Save up to 10%
by booking directly
compared to Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From75US$ /night
Check-in
26Dec2025Select date
Check-out
27Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Overview and Details

209-217 Esplanade, Cairns, Australia, 4870
-
Close to the Cairns Aquarium
Great
8.1
8.7
/10
4.1
4.1
/5

Cairns Harbourside Hotel - Esplanade accommodation 5km from Cairns Airport

Located on the Cairns Esplanade overlooking Trinity Bay, Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside offers 173 rooms with private balconies. The hotel features a swimming pool with spa, award-winning Harbourside Bar & Kitchen restaurant, and complimentary CBD shuttle bus. Positioned 2km from Cairns Central and 5km from Cairns Airport, it provides access to Great Barrier Reef tours and Daintree Rainforest excursions. The restaurant's natural wine bar has won a 'Best of Award of Excellence' and showcases over 500 organic, biodynamic wines. Conference facilities include seven flexible spaces for up to 100 guests. Children 12 and under stay and eat free when sharing parents' room.

Additional perks of the hotel

Free wireless internet throughout property

Secret garden with tropical plants, koi pond and wooden bridge

24-hour business hub and offsite gymnasium access

E-scooter hire available for exploring the Esplanade

Kitchen garden with herbs, edible flowers and native fruit trees

Baggage hold service and ice machines

Safety deposit boxes available

Wheelchair accessibility throughout hotel

Room Options

Accommodations range from Standard Rooms to Premium Suites, each featuring a private balcony with views of tropical gardens, mountains, or Trinity Bay. Standard rooms offer garden or mountain views, while Premium rooms provide sea views. One-bedroom suites include a separate living area with sofa bed. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, tea/coffee making facilities, minifridge, safe deposit box, iron/ironing board, hairdryer, and bath/shower combinations. Accessible rooms with custom-built walk-in showers are available.

Other conveniences

Private balconies with water, garden or mountain views

Wardrobe and desk area in all rooms

Wake-up call service

Kitchenette with microwave in suite rooms

Room service available from 6am-9:30am and 11am-8:30pm

Interconnecting rooms available for families

Separate dining area in select suites

Flat-screen TVs with cable channels

Must-do experiences

  • Take a scenic cruise on the Trinity Inlet at sunset.
  • Visit the Cairns Night Markets for artisan gifts and local cuisine.
  • Explore the lush Cairns Botanic Gardens and its tropical flora.
  • Try a fresh 'barramundi' fish taco at the local food trucks.
  • Don't miss the interactive exhibits at the Cairns Aquarium.
View all

Choose Your Room Category

The hotel offers a range of accommodations including doubles, family rooms, and suites—plus breakfast, free cancellation, and special rates.
Premium King Room Sofa Bed
2 persons
28 m² 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
Bathtub
Premium King Room Seafront
2 persons
28 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Bathtub
Premium Double Room Two Double Beds Seafront
2 persons
30 m² 
2 Double beds
Shower
Bathtub
Standard King Room
2 persons
27 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Bathtub
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Room Availability and Pricing Calendar

Find available rooms and check today's best prices!

Facilities

This hotel provides premium amenities for a memorable and relaxed stay

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
  • Dinner
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

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

Children

  • 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
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Cairns Harbourside Hotel, dining options blend modern Australian flavors with a commitment to local produce. The inviting atmosphere at Harbourside Bar and Kitchen invites families and couples alike to enjoy fresh and tantalizing meals in a relaxed setting, making every meal a celebration of Queensland's culinary treasures.
Cairns Harbourside Hotel Restaurant photo
Cairns Harbourside Hotel Restaurant photo

Harbourside Bar and Kitchen

Modern Australian
Ambiance
Casual dining in a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for both traditional gatherings and romantic meals.
Key Offerings
Menus focus on a 'paddock to plate' philosophy, showcasing fresh regional ingredients. Enjoy brunch or breakfast with the added benefit of kids under 12 eating free from the main menu.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM.

