Macalister Range

Cairns

This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia
This is where I grew up but I was back recently for a family wedding- it has grown beyond recognition. When I was a child it was the end of the train line with no stop lights, one lane in and out of town. Now it's a massive tourist hub. This picture is taken from the Skyrail, an absolute must do if you are there. It goes up to Kuranda, an artsy town in the rainforest. You can also get there by the train, which is great to - or go up one way down the other. This is a view out over Trinity Bay so called because Captain Cook sailed past on Trinity Sunday. Cairns is over the hill in the distance. #green #tropics #queensland #australia

Popular places to visit

This is great experience to see a rainforest from the top. Highly recommended and worth the money spend on the ticket.

Cairns Cable Ski

Hit the slopes at Cairns Cable Ski during your trip to Macalister Range. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Cable Ski
Cairns Esplanade which includes a luxury hotel or resort, swimming and a pool

Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(57 reviews)

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Esplanade
Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, tropical scenes and general coastal views

Palm Cove Beach

4.5/5(39 reviews)

Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.

Palm Cove Beach
One of best things to do in Cairns is ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It's a 90 minute journey that takes you down the mountain to Cairns passing waterfalls, scenic lookouts and over old bridges. Catch the Skyrail up the mountain from Cairns and then catch the train back down. Or, vice versa.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre

4/5(37 reviews)

During your visit to Tropical North Waterfront, you can do some window-shopping at Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Esplanade Lagoon showing a coastal town and a hotel

Esplanade Lagoon

4.5/5(30 reviews)

Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.

Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Marlin Marina which includes sailing, mountains and a marina

Cairns Marlin Marina

4.5/5(25 reviews)

Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

Cairns Marlin Marina

Things to do

Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day

Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day

HK$548
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Fitzroy Island Adventures - Full Day or Half Day
Great Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

HK$1,318
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
passengers aboard amphibious DUKW drive through jungles in Cairns

Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest

HK$169
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise

Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise

HK$984
per traveller
94% of travellers recommend
Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns

Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns

HK$548
per adult
Fitzroy Island Transfers and Tours from Cairns
Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Sailing Catamaran

Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Sailing Catamaran

HK$1,382
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Wavedancer Low Isles Cruise on Luxury Sailing Catamaran
See all activities in Cairns

Top hotels in Macalister Range

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas

5 out of 5
Port Douglas Road Port Douglas QLD
The price is HK$1,708 per night from 31 Jan to 1 Feb
HK$1,708
HK$1,878 total
31 Jan - 1 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Port Douglas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 12 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Property had beautiful grounds. Rooms were clean and spacious.

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road Cairns QLD
The price is HK$1,071 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
HK$1,071
HK$1,178 total
29 Jan - 30 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Great room and great property with excellent staff!

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is HK$889 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
HK$889
HK$978 total
30 Jan - 31 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
The room had a nice view of the river. The staff in the Bar and Restaurant were very friendly and helpful. The food and service was very good.

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Hilton Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

4 out of 5
18-26 Cannon Street Manunda QLD
The price is HK$610 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
HK$610
HK$671 total
22 Jan - 23 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Check in was very friendly and helpful, which as it was late and I was tired was important

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St Cairns QLD
The price is HK$728 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
HK$728
HK$800 total
30 Jan - 31 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
The first room not quite clean, but staff changed a new room. Good service

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4 out of 5
209-217 Esplanade Cairns North QLD
The price is HK$800 per night from 7 Feb to 8 Feb
HK$800
HK$880 total
7 Feb - 8 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
Great pool, big room good food and friendly staff

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Macalister Range

Clifton Beach which includes mountains, golf and a luxury hotel or resort

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
Kewarra Beach. The best of Cairns' northern beaches. Stunning.

Kewarra Beach

Unique features of Kewarra Beach include the beaches and golf courses. Make a stop by Kewarra Beach or Kuranda National Park while you're exploring the area.

Kewarra Beach
Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
Trinity Beach featuring surfing, landscape views and tropical scenes

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
With a balcony boasting 180 degree views up and down the coastline Santai really is a special place to stay. plus - no kids allowed in the complex! So you can sip your poolside cocktails safe in the knowledge that no one is about to jump in and splash you...probably! www.cairnsluxuryapartments.com.au

Ellis Beach

Ellis Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Wet Tropics of Queensland and Macalister Range National Park.

Ellis Beach
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Trinity Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Trinity Park and surrounding area, you can visit Half Moon Bay Golf Course and Moon River Beach.

Trinity Park

Macalister Range