cairns beaches tourist information centre

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Welcome to cairns.

Explore and dive into nature

Cairns is a paradise with two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Daintree Rainforest as part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, and the Great Barrier Reef, recognised as one of the seven wonders of the world.

Operating in Cairns for over 18 Years, Cairns Tour Advice & Booking Centre organise a range of Cairns reef, rainforest and adventure tours for all age groups. If you are looking to experience the Great Barrier Reef for the first time, or are an experienced diver, we can assist booking the perfect trip for you!

Wanting to explore the rainforest and all of its wonders? Let us help and give you an experience of a lifetime! Create lasting memories by the surrounding rainforests of Barron Gorge National Park (Kuranda Village), Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation, and Wooroonooran National Park (waterfalls and Paronella Park).

We organise and book all Cairns tours, so if you need help choosing, contact us for a personalised itinerary and a Cairns tour package perfectly suited to your needs.

Welcome to the tropics!

Great Barrier Reef Tours

Dive into the Great Barrier Reef and explore the underwater world of corals and sea creatures. A must-do while you are in the Far North Queensland region!

Offering a wide variety of experiences on the reef, pontoons, tropical islands or outer reef snorkel and dive excursions, we have it all! Day-trips and overnight stays for those who want to experience incredible night dives too.

Kuranda Village Tours

Kuranda is the hub of rainforest and wildlife in the tropical Far North Queensland. Rainforestation and Army Duck (an amphibious bus tour), Butterfly Sanctuary with its largest free flight aviary and Koala and Wildlife Park offer plenty of unforgettable experiences for all ages.

Romantic Tours

Found your soulmate and want to treat them?  Say no more. Our personalised itineraries will include every bit of romance your heart desires.

Think sunrise Hot Air Balloons with bubbles, Private Helicopter rides over the Great Barrier Reef or sail to gorgeous Michaelmas Cay.

Magical moments await.

Island Tours

Explore the island life at Cairns' two great locations; Green Island and Fitzroy Island.

Green Island houses the largest crocodile in captivity, Cassius, and has plentiful of activities and excitement for the whole family.

Fitzroy Island, for the more relaxed souls offers the #1 ranked Nudey Beach and plenty of turtles.

Family Friendly

Reef pontoons with kid's pools, Island treasure hunting on Frankland Islands, educational Glass Bottom Boats, wildlife feeding, Cairns Aquarium and Hartley's Crocodile Farm, what more could the kids want?

Ask us and we will create a kid friendly itinerary personally for you!

Adventure Tours

Feel like an adrenaline rush? Skydive in Cairns or Mission Beach overlooking the Great Barrier Reef in all of its glory or rent a Jetski and explore the Cairns inlet. Choose from our extreme(ly) fun River Rafting adventures down the Tully or Behana Gorges.

Rainforest Tours

Daintree, Cape Tribulation, Barron Gorge, take your pick among the many rainforest adventures while in Cairns.

Grand fig trees, cassowaries and native wildlife all await you.

Day tours, half-day tours and even night tours available for your adventurous heart!

Scenic Flights

Want to see the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest from a different perspective? Visit the skies above! Book a helicopter or small plane, and bring a camera for an unforgettable experience.

Reef scenic, Rainforest scenic or a combination of both all available!

Special Occasions

Looking for that special gift that is a little extra for your loved one? Find out what we have available around Cairns and treat them to a tour.

Memories are created through experiences, ask us how to create unforgettable ones!

Ready to book your next adventure? Ask us today!

Bookings are essential, let us create a personal itinerary for you!

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Cairns Tourist Information Centre

Quick links, stay connected, popular news, the impact of accommodation on your travel experience, from cairns to the gold coast, shingley beach resort whitsundays, top things to do in noosa, tourist information centre – visitors centre.

Welcome to our travel guide and tourist information page for Cairns in far north Queensland. The links on this page will help you find all the information you might need to assist you to plan and book your Cairns holiday. Cairns is one of the leading tourist destinations in this region for both domestic and international tourism and is the closest mainland city to the great barrier reef.

Flawless white sandy beaches, the earth’s oldest living rainforest, world-class diving, stunning tropical islands, bustling cosmopolitan cities.

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15 of the best beaches in and around Cairns to visit

Jemma Fletcher

Travel Journalist

26 September 2023

15 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. 

The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is hands down the most convenient spot for a dip. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland/@letsescapetogether)

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.

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.

Take a leisurely walk on Trinity Beach. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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.

