Cairns : book your hotel

The gateway to the tropical far north of Queensland, Cairns sits poised between of two of Australia's greatest natural wonders, the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, and the dense, unspoiled rainforests of the UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland. But Cairns is not just a springboard. It's a buzzing city with a happening dining scene, vibrant markets, and beautiful beaches nearby, as well as plenty of opportunities to embrace the laid-back tropical lifestyle without even leaving town.

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort puts you right in the heart of the city. You're steps from the Reef Casino, Cairns Convention Centre and all the best shopping. The Cairns Esplanade and its vast, sparkling swimming spot, the Esplanade Lagoon, are a stone's throw away. At the same time, Novotel also offers you all the calm and tranquility of a secluded resort. Featuring spacious, light-filled contemporary rooms and suites, all with a balcony or terrace, it's a perfect choice, whether you're on a romantic getaway, you're enjoying a fun-filled family holiday or you're combining business and pleasure.

Cairns is the ideal base for your discovery of the Great Barrier Reef, the unique underwater wonderland that stretches for over 1,500 kilometres. There's a multitude of ways to experience the reef, from cruises with snorkelling or diving amid vivid coral and colourful marine creatures, to expeditions in mini-submarines or glass-bottom boats, skydiving and private helicopter tours.Daintree Rainforest is a magical natural ecosystem that's been growing wild for over 180 million years. You can hike trails winding amid towering trees and twisting vines, float lazily beneath the green canopy on a raft down the Daintree River, take a boat cruise for up-close encounters with saltwater crocodiles, or soak up knowledge passed down the generations from the local Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people.An adrenaline-pumping way to experience the magic of the rainforest from above is with a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Gondolas glide over the treetops on the way to the picturesque hamlet of Kuranda, famed for its crafts markets. En route, you'll stop at Red Peak, where you and the family can explore the forest and mighty Barron Falls up close. For the return journey to Cairns, board the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which has been winding its way through lush forest and across steep gorges for over a century.Our Novotel concierge is ready to offer you personalised tips on all of these experiences and a host of others

The Cairns food-and-drink scene tempts with the finest seafood fresh from the Coral Sea and artisan produce from the fertile hinterland, as well as creative menus blending Modern Australian cuisine with influences from around the globe, all served against some of the most breathtaking backdrops imaginable. At MOKU Bar & Grill, you can savour delectable tropical island-inspired fare from whole fried baby barramundi to house-smoked chorizo. You don't even have to leave the water for premium mojitos, margaritas and martinis at MOKU Beach Club, featuring Cairns' only swim-up bar.