The Best Hotels Closest to James Cook University in Cairns for 2026

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Our top choices for James Cook University hotels

A modern two-story house with a covered patio, a driveway, and landscaped garden with palm trees.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a ceiling fan, and a painting on the wall.

A compact kitchen with a microwave, a sink, and a potted plant. There is a round table with a fruit bowl and two wicker chairs.

A modern living room with a gray sofa, a coffee table, and a dining area with wicker chairs.

1. Cairns Southgate Hotel

14.9 km from James Cook University

Rachel

NT$3,324

NT$3,657 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 15 - Sep 16

A balcony with a dining table and chairs, a grill, and a view of the sea.

A modern kitchen with a dining area, a view of the outdoors, and a large window.

A modern kitchen with a central island, a dining area with a sofa and chairs, and a view of the outdoors.

A hotel room with a bed, a wicker sofa, and a balcony with a view of the ocean.

2. Sea Point On Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach, 3.9 km from James Cook University

Steven

NT$8,276

NT$8,276 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 3 - Sep 4

A modern bathroom with a glass shower enclosure, a wooden bench, and a small shelf with toiletries.

A row of houses with a paved driveway, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and a mountain in the background.

A swimming pool surrounded by tropical vegetation, a thatched-roof gazebo, and a wooden deck.

A hotel room with a bed, a small dining table, a sofa, and a kitchenette.

3. Tasman Holiday Parks-Cairns Cool Waters

9.9 km from James Cook University

Yevonne

NT$3,324

NT$3,657 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 15 - Sep 16

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair. There is a door leading to a balcony with a view of greenery.

A bar area with a long counter, shelves of liquor bottles, a dartboard, and a dartboard game.

A large meeting room with a high ceiling, wooden beams, and a patterned carpet.

A covered outdoor seating area with a table and chairs, a metal fence, and a view of the sky and clouds.

4. Nightcap at Balaclava Hotel

14.9 km from James Cook University

Tammara

NT$3,068

NT$3,375 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 13 - Sep 14

A balcony with wooden flooring, two striped sofas, and a small table. It overlooks a marina with boats and a mountainous landscape.

An aerial view of a tropical island with a narrow beach, surrounded by clear turquoise waters and lush greenery.

A marina with multiple boats docked, a pedestrian bridge, and a large building with a blue roof.

A beach with turquoise water, palm trees, and a building in the background.

5. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Cairns Central Business District, 15.3 km from James Cook University

Paul

NT$5,729

NT$6,302 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 15 - Sep 16

A clear pool surrounded by lush greenery and stone structures.

A modern living room with a sliding glass door leading to an outdoor patio area.

A modern interior with a staircase, a dining area with chairs, and a sofa with cushions.

A coastal landscape with a beach, a pier, and a small island in the distance.

6. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Palm Cove, 7.4 km from James Cook University

"Spent an overnight during peak tourist season. It's a nice resort, about 20 years old with some, but not excessive wear, for its age. Excellent location, excellent property layout with beach access. Room was very good. Buffet breakfast was very good. Free underground parking. My only disappointment was that I booked anticipating use of the outside spa tub but it was closed for some reason (there is a room spa tub, but too confined for me)."

Randal

NT$6,500

NT$7,150 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 20 - Sep 21

An aerial view of a resort with a swimming pool, palm trees, and a covered walkway.

A well-maintained garden with a small pond, palm trees, and a variety of tropical plants.

A woman walking on a wooden pathway surrounded by lush greenery.

A hotel room with two beds, a green headboard, a balcony with a view, and an orange armchair.

7. Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Manunda, 12.4 km from James Cook University

daniel

NT$2,964

NT$3,261 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 16 - Sep 17

A swimming pool with clear water, surrounded by lush greenery and a building with balconies.

A beach with clear water, rocks, and palm trees.

A living room with a sofa, coffee table, and dining area with chairs and a table.

A pathway surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.

8. Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments

Trinity Beach, 3.8 km from James Cook University

catharine

NT$5,301

NT$5,831 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 17 - Sep 18

A pool area with a clear view of palm trees and mountains in the background.

