If you’re planning on visiting the Great Barrier Reef, then there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll be staying in Cairns since it acts as a gateway to the reef. But this isn’t the only reason many tourists stay in Cairns, as the city has many of its own attractions such as the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Daintree National Park, and the Cairns Esplanade has plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Even your accommodation can be an experience! Choose from a range of options such as luxurious hotels to floating apartments at the Great Barrier Reef. Or, you could stay in an island resort! Read more about the amazing Airbnb vacation rentals near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 12, 2024.
1. The Point
This luxury accommodation near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway! Swim laps in your very own 10-meter (32.81 foot) infinity pool anytime you want, or have a relaxing soak in the hot tub under the beautiful night sky. Both the hot tub and the pool overlooks the Shute Harbour and provides views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a glass of champagne and will have the choice of cooking on your own or ordering gourmet meals!
Shute Harbour, Queensland, Australia
491.33 km (305.3 mi) from Cairns Night MarketsSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful view and private pool/spaperfect spot with a great view and private infinity poolthis is a beautiful and private studio with incredible views and a gorgeous poolthe views are spectacular and it is so nice to relax in the poolthe apartment and pool is beyond special and the view is spectacularCleanliness:
very clean place tooas mentioned before everything is clean tidy and exactly what we expectedbeautiful clean apartment with spectacular viewsspectacular view very clean and great pool and spawould highly recommend inform yourself on the progress of growth and clean up from the cycloneHost:
the apartment is private and the hosts are very easy to communicate withfrom booking through checkout they were helpful accommodating and always friendlycathy and ron were wonderful hosts who were attentive quick communicators and kept very quiet upstairsour stay was fantastic and communication from the hosts made it all the bettercathy and ron are great hosts - so helpful- can highly recommendRead more reviewsLocation:
100% recommend this location for a romantic getawaywe will be lucky to ever find such a great place againjust an amazing place to stay and visitloads of thoughtful finishing touches around the placewhat a beautiful place to stay the house had everything we needed and more
2. Hamptons on the Hill (from USD 241)
Enjoy panoramic views of Whitsundays Islands, Marinas, and Airlie Beach in this holiday rental near the Great Barrier Reef. The house boasts plenty of natural light through huge windows and glass doors. The living room features plenty of plus sofas, with sliding glass doors leading to the private balcony. The balcony is the perfect spot to enjoy the water view while sipping on your favorite beverage. The back patio features a gorgeous private pool and a grilling area for fun cookouts on good nights.
Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia
484.47 km (301.1 mi) from Cairns Night MarketsSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the balcony and pool were amazingthe views were amazing the bed and couch were so comfortable and the whole house was well decoratedthe bed was super comfortable as was the couchstylish place with a beautiful pool and amazing viewsalso the two beautiful doggies made our day coming down each day when we were in the poolCleanliness:
it was perfectly clean and beautifully decoratedabsolutely stunning accomodation which was spotless and had everything you would requirehomely inviting clean responsivethe house was beautiful and clean and had everything you neededHost:
carole and greg were great hostscarol is an amazing hostcarole was a lovely and attentive host and made sure we were well looked afteryou certainly are super hosts thank you for everything :)the hosts were wonderful and very accomodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
great location beautiful home and friendly peoplebest location and best host was the most amazing place we’ve ever stayed aton of the best places we’ve stayed
3. Hibiscus Resort (from USD 57)
Do you enjoy staying at award-winning resorts? We hope so, as we’ve found this majestic Balinese-styled accommodation that will awe you with its giant pools and tropical gardens. You’ll want to bring the kids along to enjoy these and its various entertainment options such as cable TV and DVDs. Enjoy wondrous views of the resort and Port Douglas from the private balcony, and prepare delicious meals in the well-equipped kitchenette. The accommodation is in the heart of Port Douglas, allowing easy access to the nearby supermarket, the Macrossan St. Shops, the marina, and the beach.
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
58.64 km (36.5 mi) from Cairns Night MarketsSuperhostAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the pools are amazing and heated in winterthe wifi was greatloved balcony and pools and being able to prepare simple mealsthe two pools were a nice feature and i found myself sitting there for hourslovely pools and spa tastefully furnished with relaxed feelCleanliness:
very clean well decorated and comfortable apartmentit is clean and comfortable even provide beach towels for your swimming needsthe room was clean and stylish very comfortablethe unit was very quiet comfortable and cleanit was clean and peter was very responsive with meHost:
great host and proactive communicationspeter is a great host toopeter was an amazing hostpeter was a fantastic hostthe resort staff was very helpful and assisted us in researching and booking our rainforest and reef toursRead more reviewsLocation:
perfect location close to everythinggreat location and totally ideal for any couplethe location of the apartment is excellentthe location is amazing within walking distance to everything in town and to the beachthe place was great super close to the marina downtown
4. Luxurious apartment with ocean views
If you’re still wondering where to stay near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, spoil yourself a little, by booking into a swanky apartment with amazing views of the ocean. Business and holiday travelers will love this 4.5-star-rated apartment for its huge modern rooms, and close proximity to all the cool places around Cairns. The apartment’s kitchen features all the cutlery and crockery you’ll ever need, and the outdoor BBQ will ignite a passion for Aussie delicacies, while the neon-lit pool will be the center of attraction during the evenings. Cairn’s city center is only a 5-minute walk away, and there’s a casino, restaurants, coffee shops, and clubs nearby.
