10 Of The Best Cairns Airbnbs For Your 2026 Getaway

Giving Bali energy just two streets from the Cairns Esplanade, Lily Pad Inn has you prepped for a tropical stay, thanks to the fact it’s set in a private botanic garden complete with a fish pond and turtles.

Wake in your King size four poster bed in the master bedroom before pottering out to the courtyard where you can sip your first coffee of the day before freshening up in the double shower or the peaceful outdoor bath tub.

There’s an outdoor kitchen to whip up brekky in, and a lovely gazebo where you can WFH if you need. Oh, and did we mention you get access to a shared swimming pool too? Yess!

Statement prints, funky lighting, and the best geometric floor. Having undergone a renovation, Blossom 2 packs a real punch within toddling distance of Cairns Esplanade, the hospital and public swimming pool, and it’s the reason it’s a five star-rated stay. 

The unit sits upstairs in a 1920’s Queenslander and features a super large living space, bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette filled with the essentials. We love how there’s a verandah that wraps around two sides of the property—it’s just the spot to enjoy a cooling sea breeze as you delve into your latest book.

Up for something a little special during your Cairns Airbnb stay? There’s a piano on the outdoor deck the musical among you will love. And private opera singing classes are held on Friday afternoons on the communal deck and dance floor.

Smack bang in the middle of Cairns city, this waterfront Airbnb has R&R written all over it. Located in a five-star complex, you’ll get nothing but the best if you stay here, including a view of the ocean and Trinity Inlet from your very own private balcony.

When you’ve finished admiring the vista and unpacking your holibob gear, head to the marina next door for top restaurants, shops and bars, or even just for a walk along the water. 

Once the social battery has run out, a quick elevator ride back at base will take you to the relaxing shared pool and spa area, or to the gym facilities. 

Say hello to Aurora, she’s your uber cute studio stay, tucked away among the trees a 15-minute stroll from the cafes and restaurants of Edge Hill and a 15-minute drive from Cairns CBD.

If you’re a solo traveller or a couple looking for a base from which to explore the region, Aurora’s your gal. She’s a private and self-contained semi-detached unit, who was newly built in 2023, so she’s sleek and modern too.

A comfy Queen-size bed awaits, as does a living space filled with Australian art and stylish homeware. Handily, you get off-street parking for one vehicle, and a kitchenette for whipping up a post-explore snack. You can pad out to your little private courtyard with it and plan your next day.

Fancy yourself a pad with a lush backyard and a shared pool for afternoon dips, just a five-minute drive from Cairns city? This self-contained unit is a top spot for solo travellers or couples looking for a serene space to return to after a day’s fun. 

You’re going to want to pour yourself a glass of something tasty and head to the lovely gazebo here. You can sit there eating brekky while watching the bird life, and there’s a hammock for lazy days in the sun. 

Nature finds itself indoors at this Airbnb too, thanks to the lovely plant-filled rooms and photos of idyllic tropical getaways. Add in the air-conditioning, a large walk-in shower in the bathroom and a renovated kitchen for snack-making and you’re all set for a comfortable stay.

Now if it’s strictly beach views that you’re after, this Airbnb in Cairns will not disappoint as it is one of the few absolute beachfront spots in the area. 

Aptly named Palm Trees Forever, with stunning views of Holloways Beach lined with, you guessed it, palm trees, this place is an entertainer’s dream. It’s got a huge backyard that leads right out into the sandy stuff, and is amply kitted out with seating areas (oh hello egg chair!) for any occasion. 

Complete with a stylish kitchen area, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this abode is for the group vacation done right. A few days in and you’ll be begging to buy the place upfront. 

Bringing the whole fam with you on your Cairns vacay? Bombora Lodge really lives up to the definition of ‘home-away-from-home.’ A spacious and airy Queenslander, this Airbnb is great for large groups, sleeping six guests across three bedrooms. 

Our favourite spot in this one is the comfy Balinese daybed in the gorgeous sunroom, where you just know you’ll be relaxing with a book after a long day (if you’re not chillaxing in the large saltwater pool that is).

Exploring locally? A short walk will take you to the Cairns Botanic Gardens, the Art Centre, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. Right in the heart of Cairns, this is the ideal stay if you’re aiming to hit the famous spots in the area.

Oh g’day designer living and kitchen space. Hamptons Spa Villa gives swish vibes and plenty of space for the whole crew, all within a five-minute stroll from the city’s lagoon pool.

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom Cairns Airbnb is big enough for groups of nine as well as the doggo, thanks to the fact it’s pet-friendly and has a fully-fenced backyard for afternoon zoomies.

The interiors here are lush, with striking pendant lights and lots of greenery. There’s also an outdoor hot tub where you’re going to want to chill with the gang and a glass of something tasty. Not that there’ll be much time for relaxation. Not when you’ve got some of the area’s best brunch spots just a ten-minute toddle from your front door.

Inspired by your hosts’ travels to a UNESCO World Heritage seaside village on the French Atlantic island of Île de Ré, La Flotte gives European energy, all within easy reach of the tropical delights of Cairns. This Airbnb sits in the small beachside fishing village of Machans Beach, and yet its decor, furnishings and art will have you thinking of the white-washed villages of France.

Inside, your home away from home is bright and airy, with soaring ceilings and lovely louvre windows. The chef’s kitchen with its big benchtop and bar stools allows chatting and chopping at the same time, and there’s a four-burner barbecue on the front deck in case you prefer to cook outdoors. 

Bring those swimmers, because the large saltwater swimming pool will be calling your name in no time.

Say ‘Ahoy’ to a Cairns Airbnb like no other, with a stay at this unique houseboat moored in the peaceful waters of Cairns Marlin Marina. If you love your vacays to offer a lil something different, this place is the pad for you—and it fits the whole crew too!

Deliciously stable (no rockin’ and rolling around here) and sleeping up to seven peeps, your floating home offers lovely views of the city and sits in a spot just a two-minute walk to Cairns lagoon. 

Pour yourself a cuppa and take to the upper deck where you can watch the boats breeze by from the comfort of a couch. There’s a barbecue up here to fire up later, although with so many restaurants nearby you won’t be spoilt for eating options.