Cairns Marlin Marina Tours and Activities

Cairns Marlin Marina
Cairns Marlin Marina
Cairns Marlin Marina
Cairns Marlin Marina
Cairns Marlin Marina


Enjoy views of the harbour and and unwind with al-fresco dining, entertainment and shopping beside the bay.

The Cairns Marlin Marina is where all your Great Barrier Reef adventures start, with tour boats coming and going throughout the day. Enjoy shopping, entertainment and dining along the waterfront promenade.

Unwind at the pier and enjoy the view of the many docked boats in the water. Dine alfresco at a restaurant or pick up some fresh seafood and sit on the dock looking out to the bay. 

Located below the Shangri-La hotel and overlooking the marina is The Pier Shopping Centre. Shop for designer goods, local brands and arts and crafts. See tropical fish and sharks at the Undersea World Aquarium. If you want to unwind, pamper yourself with beauty services at a day spa. Browse through the art galleries and specialty stores and dine in one of the bars, pubs, restaurants or cafés that line the promenade. 

From the marina you can parasail, Jet Ski, cruise around Trinity Inlet on a tube ride or tour around Admiralty Island and spot crocodiles. If you are heading to the Great Barrier Reef, Marlin Marina is where all excursions depart from. 

The marina caters for a wide range of boats, from private cruising vessels and super yachts to commercial charters. If you are coming by private boat, call ahead before your arrival to confirm your booking. Broadband wireless Internet connection, vehicle parking by your vessel and refueling seven days a week are included in the price of a space.

The marina is located in the centre of Cairns on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula. It is a 10-minute drive from the Cairns International Airport and is in easy walking distance to the casino and the popular Cairns Esplanade. There is on-site parking for Marina patrons only, which is included in the price of a rental space. Alternatively, park in The Pier Shopping Centre car park, which is free for the first two hours.

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Top Cairns Marlin Marina Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

5 out of 5
34 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Hilton Cairns
Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
Corner Esplanade And Spence Street, Cairns, QLD
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

5 out of 5
Pierpoint Road, Cairns, QLD
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

4.5 out of 5
122 Lake St, Cairns, QLD
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Crystalbrook Flynn

Crystalbrook Flynn

5 out of 5
85 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Flynn
Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley

5 out of 5
131-141 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Riley
Crystalbrook Bailey

Crystalbrook Bailey

5 out of 5
163 Abbott Street, Cairns, QLD
Crystalbrook Bailey
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

4.5 out of 5
121-123 The Esplanade & Florence St, Cairns, QLD
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Mantra Esplanade

Mantra Esplanade

4 out of 5
53-57 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD
Mantra Esplanade
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cairns Marlin Marina

Cairns Marlin Marina offers a fantastic range of activities and attractions for visitors. Explore the vibrant waterfront with scenic walking paths, enjoy swimming at nearby beaches, or indulge in live entertainment at local venues. For a relaxing day, set up a picnic in the lush parks nearby, and don't miss the chance to embark on tours to the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding islands. With something for everyone, Cairns Marlin Marina is a must-visit destination.

Shopping

At Cairns Marlin Marina, you can enjoy shopping at the Cairns Night Markets, only 483m away, where you’ll find unique souvenirs and local crafts. For a larger experience, Cairns Central Shopping Centre is 1.1km away and offers a variety of stores and entertainment options.

If you're up for a drive, Kite Rite Australia is located 12.9km away, featuring a great selection of water sports gear.

Recreation

Muddy's Playground is a vibrant outdoor space perfect for families, offering fun activities and a relaxed atmosphere, located 805m from Cairns Marlin Marina. Cazaly's Stadium, situated 1.6km away, provides an energetic environment for sports enthusiasts. Tanks Arts Centre, 3.2km away, showcases captivating music and entertainment experiences.

Adventure

Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome offers an exhilarating zipline and ropes course experience, perfect for thrill-seekers looking for adventure just 644m from the marina. For a scenic hike, the Red Arrow Walk is a delightful 3.2km trail showcasing stunning views, while the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station provides a breathtaking gondola ride through lush landscapes, located 11.3km away.

Nightlife

Cairns Marlin Marina offers vibrant nightlife with venues like the Cairns Convention Centre and Cairns Performing Arts Centre, both 966m away, showcasing diverse performances. JUTE Theatre Company, only 644m away, presents unique and engaging productions, perfect for a night out filled with culture and entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cairns Marlin Marina

At Cairns Marlin Marina, visitors can enjoy the vibrant esplanade, relax by the lagoon, and explore the nearby national parks. This area is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or romantic getaways. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the marina and esplanade, where you'll find an array of dining, shopping, and leisure activities that showcase the best of Cairns.

  • Cairns Esplanade: A scenic waterfront promenade, Cairns Esplanade is perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics. With romantic spots, lush parklands, and playgrounds, it’s an ideal destination for families and couples alike, all while enjoying views of the Coral Sea.
  • Esplanade Lagoon: This stunning man-made lagoon offers a safe swimming spot amidst beautiful scenery. Surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers, it’s a fantastic place to relax, swim, and soak up the tropical atmosphere of Cairns.
  • St Monica's Cathedral: A striking example of Gothic architecture, St Monica's Cathedral features stunning stained glass windows and a serene atmosphere. It’s a cultural gem that showcases the spiritual heritage of Cairns and invites visitors to reflect in its peaceful surroundings.

Best time to go to Cairns Marlin Marina

The best time to visit Cairns Marlin Marina is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January and February are its hottest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January80.4°F (26.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February80.4°F (26.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March79.2°F (26.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
April76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
July69.3°F (20.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.7°F (22.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December79.9°F (26.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cairns Marlin Marina

To save money on your trip to Cairns Marlin Marina, consider visiting during the cheaper months of February to March or November. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance can yield better rates, especially if you check for last-minute deals on sites like Expedia. Wednesdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly options and consider combining hotel bookings with flights for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities around the marina to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cairns Marlin Marina are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Cairns Marlin Marina is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cairns Marlin Marina is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Cairns Marlin Marina is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can easily sort your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the more expensive options, ensuring you see the cheapest stays first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a range of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Cairns Marlin Marina hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.