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 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.
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 Marlin Marina
Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.
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
Army Duck Tour of the Rainforest
Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef
Skip the Line: Cairns Museum Single Admission Ticket
Kuranda Koala Gardens General Entry Ticket
Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkeling Tour
Top hotels in Freshwater
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
"Location was the best thing"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
"Our room was close to reception and the eating areas. Accommodation was suitable for the one night we stayed. We found the mattress a bit to firm for us and the pillows were the same. Small thing! there was no face washer or hand towel in the bathroom, just 2 towels and bath mat. Unsure if forgotten ..."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
"Everything is good about the hotel but the location is not very convenient. It takes about 30 minutes walk to the reef boat ports and 20 minutes to the downtown."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hilton Cairns
"Great view."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
"mould and rotten timber in bathroom all else good"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Crystalbrook Flynn
"Bit confusing getting to and from room"
Reviewed on 29 May 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 Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens or Mount Whitfield Conservation Park.
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.
