malls, enjoy performances at local theatres, or simply relax along the esplanade and nearby urban park. The city's proximity to a stunning beach further enhances its appeal, making Cairns a compelling destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and excitement.
• Palm Cove: Palm Cove is a charming suburb known for its relaxed, coastal ambience. Nestled near Cairns, it provides a scenic retreat with a focus on family and outdoor experiences. The area is dotted with inviting shopping areas and rejuvenating spa facilities, perfect for a leisurely day out. Its picturesque beach and family beach offer ample opportunities for sun, sand and surf, while the esplanade provides a tranquil setting for evening strolls. Palm Cove is ideal for travellers looking to combine relaxation with a touch of local charm.
• Cairns Central Business District: Cairns Central Business District is a dynamic neighbourhood that encapsulates the essence of urban life in a tropical setting. Positioned near key attractions, it offers a wealth of shopping centres, modern malls and cultural venues such as theatres. The local esplanade, urban park and nearby beach foster opportunities for both relaxation and outdoor recreation. This central hub is perfectly suited for visitors keen on exploring a blend of city sophistication and natural beauty.

Booking with Vrbo is simple

Looking to make the most of your next holiday? Consider being flexible with your travel dates, as this can lead to significant savings. Additionally, extending your stay can often result in even better deals. To discover the ideal Vrbo property that fits your budget, utilise our filters to search by price, location, and type of holiday rental.

Vrbo Trips: Effortless planning

Vrbo's thoughtful Trip Board offers you a dedicated space to plan new trips, pick up from where you last stopped, or keep track of your travel plans. Any properties you’ve saved or booked in the past can now be conveniently accessed under Potential, Upcoming, or Current Trips. To explore the Trip Boards, simply visit: https://www.bookabach.co.nz/trips.

**Based on Vrbo properties bookings.

Take in the oceanfront beauty of Cairns

The rainforest and beaches provide a pleasant backdrop to your holiday home in Cairns. Travellers to this welcoming city praise the coral reefs, shopping and restaurants. If you need more space to accommodate a family holiday or a trip with friends, rental homes often come with separate dining areas and spacious living rooms.

Sightseeing in and around Cairns

Are you hoping to discover attractions to visit while you're in the area? Venture out of your holiday home and check out everything that makes Cairns a fun place to get away to. Here are some of the top attractions to see, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Cairns Esplanade Lagoon (0.2 mi / 0.4 km)
• Half Moon Bay Golf Course (8.7 mi / 14 km)
• Rainforestation Nature Park (10.6 mi / 17.1 km)
• Kuranda Koala Gardens (11.8 mi / 19 km)
• Hartley's Crocodile Adventures (22.6 mi / 36.4 km)
• Cairns Golf Club (3.4 mi / 5.5 km)

Exploring the coral reefs and other natural features in Cairns

Whether you're looking for fun outdoor activities or just want to appreciate the scenery, Cairns is a great place to spend some time outside. These are some of the area's most eye-catching natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city centre:

• Cairns Esplanade Lagoon (0.2 mi / 0.4 km)
• Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland (0.9 mi / 1.5 km)
• Crystal Cascades (6.9 mi / 11.1 km)
• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station (7.4 mi / 11.9 km)
• Yorkeys Knob Beach (7.6 mi / 12.2 km)
• Barron Gorge National Park (8.5 mi / 13.7 km)

Travelling to and around Cairns

The nearest airport is in Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.), located 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from the city centre.

If you prefer to travel by train, Cairns Station, Freshwater Station and Redlynch Station are the main stations that serve the city.