Kids can go frolicking on Kewarra Beach. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland/Gregg Snell)

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

Kewarra Beach is a popular local spot. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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.

Soak up the tropical vibes on Clifton Beach. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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

Pack a picnic to enjoy with your friends. (Image: Tourism Tropical North 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.

Swoon over spectacular sunset views at Palm Cove. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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

Swing by Palm Cove Markets for artisan items. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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 .  

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 private Oak Beach for guests only to use.

Explore the palm-fringed Oak Beach. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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

Thala Beach Nature Reserve is dotted with lush palm trees. (Image: Tourism Tropical North 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.

Four Mile Beach boasts stunning views. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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.

Admire sunset views from one of the 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 .

Explore the mudflats of Cooya Beach on a Kuku Yalanji Cultural Habitat Tour. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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.

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.  

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.

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.  

Find a secluded spot on Mission Beach to really take in all that beauty. (Image: Tourism Tropical North 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.

Go stand-up paddling on the clear turquoise waters of Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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.

Strike a pose on the stunning beach rocks. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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.

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

Jemma Fletcher is a creative and content specialist based in Brisbane. When she’s not searching for the best high tea experiences, Jemma enjoys sharing travel gems through a personal lens to empower readers to see it for themselves.

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Comments (3)

Very good information. I liked. I wish I had seen this before my travel. Thanks. I will save it for next time. Appreciated. All the best for future

Superb explanations. Beautiful beaches of Cairns. Picture clarity!! super. Loves it .

wow the beach was so adorable and amazing, I really enjoyed seeing the beautiful of Cairns Australia

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Cairns Tourist Information Centre Tour & Accommodation Bookings Telephone: + 61 (07) 4047 9125 Email: info@cairnstouristinformation... Sh 6, Cnr Aplin St & The Esplanade

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• Luxury Escapes - (2)
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Cairns Islands

*frankland islands.

Rates from: $229

Cairns' best kept secret - you won't be disappointed!

Join a select few when you cruise to this pristine island south of Cairns.  Snorkel, dive and explore the island with our friendly crew.  Find the beautiful star sand (Foraminifera) on the white sandy beach.  What goes on the island comes back off the island.

Fitzroy Island Adventures

Rates from: $99

Fitzroy Island is located only 45 mintute from Cairns by fast catamaran. Fitzroy Island is one of 600 continental islands on the Great Barrier Reef which means it used to be part of the mainland before rising waters separated this tranquil paradise.

Fitzroy Island Ferry

This vessel is owned by Fitzroy Island and acts as the transfer service for those wanting to visit the island. 

NB*  11am & 12:15pm transfers are limited during Feb/March

Fitzroy Island Sunlover

Spend the day on Fitzroy Island.  A favourite destination for Cairns locals - Fitzroy Island is 90% National Park with rainforest covered mountains descending to rocky headlands, unspoilt coral beaches and the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Adventures - Green Island

Rates from: $102

Green Island is perfect for holiday makers with limited time offering a half day experience, or if you prefer spend all day - up to 7 hours on a tropical island paradise!  With a range of exciting optional activities, Green Island has something for everyone. 

Great Adventures - Green Island + Outer Barrier Reef Pontoon

Rates from: $318

For the complete reef and island experience in one day.  A fast 45 minute catamaran ride will take you to beautiful Green Island to enjoy two hours on this unique reef and rainforest coral cay. A day of adventure and discovery continues onto a spacious activity platform moored on the majestic Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Green Island - Big Cat Cruises

Rates from: $105

Green Island is a beautiful coral cay on the inner part of the Great Barrier Reef with unique island rainforests, surrounded by white sandy beaches & coral reefs with a variety of marine life. Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises is locally owned and operated and offers you the choice of full day or half day cruises.

Lizard Island Day Tour

Rates from: $850

Venture north for the day filled with some of the most spectacualr scenery between Cairns to Lizard Island.  Lizard Island is an exclusive private island offering the single most pristine snorkeling for the Great Barrier Reef, here you will enjoy a swim and snorkel along with a tasty tropical lunch. 

Sail Ocean Free - Pinnacle Reef & Green Island

Rates from: $279

A quality sailing vessel carrying a maximum of 25 guests that travels to Pinnacle Reef and Green Island.  Our friendly attentive crew will ensure you have a personal and memorable experience.  Enjoy snorkelling off the boat, relaxing on the beach at Green Island, watch the fish feed demonstration, listen to an informative reef talk by our marine interpreter and enjoy the delicious lunch and complimentary wine on the sail home.

