🇦🇺 Cairns, Australia
Coral Tree Inn
📍 166-172 Grafton St, Cairns City, 4870
Photo: official website
Your stay — Coral Tree Inn
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Cairns.
The Property — Coral Tree Inn
The Coral Tree Inn is a charming, laid-back 3-star hotel that embodies the relaxed spirit of Cairns. Its exterior is a classic Queensland-style building with a warm, weathered facade, while the interior features a rustic-chic aesthetic with plenty of natural materials and local artwork. This family-run hotel is perfect for couples and solo travellers who want a comfortable, no-frills base to explore the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding rainforests. As you step into the lobby, you'll feel the warmth of the tropical climate and the friendly staff's welcome.
Chronicles of Cairns
Cairns, founded in 1876 as a small sugar cane town, has evolved into a thriving tourist hub thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. The city's architecture reflects its tropical location, with a mix of Queensland-style buildings, modern high-rises, and heritage-listed structures like the Cairns Museum. Today, Cairns is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and street art murals throughout the city. The city's tropical climate and stunning natural surroundings have also made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Best Time to Visit
Full Cairns guide →Best months
April and May are ideal months to visit Cairns, with mild temperatures (22-25°C) and fewer crowds, making it easier to explore the city's attractions without the peak season prices.
Peak / festival surge
June is peak tourist season in Cairns, with school holidays and the Cairns Festival driving prices up. Expect higher accommodation rates, especially during the festival, which features live music, theatre, and cultural events.
Budget shoulder season
September and October are great shoulder months, offering discounts on accommodation and milder weather (18-22°C), making it an excellent time to visit if you're on a budget.
Weather & packing
Cairns' tropical climate means it's always hot and humid, so be sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with high SPF. Don't forget to bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, as sudden rain showers can occur during the wet season.
Live City Briefing — Cairns
- The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon has undergone a major redevelopment, featuring a new playground, picnic areas, and improved amenities. Visitors can now enjoy a upgraded waterfront experience with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
- The Cairns Airport has introduced a new direct flight from Sydney, making it easier for visitors to reach the city. Flight schedules and prices have increased, so book in advance to secure the best deals.
- The Great Barrier Reef has reopened some of its most popular snorkelling and diving sites after a period of closure due to coral bleaching. However, some areas remain closed, so be sure to check with tour operators for the latest information.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Coral Tree Inn, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th floor or above) to avoid street noise from Grafton Street. These rooms will also likely have a better view of the surrounding area. Additionally, rooms on the north side of the hotel (away from the street) may be quieter.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the service entrance (likely on the lower floors, around 1-2) may experience noise from staff and deliveries.
Best views
Rooms on the 4th floor and above may offer views of the surrounding cityscape or the nearby Barron River.
Quietest floors
4th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Cairns City can be busy, so be prepared for some street noise. However, the hotel's location on Grafton Street is relatively central, with easy access to shops and restaurants.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to secure a room on a higher floor if possible. Be sure to take advantage of the hotel's on-site laundry facilities to save time and money during your stay.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Coral Tree Inn
free tier with speeds up to 100 Mbps, login via room key or reception
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand through PressReader, physical newspapers available in lobby
standard check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop from 08:00, late check-out fee of AUD 50 per hour after 11:00 on weekdays, AUD 100 on weekends
available 24/7 at AUD 5 per bag, AUD 10 per day for large bags
step-free access to main entrance, wheelchair entries at main entrance and lift lobby, some rooms have bathroom and bedroom step access
on-site parking available for AUD 20 per night, nearest public car park is Cairns Central Shopping Centre for AUD 10 per day, EV charging available at AUD 2 per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: AUD 1.50 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: AUD 50 advance deposit + incidental AUD 50 credit card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Cairns Mosque (514 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church (521 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: Cairns Presbyterian Church (942 m · ~12 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Cairns Central — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Minnie St — 486 m · ~6 min walk
Cairns Museum — 1.4 km · ~17 min walk
Cairns Performing Arts Center — 839 m · ~10 min walk
Muddys Playground — 808 m · ~10 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 368 m · ~5 min walk
Chemist Warehouse — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
NightOwl — 569 m · ~7 min walk
Cairns City bus station — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Australian Dollar, AUD
Travellers can exchange money at the Cairns Airport Money Exchange, but be aware that rates may not be competitive. For better rates, head to a local bank or a currency exchange service in the city centre.
Most major credit and debit cards are accepted in Cairns, including contactless payments. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely accepted.
Tipping in Australia is generally not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and bars is considered polite. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but it's always appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee can be found for around $3-4 at a local café or bakery.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a pie or a sandwich from a local bakery or deli, costing around $8-10.
A hearty dinner at a local pub or restaurant can cost around $15-25 for a main course.