Hotel Location

209-217 Esplanade, Cairns, Australia, 4870
Map view
209-217 Esplanade, Cairns, Australia, 4870
Nearby
Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland
320 m
6 Grove St
Cock 'n' Bull
420 m
228 Sheridan St
Crackerbox Palace
480 m
Obelisk in memory of the Munro and Martin family
490 m
Restaurants
Harbourside Bar & Kitchen
310 m
209-217 Esplanade
Cock & Bull
400 m
6 Grove St
Pedro's Pizza
680 m
223 Sheridan St
Sushi Train
630 m
221 Sheridan St
Tandoori Nights
570 m
209 Sheridan St
Tim Hei Hong Kong Cuisine
620 m
217 Sheridan St Unit 2
Palms Restaurant
740 m
295 Sheridan St Cairns Sheridan Hotel
Dunwoody's Tavern & Liquor Barn
850 m
317 Sheridan St
Coral Hedge Brassiere Restaurant and Bar
790 m
209-217 Abbott Street
Explore Cairns
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Cairns Botanic Gardens
25 minutes' walk
A tropical paradise featuring diverse plant species, walking trails, and a café. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and families.
Cairns Night Markets
Cairns Night Markets
20 minutes' walk
A vibrant market offering local crafts, souvenirs, street food, and dining options. A perfect evening experience.
Cairns Aquarium
Cairns Aquarium
17 minutes' walk
An engaging aquarium showcasing the Great Barrier Reef's marine life. Interactive exhibits make it a family favorite.
Green Island Snorkeling
25 minutes' walk
Thrilling snorkeling trips available nearby, showcasing coral reefs. Exciting for adventure seekers and ocean lovers.
Muddy's Playground
Muddy's Playground
14 minutes' walk
Family-friendly park with water play areas, playgrounds, and picnic facilities. Great for relaxation and family bonding.
Harbourside Bar & Kitchen
Harbourside Bar & Kitchen
4 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a focus on local seafood and fresh produce. Enjoy waterfront views and signature dishes.
Pedro's Pizza
Pedro's Pizza
9 minutes' walk
A laid-back pizzeria famous for its gourmet pizzas and relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for families and casual dining.
The Cairns Civic Theater
19 minutes' walk
A cultural venue hosting concerts and performances. Catch weekly shows in a vibrant, community-focused space.
Cock 'n' Bull
6 minutes' walk
A lively pub with live music and sports screenings. A casual spot perfect for families and social gatherings.
Navigating city
City Centre
Cairns17 min  ·  1.4 km
Airports
Cairns International Airport (CNS)7 min  ·  4.5 km
Train
Cairns Central Station23 min  ·  1.9 km
Want Access to Early Bird Booking Discounts?
Unlock Exclusive Savings 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:
7
Number of rooms:
141
Former name
Mercure Cairns Harbourside
Questions of the users
About Cairns Harbourside Hotel
What options are available for getting to and from the airport?
12 April 2024
Taxi or Uber are the easiest modes of transport from the airport to the hotel (approx. cost $25-$30).
Is there a shuttle service connecting the hotel to the domestic airport?
15 July 2024
Unfortunately, there is no shuttle service. Taxi and Uber are the cheapest options to travel to and from the airport. Private transfers can also be arranged at airport kiosks in the baggage claim area.
Are there shuttle services that bring guests back from Cairns central in the evenings?
20 August 2024
Shuttles operate from the hotel to the Cairns Night Markets & back at set times: 08:30 & 09:30 am, and 16:00 & 16:30 pm. Advance booking is required.
Can you provide more information about what's included in the breakfast package?
05 November 2024
The breakfast included is a full buffet served in the hotel restaurant.
Are there any rooms available with spa baths for a special occasion?
19 October 2024
There are no rooms with spa baths; all rooms come with regular baths. However, the hotel features an outdoor pool and a jacuzzi tub.
What is the latest possible check-out time for guests?
22 March 2024
Check-out time is at 11:00 am, but late check-out may be arranged upon request.
Do standard rooms include kitchen facilities?
09 May 2024
Standard double rooms do not have kitchenettes; however, only the 1-bedroom suites feature a kitchenette with a microwave. All other rooms come with tea and coffee-making facilities and a small bar fridge.
Is there an option for kid-friendly amenities during my stay?
16 June 2024
Kids aged 12 and under stay and eat for free when sharing a room with their parents. There are also plenty of family-friendly dining options available.
How far is the hotel from the local shopping center?
13 September 2024
The hotel is approximately 1.5 km to 2 km from the main shopping center, making it a short and convenient distance.
Are pool towels available for guests at the hotel?
01 December 2024
Yes, pool towels are available for loan during your stay.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
26Dec2025Select date
Check-out
27Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

Want to save 15%?

Unlock mobile deal now
Book your stay with special mobile rate on and save up to 15%.
Cairns Harbourside Hotel Room photo

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

8.1
Great2093 reviews
1.4 km from center
68 US$
75 US$
per night
Mobile-only price