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 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 compact kitchen with a white door, wooden cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a microwave.

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

1. Cairns Southgate Hotel

14.9 km from James Cook University

Rachel

AED 316

AED 351 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Oct - 15 Oct

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

A hotel entrance with a covered walkway, steps leading up to the entrance, and surrounding greenery.

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

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

2. Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Manunda, 12.4 km from James Cook University

Anu

AED 367

AED 406 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Oct - 15 Oct

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

A wooden staircase leading to an outdoor deck with a railing, a black wall, and a window overlooking a garden.

3. Tasman Holiday Parks-Cairns Cool Waters

9.9 km from James Cook University

Anne

AED 347

AED 382 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

A poolside area with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a clear blue pool.

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

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

A covered patio with a sofa and outdoor seating, a tiled floor, and a view of a swimming pool and palm trees.

4. Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove

Palm Cove, 8.4 km from James Cook University

Zoran

AED 501

AED 552 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

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 hotel with a sign advertising the best steaks, a sports bar, and a restaurant.

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

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

5. Nightcap at Balaclava Hotel

14.9 km from James Cook University

Tammara

AED 331

AED 364 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

A modern patio with a pool, a dining table, and chairs.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a ceiling fan, and a view of the outdoors.

A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a stainless steel refrigerator, a built-in oven, and a large island with stools.

A swimming pool with a view of a body of water and buildings in the background.

6. Blue Lagoon Villas

Trinity Beach, 3.8 km from James Cook University

Joseph

AED 851

AED 1,364 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Oct - 29 Oct

A balcony with wicker chairs and a glass table, overlooking a lush garden.

A covered outdoor seating area with wicker furniture, a round table, and a view of a pool and lush greenery.

A modern living room with a glass door leading to a pool area, a sofa with cushions, a glass table, and a black chair.

7. The Palms at Palm Cove

Palm Cove, 7.9 km from James Cook University

Karthik

AED 493

AED 543 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Oct - 22 Oct

A clear pool surrounded by lush greenery and stone structures.

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

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

8. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Palm Cove, 7.4 km from James Cook University

Aydin

AED 700

AED 770 total

includes taxes & fees

28 Oct - 29 Oct

A waterfall cascading over rocks into a pool, surrounded by lush greenery and a wooden fence.

Two people sitting on rocks by a clear water body, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.

A garden with a small waterfall, potted plants, and a pool.

A hotel room with two beds, a balcony, and a painting on the wall.

9. Palm Royale Cairns

Manunda, 13.7 km from James Cook University

Ron

AED 487

AED 536 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

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

A reception area with a surfboard, reception desk, and a view of a pool and building.

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

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

10. Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

Palm Cove, 8.5 km from James Cook University

Brian

AED 951

AED 951 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A pathway lined with palm trees and a building with a blue and beige exterior.

A pathway leading to a building with a red door, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.

A row of two-story buildings with a green roof, a paved driveway, and surrounding greenery.

Two people playing with a beach ball in a pool surrounded by rocks and palm trees.

11. Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

12.4 km from James Cook University

Stephen John

AED 191

AED 191 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

A row of blue cabins with a covered porch and a small garden area in front.

A neatly arranged hotel room with a bed, a chair, a small table with a remote control, and a window offering a view of greenery.

A poolside area with lounge chairs, a shaded canopy, and a pool.

A row of blue cabins with white doors, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and trees.

12. Cairns Holiday Park

Manunda, 13 km from James Cook University

Elizabeth

AED 282

AED 385 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

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

A bright, spacious dining area with a large wooden table and chairs, a hanging light fixture, and a view of palm trees through the glass doors.

A modern living room with a large sectional sofa, a glass coffee table, and a dining area with a white table and chairs.

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees and a hotel building.

13. Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

Palm Cove, 7.8 km from James Cook University

Nancy

AED 1,166

AED 1,283 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

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.

14. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns North, 13.3 km from James Cook University

steven

AED 434

AED 478 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

15. Sarayi Boutique Hotel

Palm Cove, 8.2 km from James Cook University

Jasmin

A swimming pool with clear water, surrounded by lounge chairs and a rock formation.

A hotel room with two beds, each with a pillow and a towel, a nightstand with a lamp, and artwork on the walls.

A row of travel posters advertising various tours and cruises, such as Skyrail, Great Barrier Reef, and Michaelmas Cay.

A coffee machine with a digital display, a frothing pitcher, and multiple coffee containers on a counter.

16. Reef Palms Motel

Cairns North, 13 km from James Cook University

Pagalavan

AED 326

AED 361 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Oct - 7 Oct

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

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.

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

17. Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments

Trinity Beach, 3.8 km from James Cook University

catharine

AED 516

AED 568 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Oct - 23 Oct

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

A waterfront hotel with a wooden deck, marina with boats, and a large building with balconies.

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

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

18. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Cairns Central Business District, 15.3 km from James Cook University

Jeromy

AED 737

AED 810 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Oct - 16 Oct

A modern living room with a sofa, a glass coffee table, and a TV. It features a large window with a view of the sea.

