Cairns North is a centrally located suburb of Cairns about 6-minute drive north of the CBD. Cairns North is a predominantly urbanised but has large areas of parkland as well as coastline and mangroves on the eastern edge of the suburb. Although Cairns North is located centrally there is still a large number of parks, recreational areas, and natural environment throughout the suburb including the Cairns Esplanade. The postcode for Cairns North is 4870.

Cairns North's central location makes it close to many major facilities in the area. Cairns North has a variety of grocery stores, late night convenience stores as well outlets for seafood and many restaurants within walking distance. The Cairns Esplanade public space and board walk also includes children's playgrounds, a lagoon and award winning skate-park as well as many BBQ areas and recreational facilities. Cairns North also includes many sporting facilities such as the Tobruk Memorial Swimming Pool, the Cairns Hockey Association and the Cairns International Tennis Centre. The Cairns International Airport is also located within the confines of Cairns North making it a popular location for many international tourists.

The only school located in the boundaries of Cairns North is Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Primary School catering for years Prep-6. There are also a large number of schools in the surrounding suburbs of Cairns North providing both private and public schooling options for primary and secondary education. These include Cairns State High School a public secondary school. Saint Monica's College and Saint Augustine's College providing private secondary schooling in an all-girls and all-boys environment respectively. The Cairns Sunbus public transport service also runs throughout the area with multiple stop overs in the suburb.