Hilton Cairns nails the location brief. Sitting right on the Esplanade and just 400 metres from the Reef Fleet Terminal, this waterfront hotel makes it easy to tick off the Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island, and all the big-ticket adventures.
The views? Think tropical gardens, mountain backdrops, and blue water as far as the eye can see. Inside, it’s all about laidback comfort with big beds, balconies, and a pool made for afternoon lazing. Walk to Cairns’ top spots, or stay put and soak up the holiday vibes. Whether you're reef-hopping, bar-hopping, or just after a warm spot to defrost in winter, Hilton Cairns is the kind of place you check into... and don’t want to leave.
Room types available at Hilton Cairns
Rooms at Hilton Cairns are set up for everyone: couples, solo travellers, families, and those here for work. You’ll find a good mix of space, comfort, and views, plus extras like balconies and Executive Lounge access.
Double Double Hilton Guest Room
: Two double beds and a private balcony with mountain views, ideal for families or small groups.Double Double Corner Room
: Bright corner room with double windows and city views, perfect for travellers wanting more natural light and space.Double Double Deluxe Room with Waterview
: Enjoy views over the water from your own balcony, with two double beds and modern design.King Hilton Guest Room
: One king bed, panoramic city and mountain views, and a balcony to take it all in.King Corner Room
: Extra windows and a private balcony give this king room a more open, airy feel.King Deluxe Room with Waterview
: King bed and waterfront views from your balcony, great for couples wanting a touch more luxury.King Hilton Executive Room
: Ideal for business or leisure travellers, with Executive Lounge access, a work desk, and a balcony.King Hilton Spa Room
: Features a spa bath, king bed, and Executive Lounge access, perfect for a bit of pampering.Double Double Hilton Executive Room
: Two double beds, city views, and Executive Lounge access with breakfast and evening drinks.Double Double Executive Spa Room
: Includes a jetted bath, two double beds, and access to the Executive Lounge.One Bedroom Suite
: A spacious 60 sqm suite with a separate living area, spa bath, and Executive Lounge access.Hilton Premier Suite
: Top-floor suite with 120 sqm of space, two balconies, spa bath, and access to the Executive Lounge.
Facilities and services at Hilton Cairns
You’ll find all the essentials for a relaxing stay at Hilton Cairns. The outdoor pool is set in lush gardens that are great for cooling off after a day out. There's a fitness centre on-site if you want to keep up your workout routine, and meeting rooms and an Executive Lounge for those travelling on business.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and guests can use a digital key to access their room. EV charging bays are available in the secure car park. Travelling with family or a group? Connecting rooms make it easier to stay together. And, if you need help planning your day, the concierge team is ready to assist.
Food and drink options at Hilton Cairns
Signature Restaurant
: Modern dining with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including seafood, meats, and plant-based options.Gin Social
: Craft gins and cocktails with an all-day menu and casual vibe.Edge Terrace
: Outdoor bar with drinks, light bites, and DJ sets overlooking the water.Pool Bar
: Cold drinks, snacks delivered to your sun lounge, and a fun “Popsicle Hotline”.Café Sunrise
: Buffet and continental breakfast with omelette station and garden views.Executive Lounge
: Continental breakfast, light snacks, and evening drinks for eligible room types.
Accessibility features at Hilton Cairns
Hilton Cairns offers accessible features to support guests with mobility, hearing, or vision requirements. Some available options include:
- Step-free access at the hotel entrance, registration desk, pool, fitness centre, and restaurant.
- Accessible guest rooms with wider doorways, grab bars in bathrooms, and roll-in showers.
- Lowered light switches, peepholes, and automatic bedroom door opening from the inside.
- Designated accessible parking spaces in the self-parking facility.
- Service animals are welcome.
Hilton Cairns location: What’s nearby?
- Daintree Rainforest: World Heritage rainforest with waterfalls, 4WD tracks, and rare wildlife.
- Green Island: A coral cay with snorkelling, rainforest walks, and glass-bottom boat tours.
- Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: Soar above the treetops and stop off at lookout points in the lush rainforest.
- Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures: Get up close with crocs, cassowaries, and other native wildlife.
- Cairns Aquarium: Discover reef and rainforest ecosystems, with touch tanks and marine displays.
- Michaelmas Cay: Remote island snorkelling, bird watching, and reef exploration.
- Port Douglas: Coastal town with access to Daintree River cruises and scenic drives.
- Fitzroy Island: Snorkelling, hiking, and beach time all rolled into one island escape.
- Crystal Cascades: Natural swimming holes and canyoning in a tropical rainforest setting.
- Kuranda Scenic Railway: Take a historic train through the rainforest with dramatic views along the way.
Getting to Hilton Cairns
Getting to Hilton Cairns is easy, whether you're flying in or arriving by land or sea:
From Cairns Airport
: Around 15 minutes by taxi or rideshare. Car hire and airport shuttles are also available.From Cairns Central Station
: About 10 minutes by taxi or a 15-minute walk if you're packing light.From the Reef Fleet Terminal
: Just a 5-minute walk—ideal if you're heading out on a reef tour.Driving
: On-site self-parking is available from AU$25 per day. Valet parking is AU$30.EVs
: Charging bays are included with paid parking.
Our tips for visiting Hilton Cairns
- Book early on Traveloka for deals on both rooms and tours.
- Travel in shoulder season (April - May or September - November) to dodge the crowds and enjoy good weather.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen if you’re planning water activities.
- Use the Executive Lounge for extra perks like breakfast and drinks.
- The pool bar’s Popsicle Hotline is a fun treat, especially with kids.
- Cairns is warm year-round, so pack light, breathable clothing.
- Rain is more common from December to March; bring a light jacket or umbrella.
- Buy reef tour tickets online before you arrive to secure your spot.
- The lagoon at the Esplanade is great for a free swim without stingers.
- Chat with the concierge for tips on less touristy spots or local eats.
Love the area Hilton Cairns is in? Here are a few things to do in Cairns we think you’d love
Esplanade Lagoon
: Free to swim, lifeguard-patrolled, and perfect for cooling off without leaving the city.Rusty’s Markets
: Browse tropical fruit, local produce, and handmade goods from Friday to Sunday.Munro Martin Parklands
: An open-air performance space and tropical garden in the heart of Cairns.Cairns Botanic Gardens
: Wander through tropical gardens, boardwalks, and scenic walking trails.Muddy’s Playground
: This free splash‑zone and playground near the Esplanade Lagoon is perfect for kids to burn off energy with water play, climbing gear and shaded paths.