Top 10 Best Suburbs In Cairns: A 2025 Guide

Thinking about moving to tropical North Queensland? You’re in for a treat! Cairns isn’t just the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef - it’s one of Australia’s most liveable regional cities, offering sunshine, community, and affordable living all year round. But before you unpack the surfboard, you’ll want to know which areas truly stand out. From peaceful coastal pockets to family-friendly neighbourhoods surrounded by rainforest views, this guide uncovers the best suburbs in Cairns, where comfort, convenience, and lifestyle meet in perfect balance.

Top 10 Best Suburbs In Cairns

Whether you’re chasing beachside serenity, city convenience, or peaceful green living, Cairns has a suburb to match every lifestyle. Here are the top 10 best suburbs in Cairns, a perfect mix of safety, affordability, and tropical charm that make them the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Cairns, Queensland, to call home. The median weekly rent in Cairns City is around A$590/week.

1. Palm Cove

Average Rent: ~ AUD $365 /week
Population: 2,450
Distance from CBD: ~25 km north
Safety Index: 8/10
Best For: Beach lovers, retirees, and resort-style living

Palm Cove tops the list of the best suburbs in Cairns, Australia, for students and professionals who love coastal calm with city access. Known for its resort vibe and clean beaches, it’s one of the safest suburbs in Cairns, with low crime rates and peaceful surroundings. The suburb scores high on liveability thanks to great walkability along Williams Esplanade, public transport links to the CBD, and quality infrastructure. Hangouts like Palm Cove Jetty, Chill Café, and the Palm Cove Beach Walk add to its laid-back, student-friendly charm, perfect for studying by the sea.

2. Trinity Beach

Average Rent: ~ AUD $380 /week
Population: 6,594
Distance from CBD: ~19.6 km
Safety Index: 7/10
Best For: Coastal lifestyle and relaxed suburban calm

Trinity Beach shines among the best suburbs in Cairns with its scenic coastlines, strong community feel, and student-friendly amenities. Ranked among the safest neighbourhoods in Cairns, it boasts low crime rates and great access to essentials like shops, cafes, and public transport. Its walkability score sits around 50/100, ideal for everyday errands. Regular Sunbus services link to the Cairns CBD and James Cook University. You can hang out at Bluewater Marina, the Esplanade, or chill at L’Unico Trattoria, making Trinity Beach one of the most relaxed and best neighbourhoods in Cairns.

3. Kewarra Beach

Average Rent: ~ AUD $400 /week
Population: 6,133
Distance from CBD: ~19 km
Safety Index: 7/10
Best For: Quiet coastal living and nature-filled surroundings

Among the best suburbs in Cairns, Kewarra Beach stands out for its serenity, safety, and family-friendly vibe. It’s one of the safest neighbourhoods in Cairns, with quiet streets, well-maintained parks, and a walkability score around 45/100. The suburb’s modern infrastructure includes schools, shopping precincts, and easy bus routes to the CBD and Cairns Northern Beaches. Students enjoy weekends at Pelican Park, Kewarra Beach Café, or Trinity Beach nearby. Its affordable rent and clean coastal environment make it a hidden gem.

4. Cairns North

Average Rent: ~ AUD $480 /week
Population: 5,200
Distance from CBD: 2 km
Safety Index: 6.5/10
Best For: Professionals and students wanting CBD convenience

Cairns North is one of the best suburbs in Cairns for students wanting to live close to the CBD. It’s a lively, mixed-use area featuring apartments, cafes, and waterfront walks. More urban, it’s still among the safest suburbs in Cairns for its active, patrolled public zones and regular transit. The walkability score is 75/100, one of the highest in Cairns. Students at CQUniversity and TAFE Queensland enjoy short commutes and hangouts at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and Muddy’s Playground. Its unbeatable location makes it a top pick among the best neighbourhoods in Cairns.

5. Manoora

Average Rent: ~ AUD $420 /week
Population: 6,031
Distance from CBD: 4 km
Safety Index: 5.5/10
Best For: Affordable housing and easy access to city amenities

Manoora is one of the more affordable yet evolving choices among the best suburbs in Cairns. Just 4 km from the city, it offers great public transport and walkable access to shopping hubs. While it’s not the flashiest, it’s improving rapidly with new housing projects and better infrastructure. Safety has increased in recent years, positioning it among the up-and-coming best neighbourhoods in Cairns. Students love its proximity to the CBD, Cairns Central, and the local dining scene. Affordable rents make it one of the best suburbs in Cairns, Australia, for budget-conscious movers.

