Luxury hotel inspired by the arts opens in Cairns


An artist painting live in the lobby, indigenous dancers and a smoking ceremony will be part of the soft VIP opening of Cairns’ newest luxury hotel Bailey tomorrow.

The ‘arty one’ is the second in Crystalbrook Collection’s Cairns trilogy, following the opening of Riley Resort last year.



Celebrating originality, curiosity and creativity, Bailey rises 12-storeys into the skyline in the heart of the Cairns Cultural Precinct.

“We’re very, very excited to open our doors,” General Manager Carl Taranto told Tropic Now.

“We can’t wait to welcome locals and tourists alike.”

VIP opening day includes

• Artist Andrea Huelin live painting in the lobby

• Carl Fourmile and the Gimuy Waubarra Yidinji Dancers performing a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony to bless the hotel

An official gala event will be held later in the month.


Much like its character, Bailey’s design is edgy and innovative, inspired by the spectacular local curtain fig trees.

The building’s exterior features cascading green screens which allow dappled light to filter into the 217 hotel rooms.

Downstairs in the foyer, broad timber-lined spaces and waterfalls blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors, creating an active, energetic and welcoming space.

Artworks adorn the interior, with paintings and sculptures featured throughout the lobby and the guest floors.

Mr Taranto said Bailey celebrates art of all forms, showcasing music, dance, literature and film alongside paintings, prints and sculpture.

“We’ll be hosting workshops, seminars, pop-up galleries, exhibitions, performances and artistic experiences, showcasing local and international artists,” he said.

That creativity extends to the dining outlets.

The Milk Bar draws on the iconic suburban drawcards of Australian yesteryear, serving up childhood favourites including drool-worthy milkshakes, lollies, jaffles, spiders and sundaes and a playground will keep the youngsters entertained.

CC’s Bar and Grill is a true paddock to plate experience, celebrating the best of Australian produce through hearty, flavoursome chargrilled bliss with Crystalbrook Pastoral's own dry-aged beef the feature of the menu.

A third restaurant on the mezzanine pool floor, Pachamana, isn’t open just yet but will focus on a fusion of Latin flavours.

Locals are welcome to all the public performances and events as well as the restaurants at the hotel, although the rooftop mezzanine plunge pool is for guests only.