Pre & Post Cruise Stays

Avoid travel stress and exhaustion with a pre- or post-cruise stay at Pacific Hotel Cairns, perfectly located just minutes from the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal.

One of the biggest challenges of any holiday is the exhaustion that comes with travelling. Early wake-ups, long stopovers and time zone changes can leave you drained before your cruise even begins. By booking a pre-cruise stay in Cairns, you can rest, recharge and explore before setting sail.

Likewise, a post-cruise stay lets you wind down after your trip, enjoy a few final tropical experiences and head home refreshed. Plus, you’ll have time to explore some of Tropical North Queensland’s most stunning landscapes before or after your voyage.

You can find up-to-date Cairns’ port information and cruise schedules via Ports North.

Things to do during your Cruise Stay in Cairns

Relax at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

Just a two-minute stroll from Pacific Hotel Cairns, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a favourite for locals and visitors alike. This tropical swimming lagoon is open year-round and offers safe, stinger-free swimming in crystal-clear saltwater.

Relax on the sandy shores, enjoy the waterfront playgrounds, or stroll through tropical gardens, the perfect start (or finish) to your cruise holiday.

 

Explore Cairns Shopping Centre

From vibrant local markets to boutique fashion stores, shopping in Cairns offers something for everyone.

• Rusty’s Market: A Cairns icon with tropical produce, handmade jewellery, art, and crafts.
• Boutique stores: Discover Queensland-inspired fashion, homewares, and unique gifts throughout the city.

Even if you’re just browsing, the tropical atmosphere makes it an experience in itself.

 

See Queensland Wildlife Up Close

Short on time but still want to experience Australian wildlife? You don’t need to leave the city!

Visit the Cairns Aquarium to see colourful reef fish, turtles, and marine life, or head to Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, where you can cuddle a koala, meet a crocodile, or even zip-line over the top of one.

 

Visit Local Museums & Art Galleries

Immerse yourself in the stories and creativity of the region. Within walking distance from Pacific Hotel Cairns, you’ll find:

• Doongal Aboriginal Art & Artefacts
• UnderArt Gallery
• Michael Seebeck Gallery
• Cairns Art Gallery
• Australia.Gallery
• Cairns Museum

These cultural highlights are ideal for rainy days or relaxed afternoons in the city.

 

Take a Day Trip to the Rainforest or Great Barrier Reef

If you have a few extra days before or after your cruise, exploring Cairns’ natural wonders is a must.

The Great Barrier Reef

Choose between:

• Pontoon tours: Perfect for beginners — enjoy snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides, or intro scuba dives.
• Outer Reef day trips: For experienced swimmers and divers who want to explore vibrant coral gardens and remote reef sites.

Cairns Rainforests

Discover ancient rainforests just beyond the city:

• Daintree Rainforest: Explore Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation where the reef meets the rainforest — the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.
• Kuranda: Journey via the Kuranda Scenic Railway and return on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, with plenty of attractions along the way including the Butterfly Sanctuary and rainforest tours.