Cairns North, Queensland, Australia
882 meters (0.6 ft) from Cairns Night MarketsSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
apartment is open and light filled with a great balcony for watching sunsetslovely views and spacious apartmentapartment was spacious and had a nice balcony with a view of the baythe apartment is lovely and the views are beautifulsuper clean and modern with nice furnishings and a balcony and poolCleanliness:
communication was fast and easy and the unit was very clean and stylishapartment very clean and comfortable with a big bathapartment was clean and had all we neededit was very clean and i’m picky on thisthe apartment was very clean spacious and exactly as describedHost:
andrea is a very welcoming hostandrea is a superb hostandrea was a great hostandrea is a fantastic host who went above and beyondfinally andrea was a fantastic hostRead more reviewsLocation:
nice location close to everythingthe location is perfectgreat apartment close to the citygreat sized condo within walking distance to everythingeasy walk to everything
5. The Hacienda at Port Douglas
The Hacienda is just as it sounds, a gorgeous and spacious tropical home, which has a guest room for visitors lucky enough to stay here. Guests can expect plenty of privacy, a private pool to splash around in, and the attentive hospitality of the host and his dog. Some of the amenities include an air conditioner to stay cool during the summer months, parking on the premises for that added convenience, and a continental breakfast to start the day. There is a fish‘n'chips shop, a pizzeria, a restaurant, and a bus stop within a 50-meter (164-feet) distance, and the beach is only 150-meters (492-feet) away.
Port Douglas, Qld, Australia
55.18 km (34.3 mi) from Cairns Night MarketsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room was comfortable with a nice view of the courtyard and the poolonly stayed one night but the bed was comfy and ac was greatexcellent coffee provided in the room as well as cereal and milkbeautiful home with a separate room with it's own sliding glass door entrancethe room and bathroom were as expected and a good affordable nights stayCleanliness:
very clean and neata nice clean and relaxing place to stay inthe room is very clean and very quietclean spacious friendly and relaxingthe place is thoughtfully done up and clean and he is very accommodatingHost:
great hosts in jon &jon and batdog were fantastic hostsjon and batdog were amazing hostsjon and batdog were great hostsjon and batdog are excellent hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location very close to the beachgreat location close to beach and short bus ride to the main part of townhuge bath quiet location near 4 mile beachgood value and quiet locationjons place was in a great location a short walk from the beautiful 4 mile beach
6. Bamboo Garden Studio
This airy, large, and modern home will impress you with its ample natural light and the generous amount of amenities, priced in at an affordable rate. Spend some quiet time on the patio, enjoy the tranquility of the salt-water pool, or watch a show of your choosing on Netflix, Apple TV, or DVDs on the HD TV. It comes with an air conditioner to counter those sweltering days, a laptop workspace that’s ideal for remote workers, and a washer to do the laundry for a fee. Cairn’s city center is only 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away, while a grocer, bottle store, and several cafes are within close walking distance.
4.85 km (3.1 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
7. Loft one street off Ingham Road
This airy, modern, and tidy loft is spacious enough for two guests to relax comfortably and enjoy some privacy. It comes with plenty of niceties, such as a coffee machine for those particular about their coffee, a laptop workspace for digital nomads, and air conditioning to deal with the hot Australian climate. The loft is in the West End suburb of Queensland, which is around a 20-minute walk to the city center. Shops, hotels, and a muscle car display are within close proximity.
282.65 km (175.7 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
8. Private room in apartment 3 blocks away from city center
Enjoy Cairns in fine style, by staying at this roomy and fully featured apartment. It also helps that it is part of a modern complex, which has a shared swimming pool and ample parking space. The apartment’s interiors are clean, tidy and airy with Wi-Fi for those that can’t go without internet connection, several interesting books on the bookshelves for readers, and a kitchenette for preparing delicious snacks. The apartment is near Cairn’s city center, with plenty of pubs, restaurants, and public transit points in close proximity. Cairns Botanic Gardens is 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) away, while Parramatta Park is within a kilometer (0.62 miles) distance.
