Top 10 Family-Friendly Resorts In Cairns, Australia

Celeste
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read

The gateway to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns has a plethora of natural and cultural attractions that will delight people of all ages. Culture and art enthusiasts must check out Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery, housing authentic indigenous artworks. Nature lovers can explore Barron Falls, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, and Cairns Botanic Garden. Families with children can visit Cairns Aquarium, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary. Kuranda Koala Gardens, about a 30-minute drive away from Cairns, would also make a good place for the little ones to come in close contact with koalas. But before you start planning your trip, let us help you sort out your accommodation. So, read on for the top family-friendly resorts in Cairns, Australia.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to family-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on December 26, 2024.

Why Trust Trip101?

Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team

Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles

Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)

Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform

Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts

Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more

Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content

Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.

Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.

1. Palm Royale Cairns (from USD 117)

Palm Royale Cairns is less than a 15-minute drive away from various sights, including Barlow Park, Rusty’s Markets, and Cairns Station. The resort offers Mediterranean-themed king, triple, and family rooms with a private balcony. Kids can splash around in one of the two swimming pools on site that welcome guests of all ages, while adults can relax in a spa pool.

Stayed at this property?

Palm Royale Cairns

Wifi Available

Address: 7 - 11 Chester Court

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Non-smoking rooms Laundry Dry cleaning Family rooms

2. Island Views (from USD 210)

Island Views is nestled right on Palm Cove Beach and about 1.2 km (0.7 mi) away from Ellis Beach and Clifton Beach. The resort offers three-bedroom beachfront apartments that are perfect for family getaways or reunions of friends. Each apartment has a kitchen with an oven, stove, and microwave, ensuring you can rustle up delicious meals whenever you feel hungry.

You can also plan a barbecue session on the balcony or relax by the outdoor pool with a sun deck. A babysitting service is also available for an additional charge.

Stayed at this property?

Island Views Beachfront Apartments

Wifi Available

Address: 79-83 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove

Parking Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Fishing Family rooms Free parking Internet services Lift

3. Mantra Amphora (from USD 133)

Mantra Amphora is right on Palm Cove Beach and a short stroll to Clifton Beach. The resort offers one- and two-bedroom apartments that are suitable for families. Each apartment feature a private balcony with pool, ocean, or garden views. The outdoor pool welcomes guests of all ages. If you fancy a little alone time for a soothing massage at the wellness center, there’s a babysitting service available for an additional charge.

Stayed at this property?

Mantra Amphora

Wifi Available

Address: 49-63 Williams Esplanade

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Family rooms Free parking Internet services Safety deposit box

4. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa (from USD 214)

For the ultimate relaxing vacation with your loved ones, consider Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa. It’s a 5-star property, just a short stroll away from Palm Cove Beach. The studio room or the one-bedroom apartment is ideal for small families. For larger families of up to five people, there are two-bedroom apartments.

The resort has baby safety gates and strollers. Plus, there’s a kid’s pool and board games/puzzles to keep the little ones happy while parents enjoy spa facilities.

Stayed at this property?

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 5 Triton Street

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Fitness centre

5. Peppers Beach Club & Spa (from USD 211)

Peppers Beach Club & Spa is a 5-star property, nestled right on Palm Cove Beach. There are an array of room types available here, from double rooms with spa baths to three-bedroom suites with ocean views. Select guest rooms come with weekly housekeeping. Facilities are impressive, with swimming pools and outdoor play equipment for kids, and a tennis court and full-service spa for adults. For a meal to remember, head to the beachside restaurant serving Australian fare.

Stayed at this property?

Peppers Beach Club & Spa

Wifi Available

Address: 123 Williams Esplanade

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Fitness centre Garden Non-smoking rooms

6. The Villas Palm Cove (from USD 186)

The Villas Palm Cove is just 1 km (0.6 mi) from Ellis Beach and Palm Cove Beach. It offers one- to four-bedroom villas with a private pool and a full kitchen if you want to cater for yourself. The biggest villa can accommodate up to nine guests. Do request strollers or baby safety gates if you need them. If you plan to go out without the kids, you can book the on-site babysitting service for an additional charge.

Stayed at this property?

The Villas Palm Cove

Wifi Available

Address: 24 Warren Street

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Babysitting/child services Laundry Dry cleaning Family rooms Free parking

7. Imagine Drift Palm Cove (from USD 264)

Imagine Drift Palm Cove sits right on Palm Cove Beach and less than 1 km (0.6 mi) to Clifton Beach. Skyway Rainforest Cableway and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park are about 11 km (6.8 mi) from the property.

Accommodations range from studios to apartments with one, two and three bedrooms. All apartments come with a kitchen and laundry facilities for your self-catering needs. Select room types come with sea views. The kids can have fun in the lagoon-style swimming pool while mom and dad can whip up a meal in the poolside barbecue area. The resort also features a gym and well-maintained tropical gardens. Child services can be arranged as well.

Stayed at this property?

Drift Palm Cove

Wifi Available

Address: Cnr Vievers Rd & Williams Esplanade

Parking Fitness centre Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Business centre Laundry

8. The Reef Retreat Palm Cove (from USD 254)

The Reef Retreat Palm Cove is surrounded by paperbark trees and a few steps away from Palm Cove Beach. The resort offers studios, suites, and townhouses that are perfect for couples and families. All units come with a kitchen, and you can request grocery deliveries to your doorstep. It also has a heated swimming pool, ideal for a relaxing dip and a terraced barbecue area, perfect for a family cookout.

Stayed at this property?

The Reef Retreat Palm Cove

Wifi Available

Address: 10-14 Harpa Street

Parking Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Fishing Laundry

9. Hotel Grand Chancellor Palm Cove (from USD 74)

Hotel Grand Chancellor Palm Cove is a 4-star property along Coral Coast Drive. It is just 1 km (0.6 mi) away from Ellis Beach and Palm Cove Beach. Families of up to six people can book a two-bedroom apartment. You can also opt for the staycation packages with complimentary food and wine. All room types offer an outdoor terrace or balcony overlooking the pools or tropical gardens. The outdoor swimming pool is suitable for guests of all ages.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Grand Chancellor Palm Cove

Wifi Available

Address: Coral Coast Drive

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle

10. Melaleuca Resort (from USD 163)

Melaleuca Resort is a 4-star property, just a stone’s throw away from Palm Cove Beach and within walking distance of Ellis Beach and Clifton Beach. The resort’s apartments are suitable for small families with three people.

All apartments come with air conditioning, a kitchen, and a spacious balcony with pool or tropical garden views. There’s also a guest library and barbecue facilities on-site. Babysitting services are provided, so feel free to take the evening off for a romantic dinner for two.

Stayed at this property?

Melaleuca Resort

Wifi Available

Address: 85-93 Williams Esplanade

Parking Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Fishing Babysitting/child services

Make memories with your family in Cairns

Cairns boasts a tropical climate and abundant natural beauty. For an unforgettable experience, book one of the above listed family-friendly resorts in Cairns, Australia. These resorts offer sea views, swimming pools, spas for mom and dad, and kids’ activities.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History

Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Celeste, a writer and traveler, embraces the transient nature of life. She believes that life is a fleeting mist that lingers briefly and then dissipates. Celeste also encourages savoring every...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Register Here
0 Comments
Good things are meant to be shared!