10 Best Airbnbs in Cairns, Australia

Cairns is one of the best holiday destinations in Queensland and the gateway to some of Queensland’s most beautiful islands and famous landmarks, such as Fitzroy Island, the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, and the Daintree Rainforest. 

After a day of exploring Cairns and ticking things off your bucket list, it’s always nice to retreat to the privacy of your own holiday house rental. And there are some great Airbnbs in Cairns to choose from! 

Perhaps you’re looking for somewhere close to the CBD? Or a holiday house in Cairns’ beautiful northern beach suburbs such as Clifton Beach or Palm Cove? 

If you want to know the best places to stay in Cairns there’s no need to trawl through thousands of listings on Airbnb because we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best Airbnbs in Cairns, for you to book yourself (no travel agent required). Let’s dive right in…

Keep reading for our list of the best vacation rentals and Airbnbs in Cairns!

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Quick Breakdown of the Best Airbnbs in Cairns: 

No time to scroll and read the whole article? No worries, we’ve made it easy for you. Click the links below to check out our picks of the best Airbnbs in Cairns:

• Best Airbnb in Cairns for couples: North Queensland meets Palm Springs
• Best Airbnb in Cairns for families or larger groups: Windfall in Palm Cove
• Best Airbnb right on the beach: Decked Out By The Sea
• Best Airbnb close to the CBD: Aquarius 5^th Floor Waterfront Apartment
• Best Cairns Airbnb with a view: Blue Canopy
• Most romantic Airbnb in Cairns: Tide Nine
• Most unique Airbnb in Cairns: The Beach Dome
• Best design Airbnb in Cairns: Palmhouse
• Most uniquely decorated Airbnb: The Palm Chalet
• Best treehouse: The Treehouse

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What to Know About Holiday House Rentals in Cairns

• Most Airbnbs in Cairns are located close to the northern beaches, around Clifton Beach and Palm Cove, or near the CBD. We’ve also listed a few suburban hidden gems.
• Holiday homes in Cairns are characterized by their signature tropical-style open-plan living. Most have fans or air-conditioning, free WiFi, and many have pools, as you generally can’t swim in the beaches around Cairns (due to crocodiles)
• Because we are a luxury travel blog, these Cairns holiday homes and apartments recommended here are mostly Luxe Airbnbs, or listings with Plus Verified or Superhost status.
• Full disclosure: we’ve listed what we believe to be the best Airbnbs in Cairns and shared reviews from previous guests, however, we haven’t personally stayed in all of these places.

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Top 10 Best Airbnbs in Cairns

#1 | North Queensland Meets Palm Springs

Photo Credit: Airbnb

This beautifully appointed Cairns holiday rental is perfectly suited to a modern couple or small groups of friends, sleeping up to 5 guests. 

Located near the buzzing café precinct of Edge Hill, and close to the Cairns Botanical Gardens, this place is well suited to foodies who are up for exploring Cairns’ rising culinary scene.

Styled with modern mid-century décor and a beautiful private plunge pool, this little suburban sanctuary is a true hidden gem! 

• Location: Edge Hill 
• Sleeps: 5 guests
• Airbnb Status: Superhost
• Price Guide: Starting at $295 per night

What Other Guests Say: “A fantastic location – close to walking tracks and the Botanic Gardens, cute cafes and restaurants as well. The accommodation has everything you need, it is beautifully styled. We enjoyed our stay and would definitely visit again!” – Skye

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#2 | Windfall in Palm Cove

Photo Credit: Airbnb

Get your family or friends together and plan a fancy holiday at the beautiful Windfall at Palm Cove. With everything a family or larger group could dream of – 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, BBQ area, private pool, and a pool pavilion! You won’t be disappointed with this idyllic luxury holiday house in Cairns.

This well-appointed modern house is also located right on the main strip of Palm Cove, only 5 minute walk to the beach and popular cafes, restaurants, and shopping boutiques.

• Location: Palm Cove
• Sleeps: 10 guests 
• Size: 4 Bedrooms | 6 Beds | 3 Baths
• Airbnb Status: Superhost
• Price Guide: Starting at $575 per night

What Other Guests Say: “Wonderful house for group holiday! We were so impressed by the modern style and large living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms. The pool was as beautiful as the pictures! Petra and Craig communicated with us in a prompt and clear manner. The house is walking distance to Clifton Beach and Palm Cove. We would highly recommend this house.” – Madeleine

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#3 | Decked Out By The Sea

Photo Credit: Airbnb

Another amazing holiday rental in Cairns that’s perfect for families and larger groups. There are actually so many, but this one you can’t go past because of its prime location right on the beach!

