In this guide · 4 sections
Hotels in Cairns City
There is no gay hotel in Cairns City. The hotels listed here are mainstream properties in the CBD, picked because they're close to the Esplanade, the reef boats and the bar strip. All of them are used to international guests, and same-sex couples shouldn't expect any fuss at check-in. For a gay-focused stay, Turtle Cove Beach Resort at Wangetti, about 40 minutes north, has been an adults-only LGBTQIA+ resort since 1993; it was put up for sale in 2026, so confirm it's taking bookings.
On the Esplanade
- Crystalbrook Riley: big hotel with a lagoon-style pool and a rooftop bar, 4.4 from about 3,000 Google reviews.
- Hilton Cairns: waterfront hotel beside the Reef Fleet Terminal, handy for early boat departures.
- Mad Monkey Waterfront: social backpacker hostel with a pool and a party crowd.
- The Espy Hostel: budget hostel steps from the lagoon and the night markets.
- Pullman Reef Hotel Casino: attached to the casino on Wharf Street, opposite the reef terminal.
- Pullman Cairns International: high-rise on Abbott Street overlooking the marina, with a large pool.
- Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort: resort-style hotel on Lake Street built around a big pool.
- Little Drifter Cairns: budget property on Shields Street, 4.4 from about 600 Google reviews.
In the CBD
Tips
Anywhere between the Esplanade and Sheridan Street puts you within a 15-minute walk of the reef boats, the lagoon and Cruise Club Cairns on Spence Street. Book early for the dry season (May to October) and for the Cairns Pride Festival, 9 to 25 October 2026. Hostels around Shields Street get loud late at night.
Last verified: October 2026
