Smithfield is a northern suburb of Cairns adjoining to Yorkeys Knob, Caravonica and Trinity Park, and is located approximately a 20-minute drive north from the Cairns CBD. Smithfield is the business and trade centre of the Cairns 'Northern Beaches'. In the suburb's south is the lower station of the Kuranda Scenic Railway. The postcode for Smithfield is 4878.

Smithfield has a number of community facilities and sporting grounds including the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, The Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, Cairns Cable Ski Park beside the Skyrail terminal and the Cattana Wetlands Conservation Park.

Smithfield is home to the major shopping centre on the northern beaches, Smithfield Shopping Centre, which includes Coles & Woolworths, Kmart, Dan Murphy’s and many specialty and take away shops, and restaurants in the complex which is well serviced with car parking and bus services. On the east side of the Captain Cook Highway is an area of commerce which includes take away shops and specialty shops such as Mitre-10 and Bunnings. Smithfield is also well known as the home of James Cook University.

Smithfield is well serviced in schooling including Smithfield Village Early Learning Centre, Goodstart Early Learning Centre, Smithfield Child Care, Armadillo Child Care Centre, Marlin Coast Family Day Care Service and Bubbly Bears Child Minding. Smithfield is home to Smithfield State High School and Holy Cross Primary School. The nearby suburbs of Yorkeys Knob, Caravonica and Trinity Park also have primary schools. The Cairns Sunbus public transport service also runs throughout the area with multiple stop overs in the suburb.