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Cairns is the ultimate gateway to exploring the Great Barrier Reef and far North Queensland. If you are looking for a Cairns vacation rental for your stay, look no further! We have put together the ultimate list of the best Cairns holiday houses, Airbnb and vacation rentals to set up base while you get out and explore tropical Queensland!
With so many incredible reasons to visit this breathtaking part of Australia, from day-tripping to Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef to the world-famous Daintree Rainforest.
But first, let’s get your accommodation sorted!
For more options, check this list of the best Cairns family resorts
The Best Airbnb Cairns Rentals
Whether you are looking for Cairns city accommodation or something close to the airport, an Airbnb in Cairns is a great starting point for planning your stay.
The best part about a holiday rental is you can often get a better price for longer stays compared to hotel accommodation.
Plus many Airbnb properties are self-contained to help you cut down on your other travel expenses, such as food and dining.
This is a great base for exploring some of the best Queensland beaches located in the tropical north!
Tips For Choosing A Great Cairns Vacation Rental Property
When choosing an Airbnb in Cairns, there are some simple steps that can help ensure you pick the perfect holiday home rental for your Cairns itinerary! These tips will make it easier to avoid a dud that isn’t quite what it advertised.
- Check the reviews – These are your best way to find out what other people’s experiences with that property have been like.
- Superhost – An Airbnb Superhost is an experienced, highly-rated host.
- Check the details – While a property may advertise capacity for a certain number of people, check the details to determine if this is actual bedrooms/beds or the option of an inflatable mattress on the floor (We’ve been there!).
- Extra charges – Airbnb rentals will have cleaning charges on top of daily rates so make sure you check the final total before booking to make sure it suits your budget.
Or to save you time, simply choose from one of these curated top Airbnb Cairns properties instead! Check them out below:
DELUXE HOTEL ROOM 7TH FLOOR | CAIRNS CITY
Photo credit: VRBO – see more photos
LOCATION: Cairns City
- Type of property: Hotel apartment
- Guest capacity: 2
- Superhost: Yes
- Perfect For: Couples, short stays
This 7th-floor hotel apartment is located in Cairns City, offering ocean views from your private balcony. The Versace inspired room has a king-size bed and you get the full private apartment to yourself.
Guests have use of the hotel amenities, including the resort pool, gym and BBQ areas. There are shops and restaurants within a short walk and the property is walking distance to the Esplanade, Lagoon and Marina. There are tea and coffee making facilities.
Highlights: Central location, resort pool
VIEW MORE PHOTOS, CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE
5TH FLOOR WATERFRONT APARTMENT WITH OCEAN VIEWS | CAIRNS CITY
Photo credit: Airbnb – see more photos
LOCATION: Cairns City
- Type of property: Fully self-contained hotel apartment
- Guest capacity: 4
- Superhost: Yes & Airbnb Plus
- Perfect For: Couples, families, longer stays
This centrally located waterfront apartment in central Cairns offers ocean views from your full-length private balcony. This modern apartment is finely decorated and equipped with all you need for self-contained stay accommodation in Cairns city.
The apartment includes the use of hotel facilities, including a swimming pool and is located just a few minutes’ walk from the Cairns CBD, restaurants, Esplanade, Cairns Aquarium and Muddy’s Playground.
Highlights: Fully self-contained, swimming pool, CBD location.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS, CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE
ABSOLUTE WATERFRONT APARTMENT | CAIRNS CITY
Photo credit: Airbnb – see more photos
LOCATION: Cairns City above Reef Fleet Cruise Terminal
- Type of property: Hotel apartment
- Guest capacity: 4
- Superhost: Yes
- Perfect For: Families, couples and longer stays
Cairns Harbour Lights is a centrally located apartment-style hotel on the Cairns Marina offering absolute waterfront accommodation. The apartment is situated above the Cairns Cruise Terminal and restaurants. It is walking distance to shops and attractions.
This fully self-contained apartment is suitable for longer stays and is perfect for anyone wanting to take a day trip out to the reef. You also have access to the pool and sauna at the hotel during your stay.
Highlights: Waterfront location above cruise terminal and restaurants, self-contained
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TREETOPS RETREAT | CRYSTAL CASCADES
Photo credit: Airbnb – See more photos
LOCATION: Crystal Cascades, Redlynch is approximately 20 minutes from Cairns
- Type of property: Entire house
- Guest capacity: 9
- Superhost: Yes
- Perfect For: Large families, groups, longer stays
Stay in the treetops in your own private resort retreat, just 20 minutes drive from Cairns in the beautiful Crystal Cascades area. Walk amongst the rainforest or swim in local swimming holes or simply enjoy relaxing at your private treetop retreat.
The home has a swimming pool, hot tub and sauna as well as a large balcony with day beds and hammocks for lazing about and enjoying time together.
Highlights: Suited to large groups, fully self-contained with swimming pool, spa and sauna.
