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From75US$ /night
Check-in
27May2026Select date
Check-out
28May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Overview

209-217 Esplanade, Cairns, Australia, 4870
-
Next to the Cairns Aquarium
Great
8.2
8.8
/10
4.0
4.0
/5

Amenities

Cairns Harbourside Hotel offers 173 spacious accommodations with options of private balconies overlooking Trinity Bay, lush gardens, or hinterland mountains. Guests can relax in the sapphire blue outdoor pool or unwind in the spa after a day of exploration. An e-scooter hire service is available for leisurely rides along the Cairns Esplanade.

Rooms

Each room at Cairns Harbourside Hotel includes air conditioning and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Relaxing bath options are available in select rooms, along with the option for stunning ocean views. The hotel offers various room types such as the One Bedroom King Sea View Suite, perfect for those looking for more space during their stay.

Location

The hotel is centrally located on the Cairns Esplanade, just minutes from popular attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. A complimentary shuttle bus service runs daily to and from the Cairns CBD, making it easy to explore the local area. The hotel is only eight minutes from Cairns International Airport.

Family-Friendly

Cairns Harbourside Hotel offers family-friendly accommodations where kids aged 12 and under stay and eat free when sharing with their parents. Spacious rooms come with private balconies, allowing families to relax together with stunning views. The hotel boasts a secret garden and picnic-perfect lawns for children to explore.

Dining

The award-winning Harbourside Bar & Kitchen showcases local produce with an extensive menu including tropical buffet breakfasts and all-day dining options. Guests can enjoy over 900 carefully curated wines at the natural wine bar, complementing their dining experience. Outdoor dining is available on the tropical patio or beside the pool.

Highlights

Location: Cairns Esplanade, just minutes from popular attractions

Rooms: 173 spacious accommodations with private balconies

Family-Friendly: Kids under 12 stay and eat free

Dining: Over 900 curated wines at the natural wine bar

Must-do experiences

  • Dive at the Great Barrier Reef with Quicksilver for stunning views.
  • Savor homemade ice cream at Gelocchio after a long day of exploring.
  • Stroll through Rusty's Markets on weekends for fresh local produce.
  • Visit the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon for a relaxing swim and sunbathing.
  • Explore the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair for unique cultural insights.
View all

Pick the Room That Suits Your Travel Needs

Rooms for singles, families, or groups—many with breakfast, free cancellation, and exclusive airport packages
Standard Double Room Two Double Beds Sea View
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Bathtub
Premium King Room Seafront
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Bathtub
Premium Double Room Two Double Beds Seafront
2 persons
325 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Bathtub
Standard King Room
2 persons
295 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Bathtub
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Facilities

Comfortable Rooms and Convenient Services to Enhance Your Layover
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Wind surfing
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Tennis court
  • Bowling
  • Archery
  • Aerobics
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Free shuttle service
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Grocery shopping service
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Poolside snack bar
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Pool with view
  • Shallow end

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At Cairns Harbourside Hotel, the Harbourside Bar and Kitchen offers a delightful dining experience reflecting the flavors of Queensland in a welcoming atmosphere. With a focus on fresh, local produce, this casual setting is perfect for families and romantic dinners alike.
Cairns Harbourside Hotel Restaurant photo
Cairns Harbourside Hotel Restaurant photo

Harbourside Bar and Kitchen

Modern Australian
Ambiance
Casual dining with a family-friendly atmosphere, suitable for both traditional and romantic moments. The space is designed to be inviting and relaxed, encouraging guests to enjoy their meals comfortably.
Key Offerings
A 'paddock to plate' ethos prioritizing quality, fresh ingredients sourced from the region, alongside a thoughtful selection of wines that embody the 'vineyard to glass' philosophy. Up to two kids aged 12 and under can enjoy complimentary meals from the main menu.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily for breakfast from 06:00 to 09:30.

