The Benson Hotel
At a glance: 4-star · Since 1984 · Renovated 2021 · 101 rooms
Near: Cairns Museum · 3 min walk
What guests say about…
DAMIAN PLUMB
dalasag
Tracy Black
Response from the property
Dear Tracy, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such wonderful feedback about your 50th birthday celebration at The Benson Hotel. We're delighted that Rachel and our bar team, particularly Facundo, could make your special day memorable. Your kind words about The Terrace venue and our staff mean a great deal to us, and we'd love to welcome you back for your next occasion.
Trip.com Member
susieq5719
Tania Major
Jess Harrison
geekpeeps
For meals near The Benson Hotel, start with the hotel's own dining options, which include a breakfast buffet and a bar serving dinner on select days. Just outside, Grafton Street is surrounded by shops and restaurants, and the Esplanade is a 5-minute walk away. In the Cairns City Center neighborhood, you can find Candy Cafe Bar, Marinades Indian Restaurant Cairns, and Helga's Pancake House. These are all within easy walking distance, so you can explore a few choices for a casual bite or a sit-down meal.
The Benson Hotel sits on Grafton Street in Cairns City Center, a short 5-minute walk from the Esplanade. The neighborhood is filled with shops and restaurants, including Candy Cafe Bar, Marinades Indian Restaurant Cairns, and Helga's Pancake House. You are also within a 7-minute walk of the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and the reef cruise departure points, making the waterfront easy to reach. The Cairns Museum is just 3 minutes away on foot, and the Cairns Aquarium is an 8-minute stroll. For a change of scenery, the Cairns Botanic Gardens are 4.1 km away, so you would need a car or taxi to get there. The area is walkable and convenient for exploring the city center's sights and dining options.
From Cairns Airport, the hotel is about 6.82 km away, roughly 14 minutes by car. You can take a taxi or ride-hailing service, or arrange a pre-booked transfer. If arriving by train, Cairns Central Station is about 0.65 km from the hotel, a 10-minute walk. From there, simply head towards Grafton Street. The hotel is also about 10 minutes on foot from the Esplanade, so you'll be in the heart of the city quickly.
In the evening, you can walk to the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, just 7 minutes away, for a relaxed waterfront setting. The Cairns Museum and Cairns Aquarium are also within an 8-minute walk if you want a cultural stop. For a drink or a bite, the hotel's own bar is open late on select days, and nearby options include Candy Cafe Bar, Marinades Indian Restaurant Cairns, and Helga's Pancake House. The Esplanade area is a short stroll from the hotel, making it easy to enjoy the evening air. You can also arrange a taxi through the hotel to reach other spots in the city.
The Benson Hotel is a great base for exploring Cairns, with many key sights within a short walk. The Cairns Museum is just a 3-minute walk away, while Sunlover Reef Cruises, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, and Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises are all 7 minutes on foot. Cairns Aquarium is an 8-minute walk, making it easy to plan a day without transport. For farther attractions like Cairns Botanic Gardens (4.1 km) or Crystal Cascades (11.1 km), you can take a taxi or ride-hailing service, which the hotel can help arrange. The central location means you can return to the hotel between activities, and the Esplanade is only a 5-minute walk for a relaxed stroll. It is a convenient starting point for both city sights and day trips.
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Summary for your reference
100 m away · 72 Grafton St Cairns City Center