Contact our Cairns Local Booking Offices | The time in Cairns is currently : asdsadas

Aplin Street [ View Map ] Hours 8am-8pm P: (07) 4047 9125 Email: [email protected]

Shields Street [ View Map ] Hours 730am-9pm P: (07) 4047 9122 Email: [email protected]

Cairns Beaches Tourist Information Centre for All Cairns Tours

  Cairns City Maps

City heritage walks maps,   cairns cycling and hiking maps,   daintree maps & cape tribulation maps,  cairns great barrier reef maps and green zoning maps,   cairns local and national parks maps, cairns city maps.

Cairns Beaches Detail Map

Detailed map showing Cairns Northern Beaches including Machines Beach, Hallways Beach, Yorkeys Knob Beach, Trinity Beach, Kewarra beach, Clifton beach, Palm Cove, Ellis beach. Cairns beaches map shows public toilets, post offices, public swimming pools, library, police station, walking tracks at the Cairns Northern Beaches.

Cairns City Map

Cairns area map showing Cairns suburbs, Cairns Business District (Cairns CBD map), Cairns Airport Blue Arrow walk, Red Arrow Walk, Cairns Central Shopping Centre, Lagoon. Drop into Cairns Beaches Tourist Information Centre for your own personal copy.

Cairns Islands Map

Cairns region map depicting Hinchinbrook Island, Dunk Island, Fitzroy Island, Green Island and lizard Island in relation to coastline.

Cairns City Heritage Walk Map

Guided city walking map highlighting significant historical sites and buildings. Visit Cairns Beaches Tourist Information Centre for copies of all Cairns maps.

Cairns Esplanade Walk Map

Showing Historical buildings including Trinity Wharf, Jack and Newell building, Forgaty Park, RSL building etc. Guided walking map incorporating historical sites and buildings.

Stratford Heritage Trail Map

Highlights over 29 historical sites including historical building, old grave sites, and business such as st. Augustine Church, Joinery and timber mill. Also includes brief history of Stratford.

Cairns Cycling and Cairns Hiking Maps

Smithfield Mountain Bike Trails Map

Map  of the mountain bike trails at Smithfield showing mountain bike trails and their location relevant to James Cook University.

Cairns Walking & Cycling Map

Local Cairns map showing walking tracks, cairns parks, cycling paths from Cairns CBD to Aeroglen along the dedicated cycle path.

Daintree & Cape Tribulation Maps

Map Daintree

Shows road to Mossman to Mossman Gorge, to Daintree River Ferry crossing and national park boardwalks including Jindalba boardwalk, Cow Bay Cape Kimberly, Thornton Beach, Marrdja boardwalk to Cape Tribulation Beach. Smaller Map of Daintree Village. Drop in to Cairns Beaches Tourist Information Centre for your Daintree and Cape Tribulation Maps. The Visitor Centre is on your way just 10 minutes north of Cairns and has details of all Mossman, Gorge, Daintree and Cape Tribulation attractions and tours.

Cairns to Cape Tribulation Map

showing Cape Tribulation camping, toilets, sea kayaking, horse riding, jungle surfing, Cape Tribulation accommodation including PKs Backpackers, Ferntree and Rainforest Hideway and Thai Massage at Cape Tribulation.

Great Barrier Reef Maps

Cairns Great Barrier Reef Map

Depicting sections of the Great Barrier Reef marine Park. General reference map showing world Heritage area.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Green Zoning

Depicting Green zones in Cairns region.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Green Zoning – Cooktown

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Green Zoning – Innisfail

Cairns local and national parks maps.

Mount Whitfield Conservation Park Map

Walking tracks of Mount Whitefield, depicting Red Arrow walk Grade 3, Blue Arrow Walk Grade 4, Green Arrow Walk Grade 4. Map depicts natural lookouts, short walks, parking are and picnic shelters in Mount Whitefield Conservation park. Drop into Cairns Beaches Information Centre for your free copy.

Lake Morris Map

Copperlode Dam Map. Great map showing facilities, opening times, kiosk hours, toilets, Copperlode Dam Fish and kayak company operates unique tours.

Cattana Wetlands Map

Cattana Wetlands is an 80 hectare wetlands area with unique wildlife and flora. Beautiful location we love to utilize, great for bird watching with bird hides. Great board walks take you around the wetlands, enjoy bird viewing platforms and utilize interpretive signs. Car parking, toilet facilities.