1.15 km (0.8 mi) from Cairns Night Markets
9. Tropical oasis in Bungalow
We’ve discovered plenty of charming private accommodations, but this bungalow is truly mesmerizing. It’s immaculately laid out with clever use of space within and outside the bungalow, allowing guests easy access to the pool deck and the remaining outdoor area. The bungalow comes with a kitchenette to prepare meals, a laptop workspace to get work done, and a washing machine to do your laundry. The central business district is approximately a 5-minute drive away, a 40-minute drive to Palm Grove, and a 50-minute drive to Kuranda. Bungalow’s neighborhood has several good coffee shops and restaurants that are worth checking out.
Bungalow, Queensland, Australia
2.45 km (1.6 mi) from Cairns Night MarketsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
bath was a treat and the bed deliciously comfortableit was nice and cozy with stylish decor and furnishings also easy to get around the cairns citykitchen is fully equipped as wellthe loft bed would be perfect for kidsit was really nice to have breakfast availableCleanliness:
beautiful space clean welcoming great stylingvery clean indoor spaces and with lovely personal touchesthe bungalows were clean information helpful and joe who welcomed us was very friendlyHost:
the hosts are superb toothe landlord is very friendlypriscilla was a very friendly host - she responded quickly to any questions that we hadpriscilla is an amazing host and the bungalow is so adorablewe didn't meet the host but they were easy to communicate withRead more reviewsLocation:
outstanding location and a great getaway spotgood location fast communicationsuch a great location and styled roompriscilla's place is really nice interesting and quirky hidden away in a residential area close to the citythis place is an unexpected little paradise in a quiet street
10. Beachfront, self-contained studio
Slick, modern, and laid back is how we would describe this particular studio. It’s fully featured kitchen will unleash your inner-chef, and that queen size bed will make you want to sleep in when you should be exploring Cairns, McEwens Beach, and the Great Barrier Reef. The outdoor area is equally impressive as there’s a BBQ grill, and a cozy seating area to enjoy meals with good company. This studio is right next to McEwens Beach and the Bakers Creek Conservation Park, so natural lovers are going to have a blast!
McEwens Beach, Queensland, Australia
601.2 km (373.6 mi) from Cairns Night MarketsTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it's full of linin cups and saucers a/c tv/dvd washing machine really nicecomfy bed great shower quiet air conditioning and a good kitchen areagreat value way more comfortable and stylish with better aminaties than a motelgavin and lorelle’s place was an amazing stay comfy bed amazing amenities and there hospitalitycomfortable bed well equipped kitchenCleanliness:
very clean and organisedvery clean and organisedvery clean and plenty of parkingclean and has every thing you needthe unit was very clean which i was impressed withHost:
the host gave us great directionsgavin and lorelle were great hostsgreat spot lovely hosts right by the beachgavin and lorelle are the perfect hosts who are extremely helpfulgavin in nice friendly and casual hostRead more reviewsLocation:
close to the beach great for long walksnice quiet location next to the beacha good quiet spot near the beachsecluded and quiet location which i lovednice walk on beach next to house
11. Magnetic Island villa retreat
If you’re looking for a retreat to relax in comfort and style, then we’ve found the right villa for you. This modern home has all the space and creature comforts you’ll ever need while being in close proximity to all those lovely koalas in Magnetic Island. You’ll love spending time in the villa’s inviting pool, or socialize with fellow guests in the massive lounge area. And spending time anywhere in Australia won’t be complete without a tasty BBQ, which you can also enjoy at this villa. The villa is approximately 200 meters (656 feet) from Picnic Park and around a kilometer (0.62 miles) distance from Magnetic Island Reef and the Magnetic Island National Park. There are also several ethnic restaurants just 150 meters (492 feet) from the villa.
Picnic Bay, Queensland, Australia
275.04 km (170.9 mi) from Cairns Night MarketsSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the complimentary breakfast out on the deck was much appreciatedwe also enjoyed our breakfast on the quiet peaceful outdoor balcony watching the abundant bird and wildlifethe pool and jacuzzi were our favorite spots and the nature around us made everything even betterthe room was great too with much needed a/c after a long day in the sunmy son and i had a good sleep in a quiet pleasant room with our own bathroomCleanliness:
the house is clean tidy and comfortablethe space is very cleanthe bedroom is spacious and comfortable to sleep bathroom clean and modernthe house was impeccably clean and on an amazing locationbeautiful clean home with an amazing pool and deckHost:
amazing hosts amazing hospitality amazing homevery nice hosts that provides great hospitality and local tipstheir home is convenient and the hosts are friendly and helpfulhosts were lovely and house very welcomingmore than perfect hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in picnic baywonderful place in great locationgreat italian place 5 minutes awaysimple room in a good locationthe location is just metres from great walks and picnic bay
12. Charming apartment at the heart of North Queensland
Welcome the beautiful beautiful suburb of Bungalow, Queensland, from this two-bedroom apartment. Boasting a charming and comfortable atmosphere, the apartment guarantees a restful stay throughout your vacation and can accommodate up to four people.