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and a wooden pergola, surrounded by a fence and greenery.

A modern hotel with multiple floors, balconies, and a large colorful mural on the side.

A reception area with a counter, a coffee machine, a refrigerator stocked with beverages, and a sign indicating 'Keys & Mail'.

19. Cairns Plaza Hotel

Cairns Central Business District, 14.3 km from James Cook University

Ryan

AED 541

AED 595 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Oct - 15 Oct

A modern outdoor seating area with a view of a lake and buildings in the background.

A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a large island with stools.

A modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a central island, and a dining area with chairs and a table.

20. Blue Lagoon Villa B

Trinity Beach, 3.8 km from James Cook University

"everything about this property was lovely. only thing, kids could find the gaming console (not that i minded lol) and the ad made it sound like the pool was just outside but infact its a small stroll down the road. still enjoyed our swim etc but was one of the deciding factors to stay here when we thought the pool was right there. But that's nothing major, everything else was as described and beds were comfy. would recommend :) "

Bernie

AED 1,025

AED 1,541 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to James Cook University

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Cairns Southgate Hotel	9.2 Wonderful 32 reviews	View
Cairns Colonial Club Resort	8.4 Very good 1,010 reviews	View
Tasman Holiday Parks-Cairns Cool Waters	9.0 Wonderful 44 reviews	View
Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove	9.2 Wonderful 624 reviews	View
Nightcap at Balaclava Hotel	9.0 Wonderful 105 reviews	View

Top James Cook University Hotel Reviews

Trinity Collective

10/10 Excellent

"The property was clean outside and in the lobby/check-in area. The staff was amazing and so sweet and friendly! The room was perfect and we couldn’t have loved it more!! It had everything we needed and was as advertised! I felt very safe and secure staying here. I checked in after hours and the front desk was wonderful with accommodating me with that. I would go out of my way to stay here in the future if I’m in the area!!! :)"

Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments

10/10 Excellent

"The staff was amazing very helpful,clean room great location plenty of things to do close by. The only downfall was our dryer in the room did not work, but there was a clothes rack that we were able to hang our clothes on to dry."

On the Beach Holiday Apartments

8/10 Good

"Clean room with an ocean view and outdoor pool. Close to cafes and restaurants. Comfortable bed. We had a lovely stay for 3 nights."

Sea Change Beachfront Apartments

10/10 Excellent

"Absolutely enjoyed our stay. Our apartment was huge and had everything we needed for the week. We thoroughly enjoyed the pool and being close to the pool. We would definitely stay here again. I have one comment. Not related to the accommodation but more for Expedia. They listed our room but didn’t specify that you need to recommend a type of room you want even though when we booked it was pictures on a higher floor with ocean views but we put on ground level next to the pool area. Again, not a fault of the seachange but Expedia. They need to correct this for future."

Ultimate heaven of comfort and relaxation. Entire house, large private pool.

10/10 Excellent

"What an absolutely perfect home for a family holiday. Everything we could possibly need was provided, even toys for the kids. The pool was simply stunning. The house was clean and so comfortable.The hosts were so easy to communicate with and we could not thank them enough for the home they provided."

Blue Lagoon Resort

10/10 Excellent

"Fantastic customer service. Maya was amazing"

Luxury Tropical Escape: Beachside Villa with Heated Pool & Modern Comforts

10/10 Excellent

"Beautiful property"

Sea Point On Trinity Beach

10/10 Excellent

"Property was perfect, immaculately clean and located across the road from the ocean."

Walk to Kewarra Beach | Private Pool & BBQ

10/10 Excellent

"Great indoor/outdoor living"

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 building with a sign reading "Skyra Rainforest Cabay."

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station

9.4/10 (1,715 reviews)

You can take time to visit Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station during your travels to Cairns. Discover the beautiful coral reefs and shops in this walkable area.

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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 family-friendly 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 AED 191

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Treat yourself

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Our top choices for James Cook University hotels

1. Cairns Southgate Hotel

2. Cairns Colonial Club Resort

3. Tasman Holiday Parks-Cairns Cool Waters

4. Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove

5. Nightcap at Balaclava Hotel

6. Blue Lagoon Villas

7. The Palms at Palm Cove

8. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

9. Palm Royale Cairns

10. Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

11. Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

12. Cairns Holiday Park

13. Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

14. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

15. Sarayi Boutique Hotel

16. Reef Palms Motel

17. Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments

18. Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

19. Cairns Plaza Hotel

20. Blue Lagoon Villa B

Compare popular hotels close to James Cook University

Top James Cook University Hotel Reviews

Trinity Collective

Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments

On the Beach Holiday Apartments

Sea Change Beachfront Apartments

Ultimate heaven of comfort and relaxation. Entire house, large private pool.

Blue Lagoon Resort

Luxury Tropical Escape: Beachside Villa with Heated Pool & Modern Comforts

Sea Point On Trinity Beach

Walk to Kewarra Beach | Private Pool & BBQ

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