Cairns Beaches: The 11 Best Beaches in Cairns and the Tropical North

Cairns Beaches: The 11 Best Beaches in Cairns and the Tropical North

A quick roundup of the best beaches in Cairns. Includes some well-known places and some local gems! Don't miss these incredible beaches of the tropical north on your next visit to Cairns, Australia's best tropical destination!

Cairns is quickly becoming one of Australia's top travel destinations. It truly has it all, from epic waterfalls, untouched island gems and bucket list-worthy adrenaline activities, what could you really want?

Well, if there's anything missing from this list, it has to be some pristine tropical beaches where you can cool off. Luckily, there are many great beaches in Cairns that are worth visiting. In this blog post I've put together a quick roundup of the best beaches in Cairns and the surrounding tropical north that you should definitely check out on your next trip!

• alt=“FKK-STRAND AUF FITZROY-INSEL“>
• alt=“CAPE TRIBULATION SONNENUNTERGANG“>
• alt=“ELLIS BEACH IN DER NÄHE VON CAIRNS“>

If you're looking for more Cairns travel inspiration, I've written a comprehensive guide to the absolute best things to do in Cairns, as well as a detailed hiking guide with the best trails and a huge list of epic waterfalls to check out! So when you're done chilling on these amazing Cairns beaches, there's plenty more to explore!

Also, when planning your visit to Cairns, don't forget to check out my comprehensive accommodation guide for where to stay.

The best beaches in Cairns

1. Palm Bay

Palm Cove is one of the most famous beaches in Cairns. On the northern beaches, about 30 minutes north of the CBD, there is a long, palm-fringed sandy beach that is often featured in commercials and travel shows.

While Palm Cove is most famous for its palm trees, the surf club also has a spiked net for safe swimming, some world-class restaurants, and a rainforest hiking trail on the north side of the cove.

Best for: Restaurants and scenic palm trees.
alt=“PALM COVE, THE BEST BEACHES IN CAIRNS”>

Best Places to Stay in Palm Cove Many people choose to stay in Palm Cove instead of the city because it is closer to the beach. In my opinion, Palm Cove is truly one of the best places to base yourself in Cairns.

Luxury: By far the best accommodation in Palm Cove is the Alamanda by Lancemore. This one is as luxurious as it gets, if a little cruel on the wallet.

Good Value Resort: Want a pool resort next to the beach that won't break the bank? Check out Paradise on the Beach Resort.

Budget Hostel: Palm Cove is also the best place to base yourself as a backpacker. Flash packers on the beach are popular.
alt="PALM COVE CAIRNS">

RELATED POST: Cairns Packing List: Essential list of what to pack for Cairns and why

2. Nudist beach

While you have been searching for the best beaches in Cairns, I present to you one of the best beaches in Australia, Nudey Beach. You have to take a ferry to get to Nudey Beach as it is on Fitzroy Island. The good news is that Fitzroy is one of the closest islands to Cairns, so make time for it!

Best for: Seeing Cairns' most beautiful beach
alt=“NUDEY BEACH FITZROY ISLAND THINGS TO DO, CAIRNS”>
Book: Fitzroy Island Ferry Day Trip

Nudey Beach is one of those places that has to be seen to be believed. Calm turquoise waters lap the pearly white sands surrounded by rainforest at the very tip of the island. There are no crocodiles lurking in the shallows here, just lots of tropical fish and sea turtles!

Stay near Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island: Fitzroy Island Resort
alt=“NUDEY BEACH ON FITZROY ISLAND, CAIRNS THINGS TO DO,”>

See also: What It's Like to Stay at Fitzroy Island Resort

3. Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is another Cairns beach, also located in the northern suburbs. In my opinion, Trinity Beach is just as beautiful as Palm Cove, just without as many tourists! However, similarly, this amazing place is lined with palm trees and ends in a narrow little mangrove cove.

Best for: Tropical, palm-lined beach without the crowds

At Trinity Beach you'll find several local restaurants, a stab-proof swimming net, exercise equipment, grills, and an all-around tropical atmosphere.

Stay at Trinity Beach: Sea Point at Trinity Beach
alt="TRINITY BEACH CAIRNS">

4. Ellis Beach

If you're looking for a local hidden gem then Ellis Beach has to be one of the best beaches in Cairns! This is also located on the northern beaches, just after Palm Cove.

Best for: White sandy beaches all to yourself + an epic bar and bistro

If you head to Ellis Beach, you'll most likely have long stretches to yourself. This beautiful Cairns beach overlooks Double Island. Although it is quiet, there is still a small rescue club near the parking lot that maintains a spike net for safe swimming all year round.

If you're traveling from Cairns to Ellis Beach, I highly recommend stopping by Ellis Beach Bar & Grill. They make great nachos!

Stay in Ellis Beach: Ocean Beach Waterfront Bungalows

alt=“ELLIS BEACH NEAR CAIRNS”>
alt=“ELLIS BEACH NEAR CAIRNS”>

See also: The 10 best tours and experiences in Cairns

5. Kewarra Beach

Next on the ultimate Cairns beaches roundup is Kewarra Beach. This is also a kind of local secret. I say this because you usually won't find many tourists here, just a few locals enjoying a walk or a swim.

Best for: Local lifestyle in Cairns

If you would like to visit Kewarra Beach I would recommend heading to the south end. Here you will find some shady palm trees under which you can relax.
alt="KEWARRA BEACH NEAR CAIRNS">

6. Green Island

Again, some of the most beautiful beaches in Cairns require a boat to get to! Green Island is perhaps Cairns' most popular island, famous for its wide fringing reef, huge turtle population and picturesque rainforest interior.

Best for: Snorkeling
alt="TURTLE SEA">
Green Island is surrounded by a pristine white coral sand beach. The water here is also very clear and perfect if you want to snorkel.