The parking area is complemented by the private outdoor patio that’s furnished with an alfresco dining setting and a BBQ grill. The lounge space comes with two mid-century, modern couches, a wooden coffee table, and a flat-screen smart TV for your entertainment and relaxation. The pristine kitchen is equipped with a white-tiled backsplash, an electric cooktop, oven, blender, and full-sized fridge as well as a bar top that can seat up to three people.
Located at the heart of Tropical North Queensland, the home is only 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from the central business district, a few blocks away from the Westcourt Shopping Center, and is close to many restaurants, shops, and attractions like Barlow Park.
Bungalow, Queensland, Australia
1.77 km (1.1 mi) from Cairns Night MarketsAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apartment was loaded with amenities and easy to findthe air con worked great and if you like to cook the kitchen was loadedgood range of kitchen appliances and fast internetcomfy beds well equipped spacious kitchen and a huge balconygreat facilities and the beds were comfyCleanliness:
cleanliness was great toovery clean and the bed were comfortablevery clean & tidy with well equipped bathroom & kitchenthe place was clean quirky and a great place to stay in cairnsthe place was great to stay at exactly how it was described clean stocked with lots of small essentialsHost:
the host was easy to communicate with and helpful with any questions etcjulie was very responsive and helpful in coordinating the staysjulie was very responsive and helpful in coordinating the staysglen is an amazing host and super responsiveglen was so helpful with organising a cot hire ready for us when we arrivedRead more reviewsLocation:
close to central of town easy walking distanceperfect location great sized apartmenta great stylish place located 5 mins from downtowngorgeous place and amazing locationthe location was superb and quiet
13. Resort room at Port Douglas Ramada
Couples or small families often require comfortable and feature-rich accommodations, and this resort offers this and so much more. Its lagoon styled pool is the perfect spot for lazy afternoons, and there’s also a gym and spa to stay in shape and rejuvenate yourself. There’s also a bar and restaurant in the resort grounds for refreshments and tasty meals. You’ll also love that this resort is less than 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the beach, while Wildlife Habitat and the Four Mile Beach Park are within a 1 kilometer (0.62miles) distance.
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
55.92 km (34.8 mi) from Cairns Night MarketsAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
breakfast and chocolates were also a lovely touchthe unit also has a great view overlooking the poolit’s a nice room and comfortable with the a/c and fan runningthe breakfast supplies were an unexpected pleasure and the welcome chocolates on our beds a treatroom with a great view of the pool and outdoor areaCleanliness:
very clean and nice roomvery clean and comfortable roomgreat clean room within the resortclean apartment in a beautiful resortgreat room clean spacious and well maintainedHost:
wendy and roger were great hostsroger and wendy were great hostslovely appartment and lovely hostsroger and wendy were fantastic hostsroger and wendy are great hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in the hoteleasy check in and great location to surrounding regionsa great location especially with a vahicle but there is also a minibus to townit’s close to town and set in the fantastic ramada resortthe location was beautiful and we truly loved our stay here
14. A modern house close to Palm Cove waterfront
Accommodation is best when it offers a strategic location and provides modern amenities and facilities, like this house. Situated adjacent to beaches, restaurants, and cafes, the house is equipped with four comfy beds and two bathrooms. There is an open-plan living area where you can relax and kill time. As a guest, you will also have access to wireless internet.
Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia
22.29 km (13.9 mi) from Cairns Night MarketsSuperhostAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it has all the amenities you could need including excellent wifiair con throughout and a lovely pool as wellthe pool it's the perfect size for a family and being solar-heated was always inviting to be inenjoyed swimming in the heated poolfast wifi close to the beach and a nice quiet streetCleanliness:
beautiful clean property modern and comfortableit was sparkling clean and well stocked with basic essentialsit was so clean big and comfortable for the whole familysuper clean stunning house and a lovely pool and outdoor areavery spacious and cleanHost:
host is very helpful and response promptly to all our requeststhe host was so very helpfulthe host is all the time ready to help and prompt for any inquirythe hosts are very welcoming and accommodatingmore than too kindRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in palm covegreat location short walk to esplanadea super location toogood location close to the palm cove restaurant stripamazing house and amazing location
Luxurious and modern accommodations in Cairns
Cairns has plenty of epic natural attractions, but it also boasts many amazing accommodations that are modern with enough luxurious features fit for a king and plenty of family resorts for everyone to enjoy. Many of the listed accommodations are close to the beach and the city center, which gives visitors plenty of attractions to visit and things to do. Which one of these awesome options are you going to choose?
Frequently asked questions about Airbnb vacation rentals near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
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