6. Manunda

Average Rent: ~ AUD $430 /week
Population: 5,964
Distance from CBD: 3 km
Safety Index: 6/10
Best For: Students and young professionals seeking affordability

Manunda is a rising star among the best suburbs in Cairns, combining affordability, accessibility, and growing infrastructure. With several schools, sports facilities, and shopping areas nearby, it appeals to students and young professionals. It’s also improving in safety, ranking mid-range among the safest neighbourhoods in Cairns. The suburb’s transport links, including direct buses to Cairns CBD and TAFE Queensland, make commuting effortless. Walkability hovers around 60/100, with easy access to cafes, fitness centres, and the DFO Cairns precinct. Its community-driven vibe and convenience make it one of the best suburbs in Cairns, Australia.

7. Freshwater

Average Rent: ~ AUD $490 /week
Population: 2,378
Distance from CBD: 8 km
Safety Index: 8/10
Best For: Families and professionals after peace and convenience

Freshwater is often rated one of the best suburbs in Cairns thanks to its safe, family-oriented environment and easy transport to both the city and the beaches. It’s among the safest suburbs in Cairns, with low crime and tree-lined streets that create a calm atmosphere. The suburb’s walkability score is around 55/100, supported by good cycling paths and public buses. Students appreciate its proximity to schools and the Freshwater Railway Station, connecting directly to Kuranda. Popular hangouts like Limberlost Garden Café and Freshwater Creek make it one of the most scenic neighbourhoods in Cairns.

8. Edge Hill

Average Rent: ~ AUD $500 /week
Population: 4,096
Distance from CBD: 4 km
Safety Index: 8/10
Best For: Heritage homes, leafy streets, and café culture

Edge Hill consistently ranks among the best suburbs in Cairns, Australia, for its amazing café culture, leafy avenues, and proximity to the CBD. It’s one of the safest suburbs in Cairns, with a strong community and active local watch programs. Its walk score of around 70/100 makes it perfect for students who love car-free living. Public transport is frequent, and hotspots like the Cairns Botanic Gardens and Collins Avenue cafés are favourites among students. With its mix of nature, culture, and connectivity, Edge Hill is easily one of the most loved neighbourhoods in Cairns.

9. Redlynch

Average Rent: ~ AUD $520 /week
Population: 9,728
Distance from CBD: 11 km
Safety Index: 8/10
Best For: Families, outdoor lovers, and growing communities

Redlynch is among the best suburbs in Cairns, combining suburban comfort with nature’s beauty. Known for its safety and well-planned infrastructure, it’s one of the safest neighbourhoods in Cairns with family-oriented communities. The suburb has a moderate walk score of 50/100, but excellent public transport and schools nearby. Students and families enjoy Redlynch Central Shopping Centre, Crystal Cascades, and cycle paths that connect to Cairns CBD. Affordable housing, green spaces, and great connectivity make Redlynch one of the best suburbs for a balanced living.

10. Whitfield

Average Rent: ~ AUD $530 /week
Population: 4,280
Distance from CBD: 5 km
Safety Index: 8/10
Best For: Quiet residential living with city proximity

Whitfield is one of the best suburbs in Cairns, loved for its peaceful, residential charm and safety. It’s among the safest suburbs in Cairns, with low crime rates and friendly neighbours. The walkability score sits around 60/100, with access to cafés, local shops, and schools. The suburb is close to both the airport and the city, making travel easy for students and professionals alike. Hangouts like Mount Whitfield Conservation Park and nearby Edge Hill cafés give it a social yet relaxed vibe, making it one of the best neighbourhoods.

What’s the Best Suburb In Cairns For You?

• For Beach Lovers: Palm Cove and Trinity Beach offer a serene coastal escape with great cafés and sea views.
  
• For Students & Professionals: Edge Hill and Cairns North are perfect for convenience, walkability, and vibrant city life.
  
• For Families: Redlynch and Freshwater stand out for their safety, greenery, and community atmosphere.
  
• For Budget Movers: Manoora and Manunda provide affordability and easy access to the CBD.

Find Student Accommodation In The Best Suburbs of Cairns with Amber

Looking for student accommodation in Cairns that combines comfort, affordability, and convenience? Amber makes it simple to find the best student accommodation in Cairns across safe, student-friendly suburbs like Cairns North, Edge Hill, and Freshwater. Whether you prefer a private studio, PBSA’s or shared flat, every property listed is fully verified, furnished, and close to universities, cafés, and public transport. Amber’s range of cheap student accommodation in Cairns ensures you can live comfortably without overspending

From palm-lined beaches to leafy mountain views, the best suburbs in Cairns offer a lifestyle that’s as relaxed as it is rewarding. Whether you’re after the coastal calm of Palm Cove, the urban buzz of Cairns North, or the safety and greenery of Redlynch, there’s a neighbourhood to suit every need. With strong infrastructure, easy transport, and a welcoming community, it’s no surprise these areas rank among the safest and best suburbs, perfect for students, families, and professionals alike.

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