A modern living room with a large window, a sofa, a chair, and a small table.

A modern room with a large window overlooking a cityscape and mountains.

A balcony with wicker chairs and a table, overlooking a coastal view with palm trees and a clear sky.

9. Crystalbrook Flynn

Cairns Central Business District, 14.9 km from James Cook University

Diarmid

NT$5,674

NT$6,242 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 8 - Sep 9

A spacious lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a staircase leading to upper floors.

A poolside area with lounge chairs and a swimming pool, surrounded by greenery and a view of mountains.

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a TV, and a balcony with a view of the city and mountains.

A room with wicker furniture, large paintings of a beach, and multiple hanging light fixtures.

10. Pacific Hotel Cairns

Cairns Central Business District, 15.3 km from James Cook University

John

NT$4,865

NT$5,352 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 15 - Sep 16

A bedroom with a bed, dresser, chair, and a desk with a chair.

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside lamps, a mirror, a wardrobe, and a small table.

A modern bedroom with a bed, a bench, a wardrobe, and a small refrigerator.

A living room with a sofa, a coffee table, a wooden floor, a black and beige rug, and a view through a glass door to an outdoor balcony.

11. Floriana Boutique Hotel

Cairns North, 13.5 km from James Cook University

carlos

NT$4,540

NT$4,994 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 23 - Sep 24

A pool area with a bar, lounge chairs, and a thatched-roof pavilion.

A hotel with a covered outdoor area, trees, and a sign reading "The Beach Club".

A modern kitchen with a marble island, bar stools, and a chalkboard menu.

A restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the sea, featuring wicker furniture and hanging lights.

12. Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

Palm Cove, 8.5 km from James Cook University

Serena

NT$8,829

NT$8,829 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 8 - Sep 9

A living room with a blue sofa, a glass coffee table, and a ceiling fan.

A building with a covered entrance, outdoor seating area, and a sign reading "Paradise Cove Beach".

A hotel room with a large bed, a nightstand with a lamp, and a view of the outdoors through a sliding door.

An aerial view of a residential area with multiple houses, a swimming pool, and lush greenery.

13. Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove

Palm Cove, 8.4 km from James Cook University

Racquel

NT$4,345

NT$4,780 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 16 - Sep 17

A rooftop pool area with a large glass dome structure, surrounded by palm trees and modern buildings.

A hotel room with a balcony, a bed, a sofa, a small table, and a chair.

A spacious indoor area with multiple seating arrangements, a central bar, and a distinctive ceiling design.

A modern bathroom with a large bathtub, a towel hanging on a rack, and a view of a balcony with a table and chairs.

14. The Reef Hotel Casino Cairns - Handwritten Collection

Cairns Central Business District, 15.5 km from James Cook University

Lachlan

NT$6,582

NT$7,241 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 14 - Sep 15

A beach with palm trees and lounge chairs.

A beachside dining setup with tables and chairs, string lights, and palm trees.

A white building with a dome and arched windows, surrounded by palm trees and outdoor seating areas.

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a window with a view of greenery.

15. Palm Cove Studio Apartments

Palm Cove, 8.5 km from James Cook University

Nicola

NT$4,406

NT$4,406 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 3 - Sep 4

A lush garden with a wooden pathway leading to a building.

A beach with palm trees and clear blue water.

A spacious indoor dining area with multiple tables and chairs, large windows, and hanging pendant lights.

16. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns North, 13.3 km from James Cook University

Laura

NT$5,363

NT$5,899 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 16 - Sep 17

A resort with a central swimming pool, multiple buildings, and a view of the ocean.

A spacious living area with a sofa set, a coffee table, and a dining area with chairs and a table.

A covered outdoor dining area with a table and chairs, surrounded by a wooden lattice structure, overlooking a tropical garden with palm trees.

A resort pool area with palm trees, lounge chairs, and a clear view of the surrounding buildings.

17. Mantra Amphora

Palm Cove, 7.9 km from James Cook University

Gary

NT$7,000

NT$7,000 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 21 - Sep 22

A hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and a covered area with umbrellas.

A rooftop bar with lounge chairs and a large umbrella.