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THE TREEHOUSE | EARLVILLE
Photo credit: Airbnb
LOCATION: Earlville, approximately a 10 minute drive to Cairns city
- Type of property: Self-contained treehouse
- Guest capacity: 5
- Superhost: Yes
- Perfect For: Families, small groups, longer-stays
This unique ‘Tree House’ near Cairns will be a memorable place to stay during your time in North Queensland! Located around 10 minutes from Cairns, the treehouse property is fully self-contained with a beautiful large veranda to enjoy the surrounding rainforest canopy.
There is a spring running through the gardens of the property, fed from the mountains above Lake Morris. You may even be lucky enough to spot some of the local wildlife as you explore the area around your luxury Cairns Airbnb holiday home.
Highlights: Private location within the rainforest, self-contained, unique accommodation.
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PARAMATTA PARK APARTMENT | CAIRNS CITY
Photo credit: Airbnb – see more photos
LOCATION: Paramatta Park in Cairns CBD
- Type of property: Self-contained apartment
- Guest capacity: 6
- Superhost: Yes and Airbnb Plus
- Perfect For: Families, longer stays
Enjoy the conveniently located Paramatta Park apartment within walking distance to the Cairns CBD. This fully self-contained 3 bedroom Airbnb Cairns apartment will give you the comforts of home in the tropical Queensland city.
There is a shared swimming pool at the apartments complex. This apartment is an Airbnb Plus property so you will enjoy extra touches to make your stay extra special, including complimentary wine and toiletries.
Highlights: Self-contained, Airbnb Plus property, CBD location
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BLUE CANOPY TREEHOUSE | CLIFFTON BEACH
Photo credit: Airbnb – see more photos
LOCATION: Clifton Beach is located around half an hour from Cairns, closer to Palm Cove.
- Type of property: Self-contained treehouse-style holiday home (you get the top 2 levels)
- Guest capacity: 6
- Superhost: No
- Perfect For: Families, small groups, longer stays.
Blue Canopy estate is a treehouse home with amazing views of both the rainforest and the ocean, in Clifton Beach near Palm Cove. You will get the top two levels of the treehouse for your stay, which includes three bedrooms.
Enjoy spending time on the large deck space or take a dip in the swimming pool, with breathtaking views from the pool deck. You will need a hire car staying this far outside of the Cairns CBD, but the experience is well worth it!
Highlights: Breathtaking views, rainforest location, unique accommodation
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COTTAGE BY THE VILLAS | CAIRNS
Photo credit: Airbnb – see more photos
LOCATION: Cairns
- Type of property: Entire house
- Guest capacity: 6
- Superhost: Yes
- Perfect For: Families, small groups, longer stays
This charming cottage home is situated in a quiet residential area near Cairns city, with comfortable beds for up to 6 guests, air conditioning and retro decor.
There is plenty to entertain children with a foosball table and board games, plus free wifi. It is just a 15-minute walk or 2-minute drive to the largest shopping centre in Cairns and plenty of places to dine as well. They do accept pets upon request too!
Highlights: Great for families, pet-friendly
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INNER CITY OASIS | CAIRNS NORTH
Photo credit: VRBO – see more photos
LOCATION: Cairns North, approximately 2.5KM from CBD.
- Type of property: Entire apartment
- Guest capacity: 4
- Superhost: No
- Perfect For: Families or couples
Located north of the Cairns CBD, you are close to the action, with just a short drive to shops, Esplanade, Lagoon and more.
The property is self-contained with comfortable beds and modern furnishings making your stay relaxed during your time exploring Cairns. There is free wifi and Netflix for entertainment too.
Highlights: Self-contained, shared swimming pool
VIEW MORE PHOTOS, CHECK AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE
IGLU BY THE SEA | TRINITY BEACH
Photo credit: Airbnb – see more photos
LOCATION: Trinity Beach, approximately 20 minutes north of Cairns CBD.
- Type of property: Dome-shaped holiday cabin
- Guest capacity: 6
- Superhost: Yes
- Perfect For: Families
Choose a memorable Airbnb Cairns experience by staying in a dome-shaped beach-side igloo. These unique holiday homes are large enough for 6 guests and are located a short distance from Trinity Beach.
Each dome accommodation is self-contained with a kitchen and bathroom and you also have the use of the shared swimming pool.
Highlights: Self-contained, shared swimming pool, unique accomodation experience.
Trip Planning Resources
Heading to Cairns soon? Not only will you need the perfect Cairns Airbnb for your accommodation needs, but you will also want to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights of Cairns and far north Queensland.
Here is everything you need to plan the ultimate Cairns trip:
- The best things to do in Cairns with kids
- 1 week Cairns itinerary
- Best places to dine in Cairns
- How to get to the Daintree Rainforest from Cairns
- Things to do on Green Island
- The best day trips from Cairns
- Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary
- Things to do in Kuranda
- Beautiful waterfalls in North Queensland
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