Freshwater
Cairns
Visit Freshwater
Popular places to visit
Cairns Esplanade
Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.
Palm Cove Beach
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.
Cairns Central Shopping Centre
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 Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
Esplanade Lagoon
Relax after a day of sightseeing or cool down from the summer heat in this fresh-water lagoon, one of Cairns’ best city attractions.
Cairns Convention Centre
Learn about the events happening in Cairns Convention Centre during your trip to Tropical North Waterfront. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
Things to do
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Kuranda Scenic Rail & Skyrail including Gold Class Tickets
Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Skip the Line: Cairns Museum Single Admission Ticket
Top hotels in Freshwater
Hilton Cairns
The best breakfast ever
Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Clean hotel, great free breakfast and beautiful atrium
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Great location, mediocre service
Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Privacy and clean and tidy
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Everything was perfect! Had such a great weekend. Totally recommended
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Pleasant service at check-in, room was nice and clean and roomy. Car parking was convenient. Short 10 minute walk to the restaurants, excellent stay.
Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Freshwater
Barron
Barron might not have many top sights, but Australian Armour and Artillery Museum and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Whitfield
While there might not be top attractions in Whitfield, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.
Edge Hill
You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Edge Hill. You might want to make time for a stop at Cairns Botanic Gardens or Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens.
Aeroglen
If you're spending some time in Aeroglen, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and Skydive The Reef Cairns are top sights worth seeing.
Machans Beach
Though Machans Beach may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Crystal Cascades & Lake Morris and Yorkeys Knob Beach.
Holloways Beach
Beaches, restaurants and gardens are just a few things travellers enjoy about Holloways Beach. Check out Yorkeys Knob Beach or Holloways Beach while you're exploring the area.
