15 of the best beaches in and around Cairns to visit

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. 

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

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.

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

Take a leisurely walk on Trinity Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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.

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.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 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 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.