
Waterfront vacation rentals in Cairns
Find and book unique waterfront accommodations on Airbnb
Quick stats about waterfront rentals in Cairns

Total vacation rentals
Explore 320 vacation rentals in Cairns

Nightly prices starting at
Cairns vacation rentals start at $28 CAD per night before taxes and fees

Verified guest reviews
Over 18,180 verified reviews to help you choose

Family-friendly vacation rentals
200 properties offer extra space and kid-friendly amenities

Pet-friendly vacation rentals
Find 10 rentals that welcome pets

Vacation rentals with a pool
300 properties feature pools

Rentals with dedicated workspaces
120 properties have a dedicated workspace

Wifi availability
320 of Cairns vacation rentals include wifi access

Popular amenities for guests
Guests love Kitchen, Wifi, and Pool across Cairns rentals

4.9 Average rating
Cairns stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.9 out of 5!

Nearby attractions
Cairns’s top spots, include Cairns Botanic Gardens, Cairns Aquarium, and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Top-rated waterfront accommodations in Cairns
Guests agree: these waterfront accommodations are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Absolute Beach Front Surf Shack
Unique beachfront shack nestled in the quiet streets of Holloways Beach. Just 10mins from the Airport and 15mins from the CBD, this is one of few absolute beachfront locations in Cairns offering a place to escape. The cosy open living accom has sea views from the deck and front rooms. With direct beach access, all you have to do is step off the deck. Here you can enjoy a cuppa or quiet beverages looking out over the sea. Experience falling asleep listening to the waves gently lapping the shore.
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 179 reviews
Absolute Beachfront House @palmtreesforever_aus
Palm. Trees. Forever. One of few absolute beachfront locations in Cairns, this original San Remo beach shack is the stuff of dreams. Lovingly curated to capture the simple beauty of Far North Queensland, every second in this home will make you believe in magic. Let the gentle sound of the ocean kissing the beach just meters from the deck rock you to sleep. Everything has been thought of to allow vitamin Sea to slow everything down so you can enjoy precious time with your family and friends.
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 151 reviews
Iconic Elevated Harbour Lights - 2 Bed Ocean Views
Absolute Waterfront 10th floor 3-night minimum stay Located in the heart of the CBD 10 minutes from the airport Walking distance to Reef Boats and Lagoon 2-bed, 2-bath absolute waterfront apartment with ocean views Sleeps four guests 1 x King bedroom, 1 x King bed can convert to twin on request Elevated tenth floor position Coffee pod machine Fully air-conditioned Free Wi-Fi High quality towels and linen supplied Hideaway laundry Suitable for couples or families Secure parking for 2 vehicles
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 119 reviews
Quintessential Kewarra Classy 3BR home & Huge Pool
Resort living in the privacy of your own home. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Kewarra Beach, and less than 1 km from the tranquility of the coastline. We invite families and holidaymakers to our tastefully renovated house, offering the ultimate escape from the crowds and a chance to rejuvenate in a resort-style setting. Quintessential Kewarra highlights: 🏊Large private pool with a waterfall 🏡Spacious indoor & outdoor living, BBQ 🅿️Ample parking 🛜Complimentary Netflix, Disney+, and Wi-Fi
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews
"Life's Too Short for Ordinary Holidays"
Welcome to your dream escape, an exclusive three-bedroom Waterfront Condo perfectly perched on the northern end of the iconic Cairns Esplanade. From the moment you arrive, you will be captivated by the water views across the stunning Trinity Inlet waterway, while the serene backdrop of lush mountain ranges creates a truly unforgettable setting. Ideal for couples, families, small groups, business travelers or a romantic getaway seeking a luxury coastal experience in the heart of Cairns.
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 176 reviews
The Reef Retreat | Waterfront by Reef Terminal
Positioned above the Cairns Reef Terminal within the Waterfront Precinct, this spacious ninth-floor one-bedroom apartment offers an ideal base for exploring tropical North Queensland. The complex includes a pool, sauna, BBQ facilities, and outdoor dining areas, with Cairns’ best restaurants and cafés just downstairs on the boardwalk. After a day exploring the Reef or Rainforest, relax on the balcony with a drink and take in wide-open views across Trinity Inlet and the hinterland beyond.
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviews
Exclusive 2bed Apt Cairns Marina
Beautiful renovated 2-bedroom apartment in the unparalleled location of Cairns Marlin Marina. This stylish apartment, nestled in a tranquil corner of the iconic Harbour Lights, offers privacy, natural light and 5-star amenities offered by Sebel Harbour Lights Hotel. Minutes away from a vibrant boardwalk of cafes and award-winning restaurants, and in walking distance to supermarkets, art galleries, Cairns Museum, Cairns Central Shopping Centre and the Great Barrier Reef ferry terminal.
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 168 reviews
Stunning Waterfront Apartment in 5-star Complex
This beautifully presented stylish apartment is located on the 3rd floor of Harbour Lights complex hotel-wing. Flat screen TV to lounge and bedroom as well, modern functional kitchen with all the appliances you might need, including dishwasher. King-size bed in the bedroom plus comfortable sofa bed in lounge if needed/required. Stunning views, privacy, comfort and absolute blue-chip location with all the best restaurants, cafes, Reef Terminal, shops being within an arm's reach.
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 156 reviews
Ocean View Apartment - Cairns City
Welcome to our piece of paradise on the Esplanade waterfront, right in the heart of Cairns city. Our retro 2-bedroom apartment has been renovated with love & is filled with industrial chic touches & loads of charm! Sit back & relax on the balcony overlooking the ocean. Watch a spot of tennis as the boats sail in. Or take a short stroll along the waterfront to find a huge selection of restaurants, cafes, bars & shops. Everything you need for an awesome tropical getaway!
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 188 reviews
Best Location in Cairns - Ocean Views
Right in the center of town above the food court, night markets and restaurants with the Esplanade parklands and pool opposite and supermarket and library to the rear. Enjoy expansive views over Trinity Inlet from your own private balcony and relax! Free unlimited broadband internet and phonecalls within Australia. Free onsite parking, a short stroll to Reef Terminal and surrounded by cafes and entertainment venues, yet tranquil and private. Your perfect getaway!
4.78 out of 5 average rating, 339 reviews
Beachfront Beauty
Beautiful tropical apartment right across the road from Trinity Beach. You have sea views and can hear the waves crashing in your bedroom. This holiday apartment is in the Coral Sands Resort, its a modern, fully self contained apartment, with privacy and an incredible outlook. Prime location within walking distance to restaurants and cafes. Perfect place to sit back and relax. Essential Pantry items, wide range of tea and plunger coffee Netflix, unlimited WIFI.
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 131 reviews
Ocean Front 2 Bedroom Unit CBD
Level 9 unit 60 at Harbour Lights 1Marlin Parade with views of Coral Sea, Trinity Inlet, Mountains and Cairns. 2 bedrooms with ensuites, full kitchen, laundry, bath, balcony and large lounge. 3 Minutes to board a tourist boat to head off to Green Island, Fitzroy Island and the Great Barrier Reef. The complex has bar b que, swimming pool, sauna, gardens and gym. Close to Casino, ,Woolworths, Night Markets. Downstairs are many restaurants. Airport 10 minutes.
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 101 reviewsPopular amenities for Cairns waterfront rentals
Waterfront apartment rentals

