Cairns Harbourside Hotel | Bay-View Pool & Award Dining

75 photos

Reserve directly with us

up to 10% cheaper

than with Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

209-217 The Esplanade, Cairns, 4870

Close to the Cairns Aquarium

Great

8.2

8.8

/10

4.0

Loved by Cairns Harbourside Hotel guests

Helpful staff

Free parking

Generous size

Comfortable rooms

Decent breakfast

"Breakfast was superb! Loved the coffee machine and there was a fabulous selection of hot and cold foods."

Helen from New Zealand

read full review

"This hotel is lovely, 4 to 5 star, the pool is huge and has gorgeous views opposite the esplanade of the sea and mountains."

MelnDean from Australia

read full review

"I had an incredibly spacious room with a huge balcony overlooking the ocean."

Karin from United States

read full review

4-star Cairns hotel with award-winning dining and bay views

Amenities

Cairns Harbourside Hotel offers 173 spacious rooms, each with a private balcony showcasing views of Trinity Bay or lush tropical gardens. Guests benefit from a sapphire blue outdoor pool and spa, open from 6 am to 9 pm, with complimentary towels available. An inviting secret garden features winding paths, vibrant flora, and a koi pond, allowing visitors to explore the hotel's tranquil grounds.

Rooms

The hotel provides various room types, including premium sea view rooms and one-bedroom suites designed for ample comforts. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and essential amenities like minifridges and tea and coffee-making facilities. Many rooms also feature private balconies overlooking the picturesque Trinity Bay, offering an ideal space for relaxation.

Dining

An award-winning on-site restaurant, Harbourside Bar & Kitchen, showcases Far North Queensland's local produce in a delightful menu. Guests can select from a richly diverse drinks menu that includes over 900 wines, local gins, and craft beers. Dining options extend from buffet breakfast to poolside service, allowing for a variety of experiences.

Family-Friendly Features

Families can take advantage of the Kids Stay and Eat Free program, where children aged 12 and under share their parents' rooms at no extra cost. The hotel also offers spacious accommodations catering to family needs, with options for adjoining rooms and rooms with double beds. Conveniently located near attractions like the Great Barrier Reef, families can easily access adventure and exploration.

Location & Accessibility

Cairns Harbourside Hotel sits along The Cairns Esplanade, directly opposite Trinity Bay, providing quick access to local attractions. A complimentary shuttle bus service operates between the hotel and Cairns CBD, making transportation hassle-free. The property is just an eight-minute drive from Cairns International Airport, enhancing accessibility for travelers.

Highlights

Location: Directly opposite Trinity Bay

Dining: Award-winning Harbourside Bar & Kitchen

Rooms: 173 spacious accommodations

Amenities: Secret garden and outdoor spa

Family-Friendly: Kids aged 12 and under stay free

Accessibility: Free shuttle service to Cairns CBD

Must-do experiences

Visit the Kuranda Scenic Railway for stunning views of the rainforest.
Try the Barramundi at Dundee's at the Marina for a delicious meal.
Explore the Cairns Night Markets for unique crafts and local foods.
Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef for breathtaking snorkeling.
Discover the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for rich local heritage.

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Premium King Room Seafront
2 persons
28 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Premium Double Room Two Double Beds Seafront
2 persons
30 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Standard King Room
2 persons
27 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details

Show all rooms

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

August 2026 - August 2027

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

August 2026

September 2026

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

July 2027

Choose dates to see prices

Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Great

8.2/10Review 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

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

Dining Onsite

At Cairns Harbourside Hotel, dining takes on a delightful twist with the Harbourside Bar and Kitchen, where modern Australian cuisine harmonizes with a beautiful waterfront setting. Embracing a 'paddock to plate' philosophy, it showcases the best of Queensland's local produce, perfect for families and couples alike.

Harbourside Bar and Kitchen
Modern Australian
Ambiance
Casual dining in a family-friendly environment, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary decor with views of the serene harbor.
Key Offerings
Menus featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on the 'vineyard to glass' wine selection. Up to two kids aged 12 and under eat free with ordering from the main menu.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 06:00 to 09:30 for breakfast and brunch.

Cairns Harbourside Hotel Location

209-217 The Esplanade, Cairns, 4870

Explore Cairns

Cairns Harbourside Hotel Experience

Cairns Botanic Gardens

25 minutes' walk

A lush collection of native plants, offering guided tours and free admission. Ideal for nature lovers and peaceful strolls.

Cairns Night Markets

20 minutes' walk

Open nightly, this market features local crafts and delicious food stalls. An excellent spot for souvenirs and dining.

Cairns Aquarium

17 minutes' walk

Home to diverse marine life, featuring interactive exhibits and guided tours. Great for families and nature enthusiasts.

Muddy's Playground

14 minutes' walk

A family-friendly park with water play areas, playgrounds, and picnic spots. A perfect outing for families with children.

Green Arrow Walk

15 minutes' walk

A scenic walking trail offering stunning views. Ideal for fitness enthusiasts, it's easily accessible with no entry fees.

Great Barrier Reef Tours

5 minutes' drive

Exciting boat tours to explore one of the world's wonders. Book in advance, with options for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Spa Treatments

5 minutes' drive

Various local spas offer rejuvenating treatments. Perfect for relaxation after a day of exploration. Advance reservations suggested.

