Famous for its stunning beaches, breathtaking scenery, and exciting nightlife scene, Cairns is a top-tier destination for couples on a romantic retreat. It serves as the gateway to the underwater surprises of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. For a picturesque date, try stepping aboard Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with your partner, both scenic rides operating from Cairns. Couples can also enjoy a romantic beach stroll alongside 500-year-old melaleuca trees at Palm Cove and get closer to nature at Crystal Cascades or Daintree Rainforest. As the night approaches, you can finish off strong by staying at one of the cozy accommodations in the area. Check out the best romantic getaways 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 couple-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Palm Royale Cairns (from USD 97)
Palm Royale Cairns is a breathtaking 4-star resort nestled in 2.5 acres (1.01 hectares) of tropical gardens. Couples can wake up daily to Mediterranean-inspired decor and take in the lush views from the private balcony. Feel free to soak together at the beach-style swimming pool, cold-water spa, or 25-meter (82.02-foot) lap pool.
As the property is about 4.6 km (2.86 mi) from the city center, it’s also perfect for couples who are outdoor explorers at heart. For convenient excursions, try the tour desk for travel arrangements, and don’t forget to take advantage of the resort’s car rental facilities.
Palm Royale Cairns
Address: 7 - 11 Chester Court
3.78 km (2.4 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
2. Sunshine Tower Hotel (from USD 100)
Located only three blocks from the city center’s fine array of restaurants, Sunshine Tower Hotel provides couples the perfect excuse to plan dinner dates. While here, you can hit up the outdoor pool or unwind at the heated spa tub for more ways to spend time with your partner. Complimentary barbecue facilities are available to arrange a delicious cookout by the pool.
At night, you can relish a drink at the on-site bar or opt for some classic entertainment by requesting board games. Other notable facilities include the beauty salon, where you can spoil each other with cosmetic treatments.
Sunshine Tower Hotel
Address: 136-140 Sheridan Street
866 meters (0.6 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
3. Cairns Colonial Club Resort (from USD 103)
Great value for money with comfortable rooms and good facilities.
Three beautiful swimming pools, including a children's pool and a waterslide, along with a pizzeria and a restaurant on-site.
Conveniently located near the airport and attractions, although a bit far from the city center.
Delicious food at the onsite restaurants, but limited menu options and high prices for some items.
Tucked in 11 acres (4.45 hectares) of award-winning tropical rainforest gardens, Cairns Colonial Club Resort is ideal for couples seeking one-of-a-kind experiences. It’s the place to be if you’ve already popped the question, featuring a heritage-style Functions & Conference Centre, where you can officially tie the knot in a romantic rainforest gazebo.
Couples can indulge in a few laps in any of the three lagoon-style pools and enjoy a stroll at the man-made beach. Feel free to grab a bite or knock back a few drinks at Thirsty Flamingo Poolside Bar & Dining before hitting the hay. For more things to do, the property is only 3.4 km (2.11 mi) away from all the city center offers.
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Address: 18-26 Cannon Street
3.14 km (2.0 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
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4. Mercure Cairns (from USD 124)
Mercure Cairns is a stylish hotel in the heart of Cairns, more or less 800 meters (2,624.67 feet) from the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Couples can delight in regional meals at the in-house restaurant while overlooking the atmospheric outdoor pool and well-manicured gardens.
Additionally, there’s a bar to wash down each bite with a round of drinks. Other than that, the famous Cairns Night Market is only within walking distance from the property if you’re on the hunt for souvenirs with your partner.
Mercure Cairns
Address: 15 Florence Street (Corner of Florence and Lake Streets)
412 meters (0.3 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
5. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort (from USD 156)
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort houses the only swim-up bar in the city, meaning you can savor a drink all while relaxing in a year-round lagoon pool with a sandy beach. Couples can treat themselves to Caribbean cuisine at Moku Bar and Grill before burning off the calories at the fitness center.
It’s worth noting that the hotel is prepared to accommodate your needs should you wish to hold your wedding here. Apart from that, Cairns Railway Station is a mere 15-minute walk from the property, so you can get around the city more conveniently. Otherwise, the city center is also only a four-minute walk away if you’re not yet in the mood to explore further.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Address: 122 Lake Street
272 meters (0.2 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
6. The Benson Hotel (from USD 132)
Reasonable rates, complimentary breakfast, but extra charges for parking
Spacious rooms, clean facilities, newly refurbished, pool and bar area
Convenient to cruise terminal, walking distance to attractions, central to shops and restaurants
Good breakfast, limited dinner options, extra cost for real coffee
The Benson Hotel is a refurbished property situated in the center of Cairns. Couples can dine alfresco at the deco-inspired restaurant and bar while taking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline. You can also set the mood by attending a live music performance to make the most of your romantic getaway.