Manjal Jimalji Trail Locality Map

Tablelands North Map

showing Clohesy River, Fig Tree, Davis Creek (great camping location), Kahlpahlim Rock, car park, Dinelen National Park, Emerald Creek Falls, Hasties Swamp National Park, Crater Locks National Par, Lake Each, Malanda, Herbert Range National Park.

Tablelands South Map

Showing Herbert Range National Park, Wongabel State forest, Tumoulin State Forest, Millstream Falls, Big Millstream Falls and Small Millstream Falls, Milba Milaa, Makan National Park, Tully Falls National Park.

Danbulla Locality Map

showing Danbulla National Park, lake Tinaroo, Kairi, Tinaroo Falls, Dam Road, Yunaburra, Lake Barrine, Created lakes, Lake Each.

Green Island Map

showing national park, beaches, toilets, showers, beach walking tracks, Green Island boardwalk, Green Island Lelipad, Green Island resort, Green Island patrolled swimming area. Marine land, mean area attractions and Jetty.

Wet Tropics World Heritage Map

Cape York Map

Shows National Parks, Cairns to Cape York including lake field, Coen, Chilli Beach, Jardine River National Park. Cairns Beaches information Centre has an extensive range of cape york tours including camping and hostel, for wheel drive doors may at discounted rates.

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• Guide to Cairns Beaches

Jilara Kuch

A chain of relaxed seaside villages lay just north of Cairns, each boasting their own unique features. Find out more about each of Cairns’ beaches and which tickle your fancy.

Cairns, a waterfront city, with grassy lawns, restaurants, bars, sport and recreation areas and a 4800m² lagoon along the Esplanade. The city itself doesn’t feature a beach so if you’re looking to escape to a typical beach location with sandy shores sprinkled with palm trees and swimming areas you’ll need to head north to one of Cairns’ Northern Beaches.

Cairns winter temperatures hover around the mid-twenties (Celsius) making it the ideal time to visit the beaches, with stinger nets removed and sunny days ruling the weather chart. Free barbecues are available along most foreshores, encouraging visitors and locals alike to spend more time outside enjoying the tropics.

Swim only at beaches patrolled by a lifeguard and between the flags or in the stinger nets during the summer months.

Palm Cove at sunrise

Nu Nu Restaurant offers contemporary dining on the beachfront

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa

Day Spa at Alamanda Palm Cove

Where to start other than the most iconic of Cairns’ beaches, Palm Cove. Famed as much for its palm trees as its 500-year-old melaleuca trees, Palm Cove is the ultimate idyllic seaside village, perfectly located between both Cairns and Port Douglas. Glamorous resorts and day spas share the shores with a mixture of fine dining, cafes and a couple of ice cream parlours thrown in for good measure. Often with morning seas as calm as a placid lake, a sunrise paddle to Double Island will sure to be a trip highlight.

Drop a line from the jetty to test your luck at catching your own dinner – utilising the free barbecues – or bring down fish and chips to enjoy while watching anglers’ reel in their catches. Savour a romantic gourmet picnic prepared by Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa showcasing locally caught seafood, Atherton Tablelands cheeses, an array of charcuterie, cocktails and your choice of wine.

Ellis Beach

Fairy floss sunsets looking towards Double Island from Ellis Beach

A quiet beach great for families

Five minutes north of Palm Cove, you’ll round a corner on the Captain Cook Highway (AKA the Great Barrier Reef Drive) and a postcard-perfect scene will greet you. Over the tranquil waters and behind a string of coconut trees looms an impressive rainforest clad mountain. With a total population of 24 people, no buildings interrupt your view for they are few and far between and hidden amongst the trees. The Ellis Beach Bar & Grill boasts tasty food, including $1 oysters on Sundays and mates rates daily between 4-5pm. If the relaxed atmosphere is of Ellis Beach is to your liking, stay at Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows with a range of accommodation options from campsites to cabins.

Machans Beach

Late afternoon along the O'shea Esplanade at Machans Beach

Machans is a favourite local fishing spot

O'Sheas beachfront restaurant and bar

Machans Beach is a local’s seaside suburb and the closest beach to Cairns. If you’re looking to sunbake on the sand, Machans probably isn’t your top choice with the beach lined with a rock wall but it’s great for a waterfront walk at any time. While there are no hotels in Machans, there are private rentals if you’re after a beachside escape that’s close proximity to Cairns CBD. Many locals are partial to wetting a line along the beach or in the nearby creeks and rivers. Stop by O’Sheas with sea views for a drink or bite to eat from 3pm Monday to Thursday and from noon on weekends.