Book a boat to Green Island: Green Island Fast Ferry
alt=“GREEN ISLAND FROM THE SKY, GREAT BARRIER REEF, CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND”>

SEE THE ISLANDS AND REEF FROM THE SKY: Discounted scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef

7. Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is another quiet beach in the northern suburbs worth visiting. This continues along Kewarra Beach and connects to Palm Cove to the north.

Best for: Quiet beach with a beautiful reserve

Although you won't find as many attractions or highlights in Clifton Beach as some of the others on this list, it is a nice place to stop and take a swim.
alt="CLIFTON BEACH NEAR CAIRNS">

8. Four Mile Beach

The next items on this list can’t really be described as “beaches in Cairns”. Instead, they're beach highlights you can't miss in nearby Tropical North. The first of these is Four Mile Beach.

Best for: Long white sand beach with a great coastal walk

Four Mile Beach is perhaps one of the most famous beaches in the tropical north. About an hour's drive north of Cairns in Port Douglas lies this huge white strip. You can easily spend hours here under the palm trees or enjoying the cliff path to the Four Mile Beach lookout.

Stay in Port Douglas: Shantara Resort (Luxury) | The Newport (Middle Class) | Global Backpackers (Hostel)

Or read this comprehensive Port Douglas accommodation guide to find the best areas and deals.
alt="4 Mile Beach Port Douglas">

See also: Cairns itinerary ideas

9. Myall Beach

Many will tell you that a trip to Cairns is incomplete without a stop to see where the rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation. Myall Beach is an incredible white sand beach with a fringing reef and dense tropical rainforest. It is considered the main “beach” of Cape Tribulation and therefore has the most facilities nearby.

Best for: Experience how the rainforest meets the reef

Although it is not recommended to swim at Cape Tribulation due to stingers and crocodiles, it is still widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the Cairns region and throughout the tropical north. If you need to cool off, consider a freshwater swim at the local watering hole.

Cape Tribulation Stay: Wildwood (Rainforest Cottage) | Cape Trib Vacation Home (huge house) | Crocodylus (hostel)
alt="Myall Beach, Cape Tribulation things to do">

Don't miss: 20 things to do in Cape Tribulation & The Daintree

10. Etty Beach

Etty Beach is the first beach on this list of beaches near Cairns, located in the south. It is also one of the most unique as it is a well-known place to spot wild cassowaries. Etty Bay is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Cairns. Therefore, this one is more suitable for those who are going on a road trip or a day trip to the south.

Best for: spotting a wild cassowary on the beach

The best time to see cassowaries in Etty Bay is early morning and late afternoon. You'll usually find them on the beach, so it's best to just let them do their thing and admire them from a distance.
alt="Cassowary ON QUEENSLAND BEACH">

FULL POST: Etty Bay Cassowaries – Where and How to Spot Wild Cassowaries Safely

11. Mission Beach

The last beach on this list of the best beaches in Cairns is once again a long way from Cairns. Mission Beach is just under two hours south of Cairns, but is a must if you're planning a road trip south.

Best for: huge white sand beaches, coconut palms and the surrounding island
alt="MISSION BEACH HIGH IN NORTH QUEENSLAND">
Mission Beach is a premier Australian beach that is also often featured in tourism advertisements and programs. You probably already know a little about Mission Beach, but did you know that Dunk Island, one of the best Great Barrier Reef islands, is located just off the coast? The best part is that the ferry only takes 10 minutes, so there really are no excuses not to go!

Book: Ferry ticket to Dunk Island
alt=“DUNK ISLAND SUNSETS QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA”>

Can you swim at the beach in Cairns?

When visiting beaches in Cairns, you need to be aware that there are two major marine dangers here: crocodiles and sea stingers. However, most of the best beaches in Cairns have patrolled spike nets that keep out both crocodiles and dangerous spikes.

The truth is that both of these types are deadly and unfortunately people fall victim to attacks and stabbings every year. However, if you swim in the nets on land, you reduce your risk to almost zero.

The best beaches near Cairns for swimming

For those visiting Cairns just after a good swim I would say Palm Cove and Trinity Beach are the best on the mainland and close to the city. However, the tranquility and beauty of the islands really can't be beat, as they are by far the best places for swimming and snorkeling near Cairns.

Book: Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns
alt=“CAIRNS TROPICAL DESTINATION PACKING LIST WHAT TO PACK FOR CAIRNS”>

Tips for enjoying these tropical Cairns beaches

While I've already touched on the dangers associated with swimming at the beach in Far North Queensland, the following tips and resources are essential to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Cairns.

• Seien Sie im Land der Krokodile weise: Schwimmen Sie nicht in Salzwasserflüssen und -mündungen und versuchen Sie, sich am Strand an die bewachten Stachelnetze zu halten
• Stinger-Anzüge: Stinger-Anzüge bieten einen hervorragenden Schutz vor gefährlichen Meeresstacheln. Erwägen Sie den Kauf eines, bevor Sie nach Cairns kommen
• Riffsicherer Sonnenschutz: Das größte Korallenriff der Welt ist in Gefahr. Wussten Sie, dass typische Sonnenschutzmittel für das Riff schädlich sind? Stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie sich vor Ihrer Ankunft in Cairns einen riffsicheren Sonnenschutz besorgen.

More than just epic Cairns beaches: more things to do in the tropical north

I hope this quick guide to visiting the best beaches in Cairns and the surrounding tropical north was helpful when planning your trip.

I have spent a long time exploring, documenting and photographing the best attractions and adventures in Cairns. Be sure to read some of the other articles below or start with this mega guide to the best things to do in Cairns for more tropical adventure travel inspiration!

.