15 Of The Best Cairns Beaches | Australian Traveller

These are the beautiful Cairns beaches you need to explore right now.

Home to some of the most stunning coastlines in Queensland, you’re spoilt for choice on where to lay your beach towel in Cairns. Whether you prefer to take it easy relaxing in the sun, you want to have a go at spearing your own mud crabs, or a snorkelling adventure is more up your alley, there’s a flavour of beach to suit every type of traveller in Cairns.

It’s good to keep in mind that if there isn’t a stinger net available at your beach of choice, a stinger suit is recommended when entering the water in Tropical North Queensland, especially during the summer months (November to February).

1. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

At the heart of Cairns is its buzzing esplanade, home to the famous 4800 square metre Cairns Lagoon offering all-year-round safe swimming. With sandy shores and beach volleyball courts to enjoy, this is the closest beach to the city centre making it a convenient spot to stop for a dip. Nearby you’ll find public toilets and showers, lockers and electric BBQs. Aquatic wheelchairs are also available for visitors to use in the lagoon.

Distance from Cairns: 5 minutes
Safety information: Lifeguards are on duty.

2. Holloways Beach

One of the city’s most well-known northern beaches, Holloways Beach is a narrow, quiet beach, backed by palm trees — perfect for a coffee and a good book. The Holloways Beach Markets are held on the second Sunday of the month.

a scenic view of Holloways Beach, Cairns — Soak up the serenity at Holloways Beach. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: 13 minutes
Safety information: Lifeguards are on duty and there is a stinger net during the summer months.

3. Yorkeys Knob Beach

One of Cairns’ best-kept secrets, you’ll feel a million miles away at Yorkeys Knob Beach. Stretching for 1.5 kilometres, it’s large yet secluded — a wonderful option for young families to run around safely. There are two fabulous playgrounds nearby, as well as picnic bench seating and BBQs along the esplanade.

Distance from Cairns: 15 minutes
Safety information: Lifeguards are on duty and there is a stinger net during the summer months.

4. Trinity Beach

Of course, a coastal town as gorgeous as Trinity Beach is going to have an equally impressive stretch of sand. Lined with beach almond and coconut trees, finding a shady spot along the beach is effortless.

When you’re ready for a bite to eat, there are plenty of beachfront dining options along the esplanade.

Distance from Cairns: 20 minutes
Safety information: Lifeguards are on duty and there is a stinger net during the summer months.

5. Kewarra Beach

Popular with the locals, Kewarra Beach is a golden spot with many talents. As well as spectacular views, safe swimming, and a dog-friendly off-leash area, it’s a great place to set up your fishing rod — and look out for the Hermit crabs at low tide too.

During the cooler months, the beachfront Kewarra Beach Resort serves pizza, tapas and drinks on the sand several nights a week.

a young girl running along the beach at Kewarra Beach — Kids can go frolicking on Kewarra Beach. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland/Gregg Snell)

Distance from Cairns: 20 minutes
Safety information: Lifeguards are on duty and there is a stinger net during the summer months.

6. Clifton Beach

Boasting incredible views of the Coral Sea and ample room, Clifton Beach is another local’s favourite and it’s a glorious beach to stretch your legs from.

Take in the surrounding rainforest-clad mountains and pass other beachfront suburbs along the way including Palm Cove, the next beach on our list.

Clifton Beach aerial shot near Cairns — Soak up the tropical vibes on Clifton Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: 25 minutes
Safety information: Lifeguards are on duty and there is a stinger net during the summer months.

7. Palm Cove Beach

For a picture-perfect beach day, you must take a trip to the tranquil beach town of Palm Cove. Warm and inviting all year round, Palm Cove Beach has won many awards over the years as Australia’s cleanest beach and is a charming spot to snooze.

Break up your day with lunch at a delicious restaurant or visit one of the country’s most delightful day spas.

Palm Cove Beach aerial — Palm Cove Beach is warm and inviting all year round. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland/Tourism Palm Cove)

Distance from Cairns: 30 minutes
Safety information: Lifeguards are on duty and there is a stinger net during the summer months.

8. Ellis Beach

Located on the northern side of a rocky outcrop that separates it from Palm Cove, the steep-sloping Ellis Beach features pumice-filled shorelines and beautifully soft sand. It’s conveniently positioned right on Cook Highway so it couldn’t be easier to stop in for a paddle, and the local surf lifesaving club regularly hosts competitions and events along the beach. If you need somewhere to stay, Ellis Beach Oceanfront Holiday Park straddles the highway in the southern half of the beach or for something to eat, step into the iconic Ellis Beach Bar & Grill .

an aerial shot of a woman standing in front of palm trees at Ellis Beach, Cairns — Indulge in a well-deserved beach getaway at Ellis Beach. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: 35 minutes
Safety information: Lifeguards are on duty and there is a stinger net during the summer months.