Before retiring for the night, feel free to take the edge off with a dip at the year-round rooftop pool. Other notable in-room facilities include a 55-inch Smart TV with access to Netflix for movie marathons with your partner.
The Benson Hotel
Address: Cnr Spence & Grafton Streets
418 meters (0.3 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
7. Pullman Reef Hotel Casino (from USD 183)
As one of Tropical North Queensland’s most prestigious hotels, Pullman Reef Hotel Casino catapults couples into the land of world-class experiences. It offers attractive features that live up to its 5-star rating, such as the award-winning Tamarind Restaurant, which serves freestyle fusion cuisine. Additionally, it’s only 1.4 km (0.87 mi) away from the city center.
Couples here can indulge in private relaxation through the in-room spa bath and the balcony with views of Cairns or Trinity Inlet. Otherwise, there’s a rooftop pool, spa pool, and sauna for other notable ways to take it easy with your partner.
The best part? The property has a casino and four bars if you want to end the night with a few harmless bets and live tunes. Note that the hotel’s facilities can also be booked for wedding ceremonies and receptions if you’re ready to move to the next stage of your relationship.
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
Address: 35-41 Wharf Street
539 meters (0.4 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
8. DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns (from USD 147)
Reasonable pricing for a tropical feeling hotel with beautiful views.
Spacious rooms, large pool, in-room dining, and text message communication with staff.
Convenient location near the Esplanade, aquarium, and city center.
Yummy in-room dining, good breakfast selection, and a nice touch with welcome cookies.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns is an oceanfront hotel wrapped in a beautiful rainforest atrium. Couples here can spend their romantic retreat in a newly renovated room, needing only to draw back the curtains for gorgeous views of the Coral Sea. If a lie-in is not enough, you can splash around at the year-round outdoor pool, sweat together at the 24-hour gym, or explore the center of Cairns, only a six-minute walk away.
To bid you well on your day, Atrium Breakfast serves a hot and cold buffet with fresh beverages. The Vine Room also covers lunch and dinner with a generous selection of drinks and tasty seafood grub.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns
Address: 121 - 123 The Esplanade & Florence Street
439 meters (0.3 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
9. Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns (from USD 107)
Set on Esplanade, Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns does not only offer spectacular views of the Coral Sea and the surrounding mountains, but it’s also close to all the action, with the city center only an 11-minute walk away. Guests here are spoilt for choice regarding leisure pursuits, featuring three pools, two tennis courts, and a fitness center at their disposal.
Dinner dates are made better with a taste of Australian cuisine at the award-winning Coral Hedge Brasserie Restaurant. Couples are welcome to cap off the day with a soak in the outdoor hot tub.
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Address: 209-217 Abbott Street
938 meters (0.6 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
10. Hilton Cairns (from USD 192)
Reasonable pricing, exceptional lunch offer for $18, but $20/night for parking
Beautiful waterside location, private verandahs, spacious rooms, pool with water views
Conveniently located near all activities in Cairns, optimal waterfront location, close to tour departure points and restaurants
Breakfast buffet with a huge variety, special care for dietary needs, good selection and quality, but some room for improvement in hot food variety and quality
Live in the lap of luxury at Hilton Cairns, a 5-star waterfront hotel situated 1.4 km (0.87 mi) from the city center. Couples can pamper themselves in their elegant rooms with stunning nature views. For soothing quality time together, avail yourself of the couples’ massage at the spa and wellness center. You can extend the relaxation with a trip to the spa pool and outdoor lagoon-style pool while sipping a drink at the pool bar.
Other notable facilities include the four on-site restaurants, especially the award-winning Mondo on the Waterfront, which offers an unforgettable dining experience. Adventurous couples will also be glad to hear the Great Barrier Reef is easily accessible from here, only 400 meters (1312.34 feet) from Reef Fleet Terminal.
Hilton Cairns
Address: 34 Esplanade
473 meters (0.3 ft) from Cairns Night Markets
Stoke the flames of romance with a getaway to Cairns
Found on the northeast coast of Far North Queensland, Cairns promises a wealth of fun activities to sift through during your romantic getaway. When planning which side of the map to uncover next, try booking a trip to Cairns to fall deeper in love amidst the tropical backdrop of this stunning city. Also, check out the accommodations above!
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