Hotels Near Cairns Airport, Esplanade Lagoon & Convention Centre
Checking in to hotels near Cairns Airport and the waterfront has never been easier. Crystalbrook Riley, Crystalbrook Bailey and Crystalbrook Flynn put you close to the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Reef Fleet Terminal, dining, shopping and the Cairns Convention Centre - everything you need for a relaxed tropical escape or a productive work trip.
Stay Minutes From Cairns Airport
Touch down and be poolside in no time. Our three hotels sit an easy drive from Cairns Airport, with quick access via rideshare, taxi or hire car.
- Fast transfers: Simple, short ride between the airport and the Cairns Esplanade/CBD
- Early arrivals/late departures: Luggage storage and flexible spaces to refresh
- Business friendly: Seamless access to city venues and the Convention Centre
Walk to Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Prefer a salt-air stroll? You’re in the right spot. Stay on or near the iconic waterfront and wander to the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, boardwalk, public art, playgrounds and casual eateries.
- Lagoon dips & sunsets right by the city
- Muddy’s Playground for families
- Cafés, bars and open lawns for picnics and people-watching
Beachfront Accommodation & Sea Views
Wake to Coral Sea vistas and palm-lined promenades. Our Esplanade-side locations deliver water views and an easy waterfront lifestyle in the heart of the city.
- Sea-view rooms and suites
- Cairns hotels near beach alternatives: For sandy shores, head north to Trinity Beach and Palm Cove (20 minutes coastal drive) - perfect day trips from the city
- Port Douglas is only an hour up the coast, perfect for a change of scene with cafés, shops and a touch of the tropics
- Morning jogs, sunset walks and al-fresco dining along the Esplanade
Close to Cairns Convention Centre
In town for an event? Stay near the Cairns Convention Centre and enjoy the best of both worlds - business by day, tropical downtime by night.
- Easy access on foot or via a quick rideshare to get there in under 10 minutes
- Pre- or post-event dining across our restaurants and bars
- Wellness on tap: gyms, resort-style pools and Eléme Day Spa (select hotels)
Steps to the Marlin Marina & Reef Fleet Terminal
Heading to the Great Barrier Reef? You’ll be close to the Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Marlin Marina for daily snorkel, dive and island departures. You can take a 20 minute stroll down the esplanade or catch a quick rideshare.
- Join full-day reef trips, half-day sand-cay cruises or liveaboards
- Oceanfront bars for a celebratory post-reef drink
More Nearby Highlights
Make the most of your city-side base – some of these favourites are an easy 15 minutes walk or short drive:
- Cairns Aquarium - tropical marine life and immersive exhibits
- Cairns Night Markets & Rusty’s Markets - souvenirs, local produce and street-food vibes
- Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) - theatre, music and events
- Cairns Central Shopping Centre - retail therapy and essentials
- Cairns Botanic Gardens - boardwalks, shade and rare tropical species
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - a 7.5-kilometre scenic tourist cableway running above the Barron Gorge National Park
Getting Around Cairns From Our Hotels
- Cairns is wonderfully simple to navigate.
- On foot: Waterfront boardwalks link the Lagoon, marina and dining precincts
- Rideshare & taxis: Quick, affordable hops to the Convention Centre, markets and attractions
- Hire cars: Ideal for beach days (Trinity Beach, Palm Cove) and rainforest trips (Kuranda, Mossman Gorge)
- Bikes & scooters: A fun way to cruise the Esplanade
- Parking: Options available nearby; ask our team for the latest details


