Waterfront holiday rentals in Cairns

Find and book unique waterfront accommodation on Airbnb

Quick stats about waterfront rentals in Cairns

  • Total holiday rentals

    Explore 310 holiday rentals in Cairns

  • Nightly prices starting at

    Cairns holiday rentals start at $34 NZD per night before taxes and fees

  • Verified guest reviews

    Over 17,420 verified reviews to help you choose

  • Family-friendly holiday rentals

    200 properties offer extra space and kid-friendly amenities

  • Pet-friendly accommodation

    Find 10 rentals that welcome pets

  • Holiday rentals with a pool

    290 properties feature pools

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    120 properties have a dedicated workspace

  • Wi-Fi availability

    310 of Cairns holiday rentals include Wi-Fi access

  • Popular amenities for guests

    Guests love Kitchen, Wifi and Pool across Cairns rentals

  • 4.8 Average rating

    Cairns stays are highly rated by guests—averaging 4.8 out of 5!

  • Nearby attractions

    Cairns's top spots, include Cairns Aquarium, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, and Cairns Botanic Gardens

Top-rated waterfront accommodation in Cairns

Guests agree: These waterfront accommodation options are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

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Guest favourite
A spacious deck offers a large outdoor dining table with seating for six and a comfortable lounge area. Fans provide airflow under the high ceiling, while views of the surrounding greenery and beach are visible beyond the railing, creating a relaxing outdoor environment.
Cottage in Holloways Beach
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 163 reviews

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.

Guest favourite
An inviting deck features a hanging rattan chair with a cushion, positioned under a covered area that overlooks the ocean. Lush green grass and palm trees are visible, providing a serene atmosphere. A wooden dining table and seating area are positioned nearby.
Home in Holloways Beach
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 135 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.

Top Guest favourite
A rooftop spa is featured, surrounded by a serene landscape of rolling hills and distant mountains. Two individuals relax in the spa, enjoying sunset views. Glasses are positioned nearby, reflecting the calming atmosphere of the outdoor space.
Guest suite in Yorkeys Knob
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 111 reviews

Best Views in Cairns include a Roof Top Spa

Best Views & Rooftop in Cairns Northern Beaches. Superb quiet location high on Yorkeys Knob Located 15 minutes from Cairns Airport & 50 minutes to Port Douglas. Fully self-contained studio with own private access, kitchenette, ensuite bathroom, patio & backyard. You can access the 3rd level for amazing roof top & spa. Private time for you to enjoy sunset drinks on the rooftop will be a highlight of your stay. NO SMOKING ON the property. Off street parking. We live up top of hill. Be Careful.

Guest favourite
An expansive balcony features comfortable seating, overlooking the Coral Sea and lush mountains in the distance. The sunset creates a vibrant sky filled with hues of orange and pink, enhancing the serene view.
Apartment in Cairns City
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 101 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.

Top Guest favourite
An airy living space features a soft sectional sofa and a large smart TV. Expansive windows allow natural light to illuminate the room, with views of greenery visible outside. A dining area with a table and chairs is set for gatherings, enhancing the open-concept design.
Condo in Cairns North
5 out of 5 average rating, 154 reviews

Waterfront 3BD Condo - 5 minute drive to airport

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.

Top Guest favourite
A spacious living area features a comfortable sofa with decorative cushions and a large round coffee table. Floor-to-ceiling balcony doors showcase views of greenery and natural light, creating an airy environment. A flat-screen TV and stylish lamp enhance the contemporary furnishings.
Apartment in Cairns City
5 out of 5 average rating, 141 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.

Superhost
A bright and airy living area features large glass doors leading to a private balcony. A comfortable sofa is positioned beside a flat-screen TV, while a woven pendant light adds texture to the space. A small dining table sits nearby, completing the open layout.
Apartment in Cairns City
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 141 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.

Top Guest favourite
The image captures a resort pool surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery, with guests relaxing on the poolside. Sunshades offer relief from sunlight, while the tranquil waters reflect the clear blue sky. The beach is visible beyond the resort premises.
Apartment in Trinity Beach
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 123 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.

Guest favourite
A scenic view captures the Coral Sea with boats docked at the marina. The foreground features a verdant landscape with trees and a vibrant lagoon-style pool, while the distant mountain range adds depth to the horizon under a clear blue sky.
Apartment in Cairns
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 350 reviews

ABSOLUTE STUNNING WATER VIEWS IN THE CITY

Fabulous waterfront LOCATION with stunning views of the Coral Sea, Cairns Esplanade and LOCATED above the night markets. Positioned on the 5th level in the very heart of Cairns city where you can conveniently walk everywhere within a couple of minutes, markets, great restaurants & shopping. Walk across the park to the jetty for all the reef tours or you may prefer to just relax on the balcony and watch the world go by. YOu will enjoy endless relaxation.

Guest favourite
A serene pool area is framed by lush palm trees and tropical plants. A thatched gazebo provides shaded seating options, while a lounge chair area is perfectly positioned for relaxation. The ocean horizon glows softly under a sunset sky with hues of pink and purple.
Villa in Holloways Beach
4.83 out of 5 average rating, 121 reviews

Mylara Beachfront Holiday Home

A waterfront holiday home at Holloways Beach (15-minutes north of Cairns), Mylara is a seaside getaway that’s set in a suburb that’s more local than touristy. Here at Mylara, it’s all about easy-going days by the waterside; relax on your very own private poolside deck overlooking the Coral Sea, or with direct beach access from our yard, lounge on the sandy shores. The choice is yours!

Guest favourite
A view from the balcony showcases the shimmering waters of the coastline, framed by lush palm trees. Mountains rise gently in the background, and the scene includes a glimpse of a nearby marina and vibrant greenery lining the promenade.
Apartment in Cairns City
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 144 reviews

Ocean View Esplanade Apartment, Kitchen, Carkpark

Esplanade Views. Self Check In. This 10th floor 1 bedroom apartment features include queen bed, double sofa bed (recommended for child/teenager), fully equipped kitchen, balcony, communal gym, pool, and BBQ area. Please advise prior to check in if sofa bed will be required (a minimum of 72 hours notice is required).

Guest favourite
The spacious balcony offers panoramic views of the Coral Sea, Marlin Marina, and surrounding mountains. Comfortable seating is arranged on the tiled surface, with vibrant cushions enhancing the relaxed atmosphere. Ceiling fans are visible, providing airflow to the outdoor space.
Apartment in Cairns City
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 157 reviews

Holiday Espie - Ocean Views & Prime Location

'Holiday Espie' is a fifth-floor apartment within the iconic Cairns Aquarius complex, and located on the Cairns City Esplanade. Wake up daily in your king bed to breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, Marlin Marina, and Esplanade Lagoon. Enjoy the luxury living this spacious newly-furnished apartment has to offer.

Popular amenities for Cairns waterfront rentals

When is the best time to visit Cairns?

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Avg. price$278 NZD$259 NZD$266 NZD$283 NZD$273 NZD$314 NZD$404 NZD$383 NZD$361 NZD$336 NZD$320 NZD$358 NZD
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Destinations to explore

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