This relaxed Queenslander-style holiday house has an expansive deck with magnificent ocean views, perfect for a relaxing evening drink. With 3-storeys, a large pool, a modern kitchen, and a BBQ area, families and groups will love the laid-back lifestyle that the aptly named Decked Out By The Sea offers.

• Location: Clifton Beach
• Sleeps: 13 guests
• Airbnb Status: Superhost
• Price Guide: Starting at $638 per night

What Other Guests Say: “This place is perfect! Fantastic location, beautiful view overlooking the ocean, plenty of space for bigger groups. The hosts were easily contactable and friendly. Would highly recommend!” – Rebecca 

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#4 | Aquarius 5^th Floor Waterfront Apartment

Photo Credit: Airbnb

If you love to be close to the action, then you can’t go past the Aquarius 5th Floor Waterfront – one of the best Cairns holiday apartments.

Located right on Cairns Esplanade and only minutes walk to the CBD, the Lagoon, Marina, and Rusty’s Markets. Some of the best coffee shops, bars, and restaurants in Cairns are right on your doorstep!

One of only a handful of Plus Verified Airbnb in Cairns, featuring 2 bedrooms, modern minimalist décor, a pool, patio, full kitchen, espresso machine, and laundry facilities. 

• Location: Cairns City
• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Airbnb Status: Plus Verified
• Price Guide: Starting at $275 per night

What Other Guests Say: “Wow, what a beautiful place. Great spot and a stunning view! Couldn’t have asked for a better place to relax for the weekend.” – Tara 

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#5 | Blue Canopy

Photo Credit: Airbnb

Looking for views over the rainforest and the ocean? Then one of the best places to stay in Cairns for you is Blue Canopy Estate.

This uniquely designed house is built high off the ground and offers amazing views with the added benefit of total privacy. 

This treehouse is an entertainer’s paradise and sleeps 6 people. It’s the perfect holiday house in Cairns for families or a group of friends. The expansive deck area is great for taking in the view with a glass of bubble and cheese platter.

• Location: Clifton Beach
• Sleeps: 6 guests
• Airbnb Status: Plus Verified | Airbnb Luxe | Superhost | Highly Rated
• Price Guide: Starting at $395 per night

What Other Guests Say: “Magical magical magical spot. Can’t rate highly enough. Spent 5 days there with some dear friends, and every single friend absolutely loved the house and the wonderful time we spent together in this beautiful spot.” – Kim 

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#6 | Tide Nine

Photo Credit: Airbnb

This gorgeous little self-contained studio apartment is situated right on the beach – it doesn’t get much better than that!

Located about 11 km from Cairns CBD, Tide Nine is the perfect holiday house in Cairns if you are a couple wanting to be close to all the amenities, yet still right on the beach.

There is a fully equipped kitchen, Nespresso machine, free WiFi, Netflix, Bose speakers, a pool, plus bikes to use during your stay. Also, just a short walk away from great little local restaurants.

• Location: Machans Beach
• Sleeps: 2 guests
• Airbnb Status: Superhost
• Price Guide: Starting at $165 per night

What Other Guests Say: “What a beautiful beach retreat! I spent quite a lot of time relaxing in Judi and David’s space because it was so peaceful and pleasant. Judi has paid much attention to detail.” – Amanda 

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#7 | Beach Dome No. 4

Photo Credit: Airbnb

Located right on the beach at Trinity Beach, north of Cairns CBD, staying in these one-of-a-kind beach domes is a very unique experience.

The luxury Beach Dome No.4 comes with fully self-contained kitchen facilities but is also located just down the road from restaurants serving fresh local produce and morning coffee! With a view all the way to the beach, the hardest decision you’ll have to make is whether to spend your time on the beach or by the hexagonal pool.

If you are travelling with a larger group of friends, there are actually other beach domes also available to book on Airbnb.

• Location: Trinity Beach
• Sleeps: 5 guests
• Airbnb Status: Superhost
• Price Guide: Starting at $120 per night

What Other Guests Say: “Beautifully presented, unbeatable location, comfy beds and amazing shower. Seconds walk away from cafe and the beachfront. This place is everything it says it is & more. We are already looking at dates to come back. Thanks for having us, we 100% recommended staying here.” – Sarah

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#8 | Palmhouse

Photo Credit: Airbnb

Don’t you just love it when you find an Airbnb that’s light and airy and has been perfectly styled with tropical boho décor, surrounded by lush vegetation and a plunge pool? We do too! And the Palmhouse is exactly that.

