In Far North Queensland, Cairns is one of Australia's most unique destinations thanks to its tropical climate and its proximity to two of the world's most important natural wonders. Most visitors to the Great Barrier Reef will make at least a stopover in this remote outpost, but those that stay a while will discover a small city with big ambitions.
The many restaurants and bars cater to every kind of traveler, from backpackers to honeymooners, while the nearby Daintree Rainforest will have you marveling at the diversity of Australia's flora and fauna. Of course, you'll need a comfortable home base for your tropical adventure, so read on for our guide to the best hotels in Cairns.
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Kewarra Beach Resort and Spa
Choose between a beachfront or rainforest bungalow at this laid-back resort less than a 30-minutes drive from the Cairns Airport. The well-maintained botanic gardens mean you will spend your stay surrounded by beautiful birds and butterflies when you're not soaking up the sun on your private beach.
Sprawling over 33 acres on the northern fringe of the city, Kewarra has unbeatable views and first-rate facilities, including two swimming pools, a paddock-to-pate restaurant, spa, and the world-famous Beach Shack Bar. Even if you're not staying here, enjoying a wood-fire pizza and a beer from the Beach Shack as the sun sets is a quintessential Cairns experience. Rooms start from AU$299 per night.