Cairns is small. Nowhere is more than half an hour from anywhere else in town. So where you stay mostly comes down to three things: price, parking and what you’re planning to do.
Yes, we’re a hotel, so we’re a bit biased. But we’ll be straight with you about the trade-offs.
The short answer: Stay in the CBD if you want to walk everywhere at night. Stay on the south side (around Mulgrave Road) for better value, free parking and a quick run to the airport. Stay at Palm Cove for a beach holiday.
Cairns areas compared
| Area | To the CBD | Great for | The catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBD & Esplanade | You’re in it | Walking to the Lagoon, bars, restaurants | Pricier, paid parking, noisier |
| South side (Mulgrave Rd, Earlville, Westcourt) | ~5–10 min drive | Value, families, road trips, work stays | You’ll drive or bus into town |
| Edge Hill & Whitfield | ~10 min drive | Botanic Gardens, quiet streets | Not many places to stay |
| Palm Cove & northern beaches | 20–30 min drive | Beach resorts, couples | Need a car; further from reef boats |
| Port Douglas | ~1 hr+ | Luxury, the Daintree | Over an hour from the airport |
Why we like the south side (and not just because we’re here)
- Your money goes further. You get more room for less than a similar room on the Esplanade.
- Parking is easy. Free on-site parking, so no hunting for a spot or paying by the hour.
- The airport’s close. About 6 km, so 10–15 minutes in a cab or Uber.
- Groceries are handy. Stockland Cairns in Earlville is just up the road. Great if you’re cooking in a kitchenette room.
- You’ve got a head start going south. Mulgrave Road runs straight onto the Bruce Highway, towards Babinda, Josephine Falls and Mission Beach. The Gillies Range road up to the Tablelands starts at Gordonvale, 20 minutes away.
Travelling with kids?
The south side works really well for families. You get more space, a pool to come back to and the car parked right outside. Our family rooms sleep three or more, interconnecting rooms suit bigger groups, and kitchenette rooms save you a fortune on meals. The Lagoon and Muddy’s Playground are about 10 minutes away.
In town for work?
If your job’s at the airport, Portsmith or anywhere on the south side, you’ll spend less time in traffic staying here. Every room has a desk and free Wi-Fi, and parking is right outside your door.
About Cairns Southgate Hotel
| Address | 450 Mulgrave Road, Earlville QLD 4870 |
| Phone | (07) 4033 7722 |
| To the CBD | ~4 km, about 5 minutes’ drive |
| To the airport | ~6 km |
| Rooms | Queen, Small Family, 1 Bedroom with Kitchenette, 2 Bedroom with Kitchenette and Interconnecting |
| Facilities | Pool, free Wi-Fi, free parking, air con, non-smoking |
Ready to book?
Book direct with us for the best rate on your Cairns stay.
Quick answers
What’s the best area to stay in Cairns?
The CBD if you want to walk to restaurants and nightlife. The south side for value, parking and the airport. Palm Cove for a beach holiday.
How far is Cairns Southgate Hotel from the city?
About 4 km, or 5 minutes’ drive to Cairns Central and the Esplanade.
How far is Cairns Southgate Hotel from the airport?
About 6 km, usually 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Should I stay in Cairns or Port Douglas?
Cairns has more reef tours, easy flights and better prices. Port Douglas is quieter and closer to the Daintree, but it’s over an hour from the airport and costs more.
Does Cairns Southgate Hotel have parking and a pool?
Yes. There’s a pool and free on-site parking, plus free Wi-Fi in every room.