9. Oak Beach at Thala Beach Nature Reserve

Found on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas, Thala Beach Nature Reserve is a luxury eco-accommodation with its own private Oak Beach, which guests can use only.

Enjoy romantic beach picnics or long evening walks along two kilometres of pristine sand lined with coconut palms and she-oak trees in your own secret paradise.

Oak Beach is a private beach that only Thala Beach Nature Reserve guests can use. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: 50 minutes
Safety information: The beach is not patrolled, and swimming is not recommended between November and May but there are two swimming pools available onsite.

10. Four Mile Beach

Over in Port Douglas is Four Mile Beach, with (perhaps confusingly) four kilometres to uncover. As it’s nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, this palm-fringed coastline is a protected, unspoiled beauty.

Hire a sun lounge and spend your day soaking up that Vitamin D; hire a canoe to paddle out on; Segway as far as you can get, enjoy a beach yoga class, or follow the trailhead to Flagstaff Hill to find cafes and restaurants within walking distance.

Four Mile Beach drone shot in Port Douglas — Admire sunset views from one of Four Mile Beach’s many vantage points. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: 1 hour
Safety information: Lifeguards are on duty (at the northern end) and there is a stinger net during the summer months.

11. Cooya Beach

Just five minutes from Mossman is Cooya Beach where you can spear your own mud crabs amongst the mangroves on a Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tour .

It’s also a favoured beach for boating from too so at any given time, you’ll see a number of boats stoically anchored on the water.

an aerial view of guests exploring the mudflats of Cooya Beach with a Kuku Yalanji custodian — Explore the mudflats of Cooya Beach on a Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tour. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: 1 hour 5 minutes
Safety information: The beach is not patrolled, nor does it have a stinger net. Wearing a stinger suit during the summer months is recommended.

12. Bramston Beach

Described as an undeveloped seaside gem, the mostly deserted seven-kilometre Bramston Beach has a quiet charm for a beach day without the fanfare. Throw a line straight off the beach, take advantage of the sheltered barbeque and picnic areas, or enjoy fish and chips at the Bramston Beach Cafe.

Man with coconut near Bramston Beach — Take advantage of Bramston Beach’s sheltered barbeque and picnic areas. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: 1 hour 10 minutes
Safety information: Lifeguards are on duty (in front of the camping area) and there is a stinger net during the summer months.

13. Etty Bay

Near Innisfail on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef is Etty Bay is known as the beach to see the iconic Southern Cassowary. Early morning or late afternoon is your ideal opportunity to see these endangered birds roaming the beach. Take advantage of staying on the beach at Etty Bay Caravan Park.

people running into stinger net at Etty Bay, Cairns — Keep your eyes peeled for endangered birds on Etty Bay. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: 1 hour 20 minutes

Safety information: Lifeguards are on duty and there is a stinger net during the summer months.

14. Mission Beach

Part of the Cassowary Coast, Mission Beach is made up of four beach villages linked by 14 kilometres of sand stretching as far as the eye can see. With unlimited beach space at your disposal, it’s up to you how to explore it. Why not rent a beach bike and cruise along it at low tide, discovering smaller beaches and hidden coves along the way? The Mission Beach Markets are also held on the first and third Sunday of the month right beside the beach.

Couple on Mission Beach at sunset — Find a secluded spot on Mission Beach to take in all its beauty. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from Cairns: 1 hour 50 minutes
Safety information: The safest places to swim are Wongaling Beach (near the Surf Lifesaving Club) and the patrolled stinger nets at North and South Mission Beach.

15. Nudey Beach

Offering both paradise and adventure, the nearby island Fitzroy is a real winner. On the island is Nudey Beach, previously ranked number one in Australia’s best beach awards.

This white coral beach is a real beauty — it just takes a short walk through the rainforest to get there. Aside from relaxing, it’s a wonderful spot to snorkel on the reef right off the beach.

Distance from Cairns: A 45-minute ferry ride from the city’s Reef Fleet Terminal and a 20-minute hike to the beach.

Safety information: Lifeguards are not on duty but the waters are calm here and stinger suits (and snorkelling gear) can be hired from the island resort.

Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island — Nudey Beach was previously named Australia’s best beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If you’ve had your fill of sun, sea and sand, take a look at some of the greatest day trips from Cairns for something a little different.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

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15 of the best beaches in and around Cairns to visit