Location & Directions

209-217 Esplanade, Cairns, Australia, 4870
Map view
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns, Australia, 4870
Nearby
Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland
1100 ft
6 Grove St
Cock 'n' Bull
1400 ft
228 Sheridan St
Crackerbox Palace
1600 ft
Obelisk in memory of the Munro and Martin family
1700 ft
Restaurants
Harbourside Bar & Kitchen
1100 ft
209-217 Esplanade
Cock & Bull
1400 ft
6 Grove St
Pedro's Pizza
2300 ft
223 Sheridan St
Sushi Train
2100 ft
221 Sheridan St
Tandoori Nights
1900 ft
209 Sheridan St
Tim Hei Hong Kong Cuisine
2100 ft
217 Sheridan St Unit 2
Palms Restaurant
2500 ft
295 Sheridan St Cairns Sheridan Hotel
Dunwoody's Tavern & Liquor Barn
2800 ft
317 Sheridan St
Coral Hedge Brassiere Restaurant and Bar
2600 ft
209-217 Abbott Street
Explore Cairns
Explore Cairns
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Cairns Night Markets
Cairns Night Markets
20 minutes' walk
Vibrant market featuring local crafts, souvenirs, and diverse food stalls. Great for evening exploration.
Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland
4 minutes' walk
Scenic park lined with palms, picturesque paths, and picnic areas. Ideal for a leisurely stroll or family day out.
Cairns Regional Gallery
Cairns Regional Gallery
25 minutes' walk
Renowned gallery showcasing contemporary art and local exhibitions. Offers a glimpse into the region's culture.
Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome
Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome
25 minutes' walk
Adventure park with zip lines and wildlife experiences. Perfect for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Green Arrow Walk
17 minutes' walk
Scenic walking trail offering stunning views of the waterfront. Enjoy a relaxing hike suitable for all levels.
Tropical Wildlife Tours
5 minutes' drive
Exciting tours to see native flora and fauna. Guided options available; great for families and nature lovers.
Harbourside Bar & Kitchen
Harbourside Bar & Kitchen
4 minutes' walk
Casual dining with views of the marina. Specializes in fresh seafood and local beers. Reservations recommended.
Tandoori Nights
Tandoori Nights
7 minutes' walk
Authentic Indian cuisine with halal options. Known for vibrant flavors and friendly atmosphere.
Pedro's Pizza
Pedro's Pizza
9 minutes' walk
Family-friendly pizzeria offering a variety of toppings. Great for a quick and delicious meal.
The Cairns Civic Theater
19 minutes' walk
Popular venue for live performances and cultural events. A must-see for fans of theater and music.
Cock 'n' Bull
6 minutes' walk
Lively pub with live music and events. Perfect for socializing over drinks in a relaxed setting.
How to Navigate the City
City Centre
Cairns17 min  ·  4600 ft
Airports
Cairns (CNS)7 min  ·  2.8 mi
Train
Cairns Central Station23 min  ·  1.2 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of AUD 30 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Czech, Japanese, Chinese, Bahasa Indonesian, Javanese, Slovak
Number of floors:
7
Number of rooms:
141
Former name
Mercure Cairns Harbourside

Real Guest Reviews & Ratings

What Previous Guests Had to Say
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Cairns Harbourside Hotel is generally considered a comfortable place to stay, with many guests enjoying spacious rooms and the convenience of having a fridge. The location provides easy access to the Esplanade and a pleasant walk to Muddy's cafe and playground, though some find the city centre a bit of a walk, about 30 minutes along the waterside. Many rooms offer great views of the beach and mountains, and you can start your day with a reasonably good breakfast before exploring the area.
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Review score
Based on 1783 verified reviews
8.3/10
Great
84%
Recommend
Staff
9.0/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Pros
Helpful staff
Sea view
Good location
Cons
Lift issues
Guest reviews
based on 1783 reviews
8.3/10
based on 2279 reviews
8.2/10
Vicki from Australia
Single
Standard Double Room Two Double Beds
7 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 20, 2026
8.7/10

solid stay

separate loungefitted kitchenettegreat helpfulness
the room had a separate lounge. it also included a kitchenette. the staff offered much helpfulness.
the decor feels dated. it could use a revamp.
Location
9/10
the hotel location is in a quiet area. the hotel is close to the esplanade. i found the walk quite nice.
Rooms
8/10
the room felt huge. it had everything i needed. the bed provided great comfort.
Service
9/10
the staff seemed relaxed. they always looked friendly. i felt they were helpful.
0 Helpful
|
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Paul from United Kingdom
Single
Standard King Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:January 18, 2026
7/10
spacious roomgreat locationquiet locationbad foodpricey breakfastrubbery fish
the room was spacious. the location was great as i walked everywhere. the hotel was quiet and relaxing too.
The food in the bar restaurant was not good at all. the fish was rubbery. the breakfast was just okay. I think it is not worth the price.
0 Helpful
Wally from Australia
Single
Standard King Room
4 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:January 08, 2026
6/10

Acceptable Stay with Some Drawbacks

comfortable bedbroken bar fridgeslow cooling
The bed and pillows were amazingly comfortable, a welcome feature after long travel days.
I found some issues that detracted from my experience. The bar fridge was not working properly, and contained out-of-date milk. The air conditioning took about seven hours to cool the room down. It was quite inconvenient.
0 Helpful
Elizabeth from United Kingdom
Couple
Standard King Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:January 07, 2026
8.5/10