A restaurant with wooden chairs, white tablecloths, and a bar area in the background.

A modern hotel with a covered outdoor area, a staircase, and a view of the street at night.

18. Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Cairns North, 12.8 km from James Cook University

Nino

NT$4,448

NT$4,893 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 4 - Sep 5

A balcony with a view of a swimming pool and a building with a blue facade.

A spacious lobby with high ceilings, modern furniture, and large windows offering views of the outside.

A hotel room with a large window offering a view of a lake and mountains.

A balcony with two chairs and a small table, overlooking a body of water and distant land.

19. Crystalbrook Riley

Cairns Central Business District, 14.5 km from James Cook University

Anastasia

NT$8,450

NT$9,295 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 11 - Sep 12

A modern lounge area with a sofa, round tables, and bar stools.

A bar area with stools, a counter, and a television screen.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a wall-mounted artwork, and a window with curtains.

A reception area with a UFC sign, multiple monitors, and a closed sign indicating the counter is not open.

20. Nightcap at Edge Hill Tavern

12.1 km from James Cook University

Chris

NT$2,657

NT$2,922 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 13 - Sep 14

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Compare popular hotels close to James Cook University

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Cairns Southgate Hotel	9.2 Wonderful 20 reviews	View
Sea Point On Trinity Beach	9.6 Exceptional 211 reviews	View
Tasman Holiday Parks-Cairns Cool Waters	9.0 Wonderful 43 reviews	View
Nightcap at Balaclava Hotel	9.0 Wonderful 103 reviews	View
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns	9.0 Wonderful 1,015 reviews	View

Top James Cook University Hotel Reviews

Trinity Collective

10/10 Excellent

"Great place. Quiet, clean, modern. Very good."

Blue Lagoon Resort

8/10 Good

"We stayed for two nights in August, we were there for a Great Barrier Reef tour, so didn’t spend much time in the hotel itself or using the amenities. We got an uber from the airport, there were taxis and Ubers available quite readily. Staff were beyond helpful and friendly on arrival, a real credit to the hotel. We arrive at around 10am and the room was ready and they gave us the key, they said they upgraded us, but I couldn’t tell what the difference was? The room size maybe? We were ground floor by the pool, and people could see in the doors from their loungers. You can also hire ‘beach towels’ ($5) but I would argue the size of them was questionable for that! The room was very clean and large but felt dated. It suited what we needed it for however, but if we were there longer I think that we would have been disappointed. Very close to the beach, a selection of restaurants and a corner shop for essentials, the staff told us how to get to the shops via bus, so we got some supplies. There is a tv in the room, plus some kitchen equipment which was helpful, we only used the fridge however. I did have to move the temperature of that to cold when we arrived, as someone had it running on its highest, which was close to warm, so check that when you arrive. Would we stay again - yes, it was value for money, but only if it were for a couple of days. The hotel is well located, the beach is beautiful and the grounds seemed well maintained."

Vue Apartments Trinity Beach

10/10 Excellent

"This unit was everything that you would expect - very comfortable, spacious and had everything we needed - just as we expected from such an expensive unit. The only thing that wasn’t great was the poor access to the beach front."

Trinity Waters

10/10 Excellent

"Great location for exploring the area. Glad we had a rental car. Gorgeous view from balcony. Great café options. Plenty of space to relax"

Coral Sands Resort

8/10 Good

"The complex is in a great location with easy access to the beach and local restaurants. Good access to highway for exploring the wider region. Ideal for families. Apartment was nice, spacious with modern appliances, comfortable lounge area and balcony, bathrooms were a little tired but had been recently decorated. Complex is well maintained with nice garden areas and pool, secure underground parking with easy access was good"

Bellevue At Trinity Beach

10/10 Excellent

"The 3 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment was clean, well appointed and well located. Very spacious unit with everything you would need and beautiful ocean views from the large deck."

Sea Change Beachfront Apartments

10/10 Excellent

"This location is always sold out for a reason. It is so welcoming and worth every penny. We absolutely love it here. And have stayed many times."

Marlin Cove Resort

8/10 Good

"The room was clean and tidy. The balcony needed a bit of a clean and the general area could do with a spruce up."