Harbourside Bar & Kitchen

4 minutes' walk

An inviting bar with a casual vibe serving local seafood and pub classics. Great for relaxed dinners overlooking the water.

Cock & Bull

5 minutes' walk

A popular gastropub featuring hearty meals and local beers. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly menu.

Sushi Train

8 minutes' walk

A bustling spot offering fresh sushi on a conveyor belt. Fast service, making it a fun dining experience for sushi lovers.

Cairns Civic Theater

19 minutes' walk

A lively venue hosting theater performances and events. Check the schedule for family-friendly shows and local acts.

The Reef Hotel Casino

8 minutes' drive

An exciting spot for gaming, dining, and live entertainment. Notable for its vibrant nightlife and occasional live music events.

Zinc Restaurant and Lounge

6 minutes' walk

A chic venue popular for its cocktail scene and tapas menu. Great for a romantic evening or socializing with friends.

Getting around

City Centre
Cairns 17 min · 4600 ft
Airports
Cairns (CNS) 7 min · 2.8 mi
Train
Cairns Central Station 23 min · 1.2 mi

Unlock Early-Bird Deals

Grab Exclusive Rates Instantly

Check Rates

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:

Number of rooms:

141

Former name

Mercure Cairns Harbourside

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Cairns Harbourside Hotel is known for its excellent location with magnificent Esplanade and Trinity Bay views, offering convenient access to Cairns CBD via a shuttle bus, though some find the walk into town manageable. Many guests appreciate the spacious rooms, some even upgraded to rooms overlooking the sea and pool. The hotel's happy hour with discounted drinks is a plus, and facilities include a swimming pool, while some guests noted that rooms could be a little dated.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 1571 verified reviews

8.3 /10

Great

84 %

Recommend

Staff

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Free WiFi

7.9/10

Breakfast

8.0/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Clean rooms

Good breakfast

Esplanade location

Cons

Noisy nights

David from United States

Couple

Premium King Room Seafront

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 27, 2026

8.7/10

serene harbour escape

attentive service peaceful retreat off street parking

the staff offered attentive service, ensuring a smooth check-in , and i appreciated the quick resolution of a minor query i had regarding local attractions. the location provided a peaceful retreat, a welcome change from the city's bustle , yet remained accessible to key points of interest. free off street parking also provided significant convenience.

i noticed a lingering damp smell in the room , perhaps requiring some attention to improve the overall freshness.

Service

9/10

the hotel provided prompt and helpful assistance , offering clear directions and useful advice about nearby attractions and dining options , which really enhanced my exploration of the area.

Dining

8/10

the breakfast buffet presented sufficient variety , with a selection of fresh fruits , pastries , and cooked items , ensuring a satisfying start to the day before excursions around the coastline.

Rooms

9/10

my room offered comfortable furnishings and a calming colour palette, and the seafront view was beautiful , especially at sunset.

0 Helpful

Show less

john from united kingdom

Single

standard king room

4 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: September 17, 2025

6/10

leaking air conditioning dirty curtains

the air conditioning leaked and stained the carpet in the room. the curtains were also dirty and had holes. the balcony door did not close completely, a real security problem.

0 Helpful

Dean from United States

Standard King Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: July 05, 2025

9/10

separate shower friendly staff

The room had a separate shower and bath. I loved it. I also found the staff very friendly, and they helped me with directions to the esplanade.

The gym is small. It could use more equipment.

0 Helpful

Show more reviews

Questions of the users

About Cairns Harbourside Hotel

What options are available for getting from Cairns Airport to the hotel?

12 January 2024

Taxi or Uber are the easiest modes of transport from the airport to the hotel, with an approximate cost of $25-$30.

Is there a shuttle service to take guests from the hotel to the domestic airport?

18 February 2024

Unfortunately, there is no shuttle service provided. The most affordable way to transfer is via Taxi or Uber. Private transfer options are also available at the airport kiosks located in the baggage claim area.

Are there shuttle services available to return to the hotel from Cairns Central at night?

5 March 2024

There is a complimentary shuttle that operates from the hotel to the Cairns Night Markets and back at specific times: 08:30, 09:30, 16:00, and 16:30. Reservations for seats should be made in advance with the front desk.

Could you describe the breakfast that comes with the stay?

22 March 2024

The hotel offers a comprehensive buffet breakfast served in the restaurant, featuring both hot and cold selections.

Are there rooms with spa baths available for special occasions, like birthdays?

15 April 2024

There are no spa baths in the rooms, but all accommodations include regular baths. Additionally, there is an outdoor pool and an unheated jacuzzi tub on-site.

Until what time is check-out available, and can late check-out be arranged?

30 April 2024

The standard check-out time is 11:00 am. Late check-out may be arranged upon request, subject to availability.

Does the hotel provide on-site parking for guests?

15 May 2024

There is a limited on-site car park available, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. If the car park is full, there is free on-street parking along Lake Street and the Esplanade without any restrictions.

Is there a gym facility available for guests to use?

20 June 2024

While there is no gym within the hotel, guests have access to Think Fitness, a 24-hour facility located just an 8-minute walk away.

Are there interconnecting rooms for families or groups available?

3 July 2024

Yes, interconnecting rooms are available, subject to hotel availability.

Are there family-friendly dining options and facilities for children?

18 August 2024

The hotel features a children's menu and any child aged 12 and under stays and eats for free when sharing their parents' room. There are also various food options nearby for families.