Located in Cairns’ premier beachside holiday suburb of Palm Cove, this open-plan residence sleeps up to 6 people and is the perfect holiday rental in Cairns for the modern home design lover! It literally speaks for itself – go check it out ASAP!

• Location: Palm Cove
• Sleeps: 6 guests
• Airbnb Status: Superhost
• Price Guide: Starting at $315 per night

What Other Guests Say: “We would highly recommend staying at the Palm House!!! It is stylish and elegant in presentation, with beautiful finishes. Great quality linens and furnishings make you feel like you are staying in five-star luxury!” – Dana + Harley 

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#9 | The Palm Chalet

Photo Credit: Airbnb

This uniquely styled suburban oasis doesn’t follow the same ‘design’ as most Airbnbs in Cairns, but that’s part of the charm. A cute little cottage in an up-and-coming suburb close to great cafes.

The Palm Chalet is a cute little cottage constructed of recycled timber and features a lush tropical garden. It’s decorated with the perfect combination of mono-tones, eclectic furniture, and ornaments collected by the host during their travels. This has to be one of the most unique places to stay in Cairns!

Featuring an 8-metre pool, this quaint holiday house is perfect for couples, honeymooners, or a small family.

• Location: Whitfield
• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Airbnb Status: Superhost
• Price Guide: Starting at $199 per night

What Other Guests Say: “Simone has curated a lovely, quiet, tropical space where you can relax and enjoy the greenery in your downtime. She is a friendly host and great with communication. We were given the exclusive use of the pool area but mostly enjoyed the personal touches of the Chalet. It comes with everything you need. There’s no TV, but you don’t need one. It felt like a little home away from home!” – Mim

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#10 | The Treehouse

Photo Credit: Airbnb

Haven’t you always wanted to stay in a treehouse that’s surrounded by lush World Heritage-listed tropical jungle? Well, here’s your opportunity.

The Treehouse in Earlville is a beautiful tropical décor-styled house with open-plan living and high ceilings. Originally built in 1989, the house features views over the rainforest canopy, a lush tropical garden, and a private waterfall on the property.

There are many wildlife and species of birds that live around the house, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and get back to nature.

• Location: Earlville
• Sleeps: 5 guests
• Airbnb Status: Superhost
• Price Guide: Starting at $205 per night

What Other Guests Say: “This home is so special! We had the most relaxing experience here and loved being in the creek every day. One of my favourite homes to stay in to date. I’m from Cairns and highly recommend this home for a quiet, tranquil stay in the rainforest.” – Elana

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Top 10 Things to do in Cairns

Cairns is one of my favourite destinations in Queensland! Why not check out these amazing things to do in Cairns:

1. Stay overnight on Fitzroy Island – one of Queensland’s best holiday islands!
2. Take a road trip up to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest
3. Buy some delicious fresh local produce from Rusty’s Markets
4. Dine at the ever-popular Nu Nu Restaurant in Palm Cove
5. Take a road trip along the Atherton Tablelands and Waterfall Route
6. Visit the popular tropical holiday village of Port Douglas
7. Take a walk, bike ride, or roller skate along Cairns Esplanade
8. Go on a boat trip to (or take a helicopter ride over) the Great Barrier Reef
9. Dine on the Prawn Star fishing trawler at Cairns Marina 
10. Take a dip in Cairns Waterfront Splash Park Lagoon

Want to explore more of North Queensland? Why not check out Port Douglas?

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Ready to Book Your Stay?

We hope this list of amazing Airbnbs in Cairns has helped you to find a great holiday house for your next trip. If it’s your first time booking through Airbnb, then you can get up to $90 AUD free credit (or equivalent) by signing up through this link. 

If you’re continuing your trip within North Queensland, also check out these great Airbnbs in Palm Cove or these Airbnbs in Port Douglas.

Looking for more things to do around North Queensland? Why not check out our other articles about visiting Port Douglas, or staying on Hamilton Island, or Hayman Island in the Whitsundays. 

Read More: 15 Incredible Queensland Island Holidays & Resorts for Your Next Vacay

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Can you recommend a great Airbnb in Cairns that you think we should add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.

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