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.
Cairns Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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.
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 Night Markets
During your trip to Tropical North Waterfront, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Cairns Night Markets. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station
Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.
Things to do
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Big Cat Green Island - Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Skip the Line: Cairns Museum Single Admission Ticket
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Admission
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket
Top hotels in Freshwater
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Room clean, courteous & helpful staff
Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025
Hilton Cairns
Our whole experience at the Hilton Cairns was excellent.
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Location very close to airport. Stayed here for 1 night in 2 rooms with 2 familes. We requested an early check in and it was accommodated. Our rooms were upgraded also . Hotel has bar and restaurant and nice little pool. Hotel bathroom is a bit dated . But again everything works no issues. And above ...
Reviewed on 23 Nov 2025
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Nice place to stay , good location if you need a boat out to the reef, easy walk to shops and places to eat.
Reviewed on 25 Nov 2025
Crystalbrook Flynn
Good
Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025
Crystalbrook Riley
First room was 106 very dissapointed stuck at side of building no view should ba a transit room, once i mentioned it we were up graded straight away to pool view room and lovely balcony. Very impressed with this. All staff were wonderful n attentive. Will definately come again.
Reviewed on 26 Nov 2025
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 Cairns 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 Yorkeys Knob Beach and Australian Armour and Artillery Museum.
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.