The Esplanade and the surrounding streets have a variety of food stalls and vendors offering affordable eats, including Asian and seafood options.
The local Coles and Woolworths supermarkets are common in this area, offering a wide range of products at competitive prices.
The Cairns Night Markets and the Cairns Central Shopping Centre have a variety of affordable fashion stores and market stalls.
A single bus ticket costs $2.50, and a day pass can be purchased for $6.50. The cheapest way to get from the airport is by taking the Bus 111, which costs $2.50.
Consider purchasing a Cairns CitySightseeing bus ticket for unlimited travel, buy snacks and drinks in bulk at the supermarket, and take advantage of happy hour deals at local bars and restaurants.
Good to know — Cairns
Type I · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ A$1.43 · AUD
Emergency Contacts
CairnsFor non-urgent police matters, call 131 444. For health advice (not emergency), call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84). In Cairns, the police station is at 5 Sheridan St, open 24/7. Keep your phone charged; mobile reception can be patchy on trails or out on the reef.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Cairns, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Coral Tree Inn
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 368 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Chemist Warehouse — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Cairns Airport (CNS) → Cairns Queens Court Accommodation
💡 Uber pickup is just outside arrivals. Surge pricing rare in Cairns except during cruise ship departures (mid-afternoon). Cash-free, so have card or phone ready.
Cairns Airport (CNS) → Cairns Queens Court Accommodation (167 Sheridan St, Cairns City)
💡 Taxis queue outside arrivals. No booking needed, but it's a short ride—a flat-rate taxi costs around $20. Uber sometimes cheaper, but wait times can be 5-10 mins.
Cairns Airport (CNS) Bus Stop → Stop A Lake St (5-min walk to hotel via Sheridan St)
💡 Buy a Go Card from convenience stores or use contactless debit/credit on board. Luggage racks are small—backpacks fine, suitcases tricky. The walk from Lake St to the hotel passes a 7-Eleven for snacks.
Cairns Central Shopping Centre Bus Interchange (just behind hotel) → Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Kuranda (via Smithfield)
💡 Route 110 is best for northern beaches. Buy a day pass ($7.70) if you're doing multiple trips. The interchange is a 3-min walk from the hotel entrance.
About Cairns
Wikipedia ↗
Cairns ( KAIRNZ; Yidiny: Gimuy) is a city in the Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia, on the tropical northeast coast of Far North Queensland. In the 2021 census, Cairns had a population of 169,312. The city was founded in 1876 and named after Sir William Wellington Cairns, following the discovery...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Coral Tree Inn?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th floor or above) to avoid street noise from Grafton Street. These rooms will also likely have a better view of the surrounding area. Additionally, rooms on the north side of the hotel (away from the street) may be quieter.
Which rooms should I avoid at Coral Tree Inn?
Rooms near the service entrance (likely on the lower floors, around 1-2) may experience noise from staff and deliveries.
Is Coral Tree Inn noisy?
Cairns City can be busy, so be prepared for some street noise. However, the hotel's location on Grafton Street is relatively central, with easy access to shops and restaurants.
Which rooms have the best views at Coral Tree Inn?
Rooms on the 4th floor and above may offer views of the surrounding cityscape or the nearby Barron River.
What are insider tips for staying at Coral Tree Inn?
Arrive early for check-in to secure a room on a higher floor if possible. Be sure to take advantage of the hotel's on-site laundry facilities to save time and money during your stay.
What time is check-in at Coral Tree Inn?
Check-in at Coral Tree Inn is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Coral Tree Inn have Wi-Fi?
free tier with speeds up to 100 Mbps, login via room key or reception
Is there a city or tourist tax at Coral Tree Inn?
AUD 1.50 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Coral Tree Inn?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a pie or a sandwich from a local bakery or deli, costing around $8-10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Coral Tree Inn?
A single bus ticket costs $2.50, and a day pass can be purchased for $6.50. The cheapest way to get from the airport is by taking the Bus 111, which costs $2.50.
When is the best time to visit Cairns?
April and May are ideal months to visit Cairns, with mild temperatures (22-25°C) and fewer crowds, making it easier to explore the city's attractions without the peak season prices.
Top Attractions in Cairns
💡 Arrive before 9am on weekends to get a good spot. The pool opens at 6am, so early swimmers have it nearly empty.
💡 Go Friday morning to avoid Saturday's crowds. Try the fresh sugarcane juice and the free samples of exotic fruit like dragonfruit or rambutan.
💡 Take the free guided walk at 10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays (meet by the visitor centre). Also, the nearby Centenary Lakes has a natural swimming hole.
💡 You don't need to pay for the national park walks—just tell the ferry staff you're only going to the beach and lookout. Bring reef shoes for the rocky path.
💡 Ask at the desk about the self-guided walk map of the city's historic buildings (free with entry). Allow 90 minutes minimum.