Trinity Beach

A local favourite

Vue Luxury Apartments

Taylor's Point walking trail at Trinity Beach

View towards Yorkeys Knob from Trinity Beach

Nestled between two headlands is a favoured local hangout, Trinity Beach. Beach almonds dotted between coconut trees provide shady hangouts to lounge on the sand between swims. Trinity Beach is perfect for active travellers with walking tracks along the waterfront and headlands or the more challenging 1km steep climb to the summit of Earl Hill.

There are many accommodation options at Trinity Beach including the luxury apartments, Vue Luxury Apartments , which open out to uninterrupted 180-degree views over the Coral Sea. Just below is a local favourite, Trinity Beach Tavern , perfect for a good Aussie pub feed or drink overlooking the beach. An institution of the beachside suburb is L’unico , who have been serving traditional Italian food and irresistible cocktails on the waterfront for 25 years.

Holloways Beach

Swimming area at Holloways Beach

Sunset at Holloways Beach

Strait on the Beach

Playground and barbecues along the foreshore

Holloways Beach is the second closest beach to Cairns CBD, only 15mins drive north, and the closest patrolled beach. It’s a sleepy seaside village featuring a handful of holiday apartments and a range of cafes and restaurants. If the name was any indication, Strait on the Beach is located directly by the sandy shores and is one of Cairns’ only restaurants not interrupted by a road between the beach and dining area. The quirky establishment has been around for many moons and is perfect for a casual drink or bite to eat overlooking the ocean.

Locals craft-makers and food vendors congregate along the foreshore on the second Sunday of every month at the Holloways Beach Markets with many people and their furry pals heading down to check out the goods on sale.

Yorkeys Knob

The wide beach is great for kids to play

Yorkeys Knob is the hidden treasure you didn’t know you were searching for. This beachside community features a number of accommodation options along or in close proximity to the Esplanade. It’s a great base for families, only 7mins drive from the major shopping centre at Smithfield, including movie theatres, shopping, dining and supermarkets. Tee off at the 18-hole Half Moon Bay Golf Club , rounding off the day around the corner on the large deck with marina views at Yorkeys Knob Boating Club . May to November provides the ideal conditions for Kite Surfing with lessons available along Yorkeys Knob beach.

Kewarra Beach

Coconut trees at Kewarra Beach

If woodfired pizzas and live music below a string of fairy lights on the beach sounds like your cup of tea, then look no further than Kewarra Beach. The Beach Shack nestled among coconut trees at Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa operates each Friday and Sunday from May to December on the sands of Kewarra Beach. It’s an idyllic spot to watch the day fade into night as people wander by on their afternoon strolls throwing sticks for their dogs to retrieve.

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is a relaxed locals beach

A palm-fringed paradise

This hideaway is an unspoilt locals beach with only a small number of holiday apartments up for grabs. With a large supermarket just up the road, pick up some supplies and make your way down to one of the free barbecues along the beach, guaranteed to be peaceful waterfront meal. Take to two wheels on a leisurely 3km bike ride along the foreshore between Clifton Beach and Palm Cove. It’s the the ideal spot for sunrise invoking those true tropical vibes you were searching for.

Follow the dots

Cairns Beaches map

With so many roundabouts on the way to Cairns’ Northern Beaches, use this handy guide to getting your bearings and finding the beach you’re after.

Explore Cairns

Get active, submerge yourself under waterfalls and explore this tropical city.

10 Instagram locations near Cairns

With endless picturesque places on the doorstep, you’re spoilt for choice as soon as you touch down in the tropics. Send your holiday posts to the top of the feed with these Instagram locations near Cairns.

A guide to Trinity Beach

Located just 30 minutes north of Cairns, Trinity Beach is a relaxed seaside village waiting to be explored.

Great places to go camping near Cairns

Are your campsites better described as camp palaces, or do you just roll with the bare essentials? Whether you’re at one end of the spectrum or the other, lace up your hiking shoes, load up your 4WD (or hatchback) and string your fairy lights around these camping sites near Cairns.

Local’s guide to Palm Cove – Australia’s most beautiful beach village

Step away from the main strip and discover a few of the local secrets that make Palm Cove so special.

8 Ways Crystalbrook Collection combines sustainability with luxury

If you haven’t met them already, there are three hotel siblings in Cairns you should really know by name – Riley, Bailey and Flynn. 