Satisfying Harbour Stay

mini kitchenetteconvenient locationflavorful breakfast
The room was spacious. It included a mini kitchenette. I found the location convenient. Tours picked us up right at the hotel. Breakfast offered many choices and it was very flavorful.
The room decor seemed a little dated.
Facilities
8/10
The pool area had a good number of loungers. The gym included several treadmills and stationary bikes. Free parking was available nearby, very convenient.
Location
9/10
The hotel IS near the esplanade. The airport was a short distance away. Walking to the center and main beachfront was easy.
Dining
8/10
I appreciated the breakfast buffet options. The hotel restaurant served pub-style food. The outside deck was a relaxing spot for drinks.
Service
9/10
Staff members were always friendly and helpful. They provided assistance with any requests. The front desk staff was very professional.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
June from United States
Single
Standard King Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 29, 2025
6/10

adequate stay with minor issues

centralized air conditioninginconvenient temperature
the air conditioning was centrally controlled, a system i found inconvenient. i prefer individual control to adjust the temperature to my liking. the room was consistently too cold, and despite extra blankets provided by the staff, the lack of heat was noticeable. the balcony door had to be kept slightly open to disable the air conditioning, which wasn't ideal.
0 Helpful
Martin from Germany
Single
King Premium Waterfront
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 04, 2025
8.6/10

a relaxed stay by the water

waterfront roomstaff friendlinessunclear promotion
the king premium waterfront room was spacious. breakfast offered good variety (i especially liked the fresh fruit). i appreciated the staff friendliness and their readiness to help. the location was convenient, close to the city and the airport.
the happy hour promotion was unclear. the listed $7 drink price applied only to three beer types. the hotel should clarify this .
Service
9/10
the staff at reception was helpful and efficient with check-in and check-out. the housekeeping service ensured the room remained clean and well-stocked with amenities. staff promptly addressed requests.
Dining
8/10
breakfast had a good selection of hot and cold items. the dining area was clean, with prompt service during peak hours. fresh fruit juices were available daily.
Location
9/10
the hotel is a short walk from the city center. it is also close to the airport. this location offers a quiet atmosphere away from the bustle.
Facilities
8/10
the pool area had plenty of loungers and umbrellas for shade. the reception is open 24 hours and is well maintained. there is garden area.
Rooms
9/10
the room included a king bed with clean linen. it had a balcony. the bathroom included large bottles of soap and shampoo attached to the walls.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Pauline from Canada
Business traveller
standard king room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 03, 2025
9.0/10

fantastic stay with cheerful staff

cheerful staffclean hotelgreat facilities
the staff were always very cheerful even though they were constantly busy! i enjoyed the clean hotel and the great facilities, they were well maintained. the room views were also good.
Dining
9/10
i found nice food and coffees at the bar downstairs. breakfast was complete and varied with plenty of options to choose from every morning. the in-house restaurant serves pub food like burgers and chips for lunch and dinner.
Location
8/10
The hotel is close to the airport. It is over 1km walk to downtown and the docks to depart to the great barrier reef. it's a lovely, quiet location, though it is 3 km from the cbd!
Service
10/10
staff in every department performed over and above my expectations! the staff were friendly, kind, and always willing to help. they have 24 hrs reception, so helpful!
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Questions of the users
About Cairns Harbourside Hotel
What options are available for getting from the airport to Cairns Harbourside Hotel?
14 February 2024
Taxi or Uber are the most convenient ways to reach the hotel from the airport, with an approximate fare between $25 and $30.
Is there a transport option to help guests get to and from the domestic airport?
23 March 2024
Currently, no shuttle service is provided. Taxis and Uber are the best and most cost-effective modes of transportation. Private transfer kiosks are also available in the baggage claim area of the airport.
Are there shuttles that return from Cairns Central to the hotel during the evening?
10 April 2024
Yes, the hotel provides shuttle service to the Cairns Night Markets at specific times throughout the day. Seats need to be booked in advance at the front desk.
What can guests expect from the 'breakfast included' option?
29 April 2024
A full buffet breakfast is served in the hotel's restaurant, offering a variety of hot and cold dishes to start your day.
Are guests able to check out later than the standard time?
15 May 2024
The standard check-out time is 11:00 am, with late check-out available upon request, subject to availability.
Is parking available for guests traveling by car?
30 June 2024
The hotel has limited on-site parking available on a first come, first served basis. Additional free on-street parking options can be found along Lake St and the Esplanade.
Do the hotel's facilities include a gym for guests?
8 July 2024
A 24-hour gym, Think Fitness, is available just an 8-minute walk from the hotel, offering a good variety of exercise equipment.
Is it possible to request interconnecting rooms for families or groups?
22 August 2024
Yes, interconnecting rooms are available, depending on hotel occupancy and availability.
Are there dining options available near the hotel?
5 September 2024
The hotel is conveniently located on the Esplanade with an on-site bar and restaurant, along with several dining options nearby for guest convenience.
What are the hotel's policies regarding smoking?
17 October 2024
The entire hotel is a non-smoking facility, which includes rooms, balconies, and all public areas.

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