Best Beaches In Cairns & Surrounds
Looking for the best beaches in Cairns? If you are lucky to be living in, or visiting tropical Queensland, you will find that there are some stunning beaches in the surrounding areas near Cairns.
Cairns Beaches
If you’re looking to escape to Cairns to soak up some sunshine, you might be wondering what you can expect in the way of beaches.
While Cairns itself doesn’t actually have a beach within the city, you just have to take a very short drive north to one of the beach suburbs and you’ll be rewarded with the exquisite clear blue ocean and magnificent white sand.
Below we have rounded up the best places to swim and the best beaches near Cairns. But first of all, some safety tips.
Can you swim at the beaches near Cairns?
If you haven’t spent much time in Far North Queensland, remember to always pay attention to signs and only swim at beaches with lifeguards. This is croc territory, and you don’t want to go swimming at just any old beach without doing a little research.
You’ll also need to consider the fact that the summer months in Australia (December-February) are stinger season. Don’t worry though, year-round swimming is still possible because all the beaches we’re recommending have stinger nets during these months.
If you want other options, make sure to check out the waterfalls in Cairns as they have some superb swimming spots nearby.
8 Best Beaches in Cairns
So, let’s take a look at the best beaches in Cairns and the surrounding area.
- Ellis Beach
- Palm Cove
- Trinity Beach
- Kewerra Beach
- Holloways Beach
- Yorkeys Knob
- Clifton Beach
- Four Mile Beach
1. Ellis Beach
About a 30 minute drive north of central Cairns is the beautiful palm tree lined Ellis Beach, one of the best beaches near Cairns. It’s a very quiet area just off the Captain Cook Highway. It’s a popular spot for those looking to escape Cairns and there is plenty of parking space right next to the beach.
The calm waters are suitable for kids of all ages and the beach has lifeguards on Saturdays 1pm to 5pm, Sundays 9am to 5pm and school holidays 9am to 5pm. There is also a stinger net during the summer months so it’s perfect for year round swimming.
There is also a beachfront tourist park for those who wish to stay a night or two. It’s quiet and simple but also one of my favourite places to camp around Cairns and the bar and grill across the road is a convenient place to grab a bite to eat.
2. Palm Cove
Palm Cove is the most popular northern beaches suburb and is full of great facilities for families with kids of all ages. There is plenty of shade to be had along the beachfront.
The water is calm but there are small waves at some times of the year that are perfect for little kids who want to bodyboard. There is even a kid play park right at the beach so kids can switch between playing at the park and enjoying the ocean.
There is a stinger net during the summer months and the lifeguards are on duty 7 days a week between 8am and 5pm.
3. Trinity Beach
Trinity Beach is another beautiful beach north of Cairns that caters well to tourists but is not as busy as the very popular Palm Cove.
There isn’t as much shade here as there is at some of the other beaches so it might not be the best choice for very young babies and toddlers. The water is calm though and they do have stinger nets in the summer months. The lifeguards are on duty every single day between 8am and 5pm.
There are even a couple of great little restaurants and cafes along the esplanade that are well worth a visit.
4. Kewarra Beach
In between Palm Cove and Trinity Beach lies the sleepy beach suburb of Kewarra Beach.
Although there is a beach and spa at one end, you’ll find mostly locals at this beautiful beach and it’s a much quieter option for those wishing to escape the crowds.
With plenty of shade and beautiful calm water, it’s perfect for kids of all ages. There are stinger nets in summer and lifeguards every day between 9am and 5pm.
5. Holloways Beach
One of the quietest beaches around Cairns but one of our absolute favourites, Holloways Beach is a real hidden gem.
There is plenty of space and the sandy area is quite wide; perfect if you like somewhere that puts the kids that little bit further from the road.
The beach is patrolled year round between 8am and 5pm and there are stinger nets in summer. The esplanade has a couple of cute little cafes and there are even markets held once a month.
6. Yorkeys Knob
The beach at Yorkeys Knob has soft sand, clear seas, stinger nets in summer and a lifeguard patrolling year round between 8am and 5pm.
It’s a quiet beach that’s mostly frequented by locals but it has some great facilities. You’ll find plenty of benches, tables and free BBQs as well as a playground. I
t’s the perfect spot for families with kids young and old to enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.
7. Clifton Beach
The suburb just north of Palm Cove is Clifton Beach. It’s often overlooked thanks to its popular neighbour but is well worth a look if you want somewhere quiet. You can even walk along the beach to Palm Cove if you want some more dining options.
The beach is perfect for kids of all ages thanks to the soft sand, shady spots and calm water. There is also a playground and bbq facilities if you feel like bringing your own food with you.
There are stinger nets in summer and the beach has a lifeguard every day between 9am and 5pm.
8. Four Mile Beach (Port Douglas)
We almost didn’t mention this as one of the best beaches in Cairns, because it is actually in Port Douglas. However, it is a popular day trip from Cairns and really can’t be missed.
If you don’t mind a little bit more travelling, Port Douglas is about an hour’s drive from Cairns and home to the beautiful Four Mile Beach. It’s a great place to spend a couple of days but still close enough to do as a day trip.
This long stretch of soft sand and beautiful clear water is a favourite with people in the area but large enough that it rarely feels crowded. There is a stinger net in summer and the beach is patrolled every day between 8am and 5pm.
It’s the perfect spot for kids of all ages, there is plenty of shady spots as well as calm and shallow waters. There’s also a surf club with a park as well as showers and plenty of great spots to grab a bite to eat within walking distance.
Things to do in Cairns
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