Beachfront, Rainforest and City Centre: The Best Airbnbs in and Around Cairns

While many operators are keen to welcome tourists to Far North Queensland during peak holiday period, as clean-up efforts continue following Tropical Cyclone Jasper, we recommend checking with Airbnb hosts directly to ensure your accommodation remains safe and accessible.

It’s best known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but there’s so much more to Cairns than just coral. The Daintree Rainforest – one of the oldest rainforests in the world – offers a different kind of tropical paradise, while the Atherton Tablelands plateau is a region of dramatic scenery with lush forests and vegetation and spectacular mountains.

Whatever kind of holiday or adventure is taking you to Far North Queensland, there’s somewhere to rest your head that suits the occasion. Here are some of the best Airbnbs in Cairns and surrounds.

Belle Escapes, Palm Cove

The beachside village of Palm Cove offers the most luxurious stay in Cairns. This three-bedroom villa has a private pool, a fully equipped kitchen for entertaining, close proximity to the esplanade precinct and access to a nearby health club (with a gym, lap pool, sauna and training facilities) for an extra charge. Sleeps 6 / from $780 a night / three-night minimum (five during peak times) / book here.

Rainforest Sunsets, Kuranda

Tiny Away specialises in off-grid cabins, and this one, nestled in the mountainous village of Kuranda, just 25 kilometres from Cairns, is no exception. The secluded farm stay has uninterrupted sunset views over rolling hills, an outdoor firepit, queen bed and all the basic amenities packed into a cosy but comfortable small house. Sleeps 2 / from $424 a night / book here.

Coral Sea Penthouse, Cairns City

If you want to stay right in the heart of Cairns city, this spacious apartment that overlooks the iconic Esplanade, lagoon and sea is just the ticket. There’s a queen bed and a double, as well as a corner bath and fully equipped kitchen. Guests can also use building amenities like the pool, garden, barbeques and gym. And outside, most of Cairns’s central drawcards are just a short stroll away. Sleeps 4 / from $267 a night / three-night minimum / book here.

Pura Vida, Palm Cove

Also in the peaceful enclave of Palm Cove, this four-bedroom home is made for big getaways with mates or family retreats. It includes a private pool, open-plan living area, a fully equipped kitchen and a double garage. The location is also a hop away from the beach, cafes and restaurants. Sleeps 8 / from $1079 a night / three-night minimum / book here.

Lily Pad Inn, Cairns North

While other properties blend clean lines, sleek curves and modern touches with untouched nature, this guest suite is all about bringing nature into your hideaway. Tropical foliage prints, outdoor-themed decor, wooden furniture and big open windows connect the bedroom to the lush private courtyard and lush garden, where you’ll also find an outdoor bathtub. Despite the serenity, Lily Pad Inn is just a short walk from Cairns Esplanade. Sleeps 2 / from $249 a night / book here.

Hideaway Treehouse, Earlville

Set in the tropical rainforest south-west of Cairns, this treehouse is surrounded on almost all sides by nature and foliage – all viewable from the many windows and massive balcony. It’s on a 2159-square-metre property, offering full privacy despite just being a 10-minute drive from Cairns CBD and 14 minutes from the airport. Two bedrooms, spacious living areas, a kitchen and a bathroom (with a spa) are spread out over three levels, descending down from the entrance. Sleeps 4 / from $345 a night / three-night minimum / book here.

Two-to-Three-Bedroom Penthouse, Trinity Beach

A beachy holiday doesn’t necessarily need panoramic views of the ocean, skies and palm trees – but it’s a good perk. This Trinity Beach apartment, north of Cairns but closer than Palm Cove, has exactly that thanks to its penthouse perch. It’s got two bedrooms, with a queen sofa bed in the living room for extra guests; one of the ensuites also has a spa with sea views. Sleeps 6 / from $187 a night / five-night minimum / book here.

Castle in the Sky, Mooroobool

Hunting for a massive Airbnb that can host a large group? This six-bedroom house can fit over a dozen people across three levels, each with 300-degree views of rainforest, the Coral Sea and distant mountain ranges. Many of the bedrooms have their own balconies, or you can gather round the sundeck or saltwater pool. You can book the main house which has room for six adults, and add on the lower level’s two-bedroom apartment for an extra four, plus the studio for another two people (there’s space for infants, too). Sleeps 14 / from $550 a night / book here.

The Canopy, Tarzali

Dial up the romance in this treehouse, deep in a 100-acre private rainforest. Warm lighting (or candles, if you prefer) casts a dim glow over the wooden structure, which has a main bedroom, extra beds on the mezzanine, a spa bath, balcony with barbeque and hammock, and more. It’s a bit of a drive from Cairns – about 90 minutes – but you’ll be resting your head amongst the ancient trees and abundant wildlife of the Atherton Tablelands. Sleeps 4 / from $292 a night / two-night minimum / book here.

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