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.

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

15 of the best beaches in and around Cairns to visit