Calling all families: Here’s the best kid-friendly accommodation in Cairns

With so much incredible beauty to be explored and bucket list-worthy experiences to be had, Cairns is an obvious choice for a family holiday. This Tropical North Queensland gem is armed with a surplus of natural wonders (the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics included) and outdoor activities, making it perfect for a family getaway for inter and intrastate travelleres - especially around the school holidays. As for where you should stay, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you’re travelling with teens or toddlers, are seeking budget-friendly stays or lavish resorts, there is so much Cairns family accommodation to choose from. These are our top picks.

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Cairns

Convenience is key at the Novotel Cairns Oasis, a longtime popular option amongst Cairns family accommodation. This establishment is within easy reach of the city's many attractions, including the Esplanade, the Reef Casino and a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shops. Picture 314 rooms (spacious enough for families) tucked among lush tropical gardens (as the oasis in its name suggests), overlooking a lagoon pool, and nudging on-site restaurant the Mock Bar and Grill.

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns, Woree

A Cairns getaway can definitely be done on a budget, which is proven the BIG4. Just five minutes’ drive from the CBD, this spot isn’t just kind to your wallet but also to your kids. Situated on 11 hectares close enough to Cairns’ main attractions, but with enough space within its borders to keep the whole family pleased, including its own water park! The accommodation here also promises something for everyone, with cabins, condos, villas, caravan sites and camping grounds available, all with the same access to the park’s ample award-winning facilities.

Fitzroy Island Resort, Fitzroy Island

Child-friendly accommodation in Cairns extends beyond the mainland if you’re eager to spend some time on the Great Barrier Reef. Trust us, you are! This postcard-perfect destination is 45 minutes by boat from Cairns and is the place to be if you fancy some outdoor adventure. After your days spent snorkelling the coral reef, fish feeding, paddle boarding, or cruising in a glass-bottomed boat, make yourself at home in the resort’s 4.5-star accommodation. Choose between island suites, resort studios, beach cabins, self-contained bungalows, or the campground. The resort facilities include a beachfront restaurant, a pool with swim-up bar, FISH sports hub with PADI Scuba diving, Foxy's bar, a general store and a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Colonial Club Resort, Cairns

The Cairns Colonial Club Resort has long been popular among families and it's not hard to see why with the Cairns family accommodation settled on 11 acres of tropical rainforest gardens. Among the healthy population of palms and equally tropical flora are 345 rooms, a trio of lagoon-style pools, water slides, a man-made beach, and a playground to entertain the kids. There's also family-friendly dining at Thirsty Flamingo Poolside Bar and Dining. But if you do want to explore the city itself it's not too hard when based here - Cairns sits just five kilometres away, and the Cairns Airport just eight kilometres.

Mantra Trilogy, Cairns

If you prefer to be in the thick of the action, base yourself at Mantra’s self-contained apartments overlooking the harbour. Perfectly positioned on the Cairns Esplanade, within walking distance of local landmarks including Rusty’s Markets and plenty of local restaurants, its fleet of contemporary rooms are perfect for families with older kids. Accommodation options vary from hotel rooms to three-bedroom apartments, with all featuring private balconies with coffee and tea making facilities and all-important air conditioning to battle the Tropical North Queensland heat. The facilities here are also top notch, including a beachfront lagoon pool, a 25-metre lap pool, fully equipped gym, four restaurants, and a barbecue area if you fancy a cook up.

Pullman Reef Hotel, Cairns

This Cairns family accommodation is welcoming of kids, though as a part of a casino, it’s probably better suited to those slightly older in age. But the five-star hotel has plenty of ways to entertain families visiting Tropical North Queensland - think outdoor pool, sauna, fitness centre, a cafe, three bars, and five restaurants. As for the rooms themselves there are 127, each equipped with the latest in technology from iPod docking stations to LCD TVs providing the perfect respite after a day spent exploring Cairns.

Crystalbrook Riley, Cairns

Crystalbrook Collection welcomed a trio of different Cairns hotels in recent years. Riley is its family-focused space on the north end of the waterfront boardwalk. Expect vibrant designs decorating its 311 rooms and suites, coupled with impressive facilities, like the family-friendly lagoon-style swimming pool (perfect for soaking up that famous Cairn’s sunshine) and a private man-made beach to cater to its younger guests. Adults in the group may be more interested in Riley’s number of notable eateries worth a visit, from rooftop drinking den Rocco to the health-focused Greenfields and the theatrical Paper Crane.

Peppers Beach Club and Spa, Palm Cove

Perhaps you want your family holiday to be spent in the luxury enclave of Palm Cove? A much-adored cluster of resorts and restaurants (including the celebrated NuNu) that neighbours Cairns, this quaint neighbourhood has long been favoured by families thanks to its combination of child-friendly accommodation and patrolled swimming enclosure. Peppers self-contained apartments are more of a splurge, but for all the right reasons - choose from sophisticated suites, spa rooms, or one, two and three-bedroom apartments. If there’s a special celebration on the cards, lean into the penthouses available, with each boasting a private rooftop terrace, barbecue area and private pool.

Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Oak Beach

Just north of Cairns is where you’ll find the unbridled beauty of the Douglas Shire and within it Thala Beach Nature Reserve. If privacy is what you crave, you’ll find plenty at your disposal - where 83 deluxe eco-designed bungalows mingle among 58-hectares of native forest nudging the Coral Sea. Families are welcomed to enjoy and explore - this is a place for equal parts relaxation and adventure with easy access to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It's better suited to older kids with its complimentary onsite walking tours through Thala’s 58-hectares of native forest. Thala is also home to Osprey's Restaurant where contemporary Australian fare is served alongside panoramic views of the ocean.