Cocos Holiday Apartments

8/10 Good

"For the location and amenities, it was great. Check in was a breeze, other hotel guests were polite and quiet. Clean but definitely could do with a update in our room, the finishings were a bit shabby. Having said that, the value was great and we'd probably stay again."

Other attractions near James Cook University

A pond with lily pads surrounded by trees and shrubs.

Cattana Wetlands

Enjoy the beautiful coral reefs and explore Cattana Wetlands, a lovely green space in Cairns. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

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A dense forest with power lines and a mountain range in the background.

Cairns Cable Ski

Hit the slopes at Cairns Cable Ski during your trip to Macalister Range. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.

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A cable car over a lush green landscape with a river and distant mountains.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station

9.4/10 (1,715 reviews)

Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.

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Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail Head

You can take time to visit Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail Head during your travels to Cairns. Discover the area's museums and shops.

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Cable Ski Cairns

9.0/10 (7 reviews)

Catch an event at Cable Ski Cairns during your trip to Cairns. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.

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Smithfield Conservation Park

Explore the great outdoors at Smithfield Conservation Park, a lovely green space in Cairns. Wander the beaches and parks while you're in the area.

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Smithfield Shopping Centre

8.4/10 (552 reviews)

During your visit to Cairns, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Smithfield Shopping Centre. Discover the beautiful coral reefs in this walkable area, or enjoy its local tours.

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Earl Hill Conservation Park

Explore the great outdoors at Earl Hill Conservation Park, a lovely green space in Cairns. Amble around this romantic area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around James Cook University?

James Cook University is located in Cairns. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 11 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

Where is the best place to stay near James Cook University?

Trinity Collective is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this aparthotel offers an outdoor pool and free parking. It's located 1.2 mi (2 km) from James Cook University. Other good options within 5 miles include Blue Lagoon Resort and Coral Sands Resort.

How many hotels will I be able to find near James Cook University?

Expedia has 11 hotels and other accommodations within a mile from James Cook University.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near James Cook University, will I receive a refund?

Yes, most hotel room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which in most cases is within 24 or 48 hours of your arrival date. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Plug in your dates, click on "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to get top deals close to James Cook University.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near James Cook University?

For more details about updating your stay near James Cook University or cancelling it, click here.

What can I see and do near James Cook University?

You can wander around Barron Gorge National Park, Smithfield Conservation Park, or Cattana Wetlands if you want a dose of fresh air. Enjoy a stroll along the shore at Kewarra Beach, Trinity Beach, and Yorkeys Knob Beach. Rainforestation Nature Park, Kuranda Candy Kitchen, and Australian Venom Zoo are fun stops for the whole family while you're in town.

Find hotels near James Cook University, Cairns from NT$2,922

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Treat yourself

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Check prices for these dates

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Our top choices for James Cook University hotels

1. Cairns Southgate Hotel

2. Sea Point On Trinity Beach

3. Tasman Holiday Parks-Cairns Cool Waters

4. Nightcap at Balaclava Hotel

5. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

6. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

7. Cairns Colonial Club Resort

8. Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments

9. Crystalbrook Flynn

10. Pacific Hotel Cairns

11. Floriana Boutique Hotel

12. Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

13. Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove

14. The Reef Hotel Casino Cairns - Handwritten Collection

15. Palm Cove Studio Apartments

16. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

17. Mantra Amphora

18. Cairns Sheridan Hotel

19. Crystalbrook Riley

20. Nightcap at Edge Hill Tavern

Compare popular hotels close to James Cook University

Top James Cook University Hotel Reviews

Trinity Collective

Blue Lagoon Resort

Vue Apartments Trinity Beach

Trinity Waters

Coral Sands Resort

Bellevue At Trinity Beach

Sea Change Beachfront Apartments

Marlin Cove Resort

Cocos Holiday Apartments

Other attractions near James Cook University

Cattana Wetlands

Cairns Cable Ski

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station

Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail Head

Cable Ski Cairns

Smithfield Conservation Park

Smithfield Shopping Centre

Earl Hill Conservation Park

Frequently asked questions