'104' Coral Sea View Suite —1BR | Pool | Esplanade
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 325 reviews
Spacious, Beachfront Living Amongst the Palm Trees
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 118 reviews
'99' Cairns Tropical Escape — 2BR | Pool | Parking
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 236 reviews
Condo in Cairns City
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 44 reviews
Ocean View Esplanade Apt | Balcony, Pool & Parking
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 10 reviews
Stunning Absolute Beachfront
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 37 reviews
Maliina - Cairns Esplanade, Green Island views
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 49 reviews
Amalfi—Ocean Views & Pool near Beach & Restaurants
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 14 reviewsWaterfront house rentals

Da White Beachfront House Kewarra beach
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 21 reviews
Belle Escapes Bethany Beach House Trinity Beach
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 90 reviews
Arlington Beachfront House | Private 15-Metre Pool
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 7 reviews
Lakeside Luxury| Private Pool & Waterfront Views
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 72 reviews
The Beach House
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 92 reviews
Willow Garden Stays Cairns-Beachfront Luxury Home
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 65 reviews
Grand Lagoon View | 4 Bedroom Holiday Home
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews
Lake House| Private Pool, Lake Views| Pet Friendly
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 25 reviewsWaterfront condo rentals

2 Bedroom Condo "w" Pool entrance off your balcony
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 287 reviews
Cairns Apartment Esplanade Ocean Views
4.78 out of 5 average rating, 169 reviews
Ocean views, Esplanade location, 3BR, deluxe!
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 50 reviews
Esplanade 1 Bedroom Apartment with pool
4.69 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews
"Life Feels Better by the Water's Edge"
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 14 reviews
11 Harbour Lights with Ocean Views
4.74 out of 5 average rating, 43 reviews
219 Harbour Lights with Ocean View
4.76 out of 5 average rating, 37 reviews
1101 Harbour Lights with Ocean Views
4.78 out of 5 average rating, 45 reviewsWhen is the best time to visit Cairns?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. price | $275 CAD | $248 CAD | $252 CAD | $282 CAD | $276 CAD | $307 CAD | $339 CAD | $321 CAD | $303 CAD | $282 CAD | $269 CAD | $300 CAD |
| Avg. temp | 28 °C | 28 °C | 27 °C | 26 °C | 24 °C | 23 °C | 22 °C | 22 °C | 24 °C | 25 °C | 27 °C | 28 °C |
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- Palm Cove Beach
- Wonga Beach
- Cairns Botanic Gardens
- Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
- Cairns Central
- Crystal Cascades
- The Australian Armour & Artillery Museum
- Fitzroy Island Resort
- Babinda Boulders
- Cairns Aquarium
- Cairns Australia
- Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre
- Green Island Resort
- Quicksilver Cruises
- Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course
- Cairns Night Markets
- Wildlife Habitat
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Sugarworld Adventure Park
- Cairns Art Gallery
- Rainforestation Nature Park
- Salt House
- Ellis Beach
- Barron Falls





