I will keep it simple as I am sure everything has been said before. Myself and family stayed in a two bedroom apartment over xmas 2011 for a few days. The place is ideally situated on the main promenade right on the waterfront, so fantastic waterfront views from the big balcony, air conditioning in all of the rooms, clean, all facilities you could need were available in the kitchen and utility room, everything worked and there was parking underneath the building.

There was no receptionist on when we arrived on Christmas day (night), but our keys were left in a safe by the entrance and we were emailed the code in advance - so all went smoothly. On departure (10am checkout) there was no baggage store - but they were happy for us to keep a room key and leave our baggage in the room until our early afternoon flight times, so all good! Bookings and payments were handled seamlessly and faultlessly via the internet, so I have nothing to complain about :-)

Went for a 10 day australia vaccation. Did the typical toruist circuit - Sydney, Gold Coast and Cairns.
Cairns Aquarius was one of the best places we stayed in Australia. The apartment is as beautiful and spacious as pictures indicate. We were staying in apartment number 22.

Loved the view of the esplanade from the wide open balcony and the New year fireworks. Could walk down the shopping street at any time.

The manager also helped me with washing powder as we wanted to do laundry.

My family stayed in the Cairns Aquarius during Christmas and New year, and had a wonderful holiday.
This is not a hotel where there is reception and room service. It is an apartment building where the managers live onsite and are available if required. When you arrive you have the code for the safe located outside the main doors, you get your keys and info and can gain entry via the main doors or the car park roller door at the back of the building. Only people staying in the building can gain access to the building. We enjoyed the independence and security that the Cairns Aquarius afforded. The views are amazing and it is by far the best location on the esplanade.
The apartment was huge with 2 comforable bedrooms, great kitchen and bathroom. Huge TV in the lounge room and another in the main bedroom. The large balcony looked straight out onto the ocean. There is always something to look at, reef boats and the occasional cruise ship.We recommend taking a pair of binoculars. At sunset each evening the flying foxes (bats) fly past the building on their way south. Some fly quite close to the building. It is a unique sight. The Lobby is a refreshing air conditioned haven after walking in the summer heat.

Watching the New Years Eve fireworks from the balcony on the 7th floor with family that live locally was such a memorable event, one that we will never forget and a fitting finale to our stay.
We would not hesitate to recommend the Cairns Aquarius and look forward to having many more holidays here.

My wife and I have just returned from a fantastic Christmas, New Year holiday in Cairns. Our second stay at Cairns Aquarius which we both enjoyed very much. Lots of sightseeing and dinning out at the numerous restaurants along the waterfront. Bit hot this time of year but the fully air conditioned apartment was always a good refuge and very comfortable.
We read the review from "lucygertrudis" and feel obliged to say that we stayed in the building through the same period and experienced no bad smell in the lift or anywhere else. On the contrary everything was very clean and it was a pleasure to spend time there. To call the building ugly is simply ridiculous. I have attached some photos of the front of the building and the entry which I took to send with this email. It's an apartment building not a hotel and a very lovely apartment building.
We will certainly be back.