Eat your way through these Palm Cove Restaurants

Taste the flavours of the north in the seaside village of Palm Cove, where restaurants take pride in local produce, fresh flavours and providing a warm tropical welcome served with an icy-cold drink.

Accessible Travel in Cairns & Palm Cove

As a region, Tropical North Queensland offers an array of experiences that will engage your senses and immerse you in its natural wonders. From the rainforest to the reef, you’re sure to find an abundance of accessible adventures for all tastes.

20 waterfalls near Cairns

Mighty mountain ranges and Wet Tropics Rainforest create the optimum environment for a myriad of extraordinary waterfalls. Fall in love with these 20 waterfall wonderlands only a short drive from Cairns.

11 Best markets near Cairns

Soak up the colour and the character, the smells and the sounds clunk and clash in a cacophony of the excitement of these 11 great markets.

10 Cafes in Cairns for great coffee

With such a vibrant foodie culture, finding the best cafes in Cairns can be overwhelming. Fuel your caffeine addiction with these local favourites for a guaranteed quality cup of coffee.

Seafood lovers’ guide to Cairns

As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is teeming with an abundance of restaurants offering fresh, local catches and exceptional seafood. Find the stand-out seafood dishes in Cairns below.

Guide to the Red Arrow walking trail in Cairns

Throw on your best activewear and prepare to stretch your legs as you venture into the natural playground of Mount Whitfield. You’ll feel worlds away from city life as you delve into the depths of the rainforest, despite being less than ten minutes from Cairns CBD.

Take a road trip on the Great Barrier Reef Drive

The strip of bitumen between Cairns and Cape Tribulation, now known as the Great Barrier Reef Drive, is 140 km of jaw-dropping beauty. The road winds between two world heritage icons that Tropical North Queensland is famous for: the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Hop on a boat for the Great Barrier Reef, venture inland in search of lush rainforest or just kick back and embrace the laid-back tropical lifestyle.

Privacy Overview

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Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Statement

• tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
• June 9, 2024

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We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.

This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.

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If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email

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Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:

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Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside it.

Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported in our website

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• Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

Browser and assistive technology compatibility

We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers).

Notes, comments, and feedback

Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to

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Gold Coast, Queensland

Guide to the Gold Coast

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• Getting to the Gold Coast
• When to visit
• Accessibility

From theme parks to shopping, surfing to ancient rainforest, here’s how to make the most of the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast's star attraction is its beaches, including the world-renowned stretch of sand at Surfers Paradise. Beyond the beaches, discover laid-back neighbourhoods, a booming culinary scene and the Gold Coast's famous theme parks. And be sure to leave enough time for a trip into the subtropical hinterland for rainforest walks and waterfalls.

The Gold Coast can be reached by international and domestic air travel into two nearby airports.

• Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is 30km (19mi) from the city and services domestic and international arrivals
• Brisbane International Airport (BNE) is 80km (50mi) from the city and services domestic and international arrivals
• Once you have landed at either airport, you can easily hire cars or catch taxis, rideshares and shuttle services to the city centre

The Gold Coast is serviced by a variety of dependable trains, buses, taxis and ferries. When using public transport, be sure to get a go card as this electronic ticket can be used for transport services in South East Queensland.

With about 300 sunny days a year, you're likely to get good weather on the Gold Coast any time you visit. Soak up the tropical rays of summer or enjoy crisp winter days with cooler mornings and evenings. Although the climate here is temperate, expect the hinterland areas to be cooler than the beaches.

• High season: Summer holidays (November to January)
• Low season: Autumn, winter, early spring (March to August)
• Don’t miss: The major events happening in the Gold Coast

Travellers with accessibility needs will love exploring the Gold Coast, which offers a range of accessible accommodation and experiences .

• Arrival: Gold Coast Airport caters to travellers with accessibility needs , including  hidden disabilities .
• Getting around: The G:link tram system is a handy way to travel between key locations, with all services and stations accessible for passengers with limited mobility.
• Accessible experience highlights: Enjoy a day at one of the Gold Coast’s famous surf beaches with complimentary beach wheelchairs and matting , or charter a wheelchair-accessible cruise boat with Pacific Wind .
• Helpful resources: Find accessible facilities with the City of Gold Coast’s detailed mobility maps .

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16-day family road trip: Gold Coast to Cairns

4-day road trip through Queensland’s Scenic Rim

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