Cairns, Port Douglas & Palm Cove Beaches

Although Cairns itself does not have a beach, it's only a short drive from the pristine Northern Beaches. These stunning beaches are extremely well maintained by residents and local government authorities.

Sunbathe on the soft sand and swim in a sea that remains warm all year long. Cook on the free beachfront barbecues or grab a takeaway meal from the numerous cafes and restaurants along the shoreline. Glimpse at the islands on the horizon (maybe your next destination) and relax under palm trees and gigantic melaleuca trees.

Children will love looking for pipis, tiny shelled creatures, and everyone will enjoy a game of beach volleyball, beach cricket, or Frisbee. You can also have lots of fun renting a paddle wheel bike, a jet ski or a sea kayak. In other words, enjoy!

The Northern Beaches include:

Machans Beach: first beach heading north out of Cairns, just a few kilometres away from the city
Holloways Beach: second beach from Cairns
Yorkeys Knob: 10 minutes drive from Cairns International Airport
Trinity Beach: 15 minute drive from Cairns International Airport
Kewarra Beach: 20 minutes drive from Cairns International Airport
Clifton Beach: 20km north of Cairns International Airport and 40km south of Port Douglas
Palm Cove: 25 minutes drive from Cairns International Airport and 35km south of Port Douglas

Stinger-resistant swimming enclosures are in operation at Holloways, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity, Kewarra, Clifton, and Palm Cove.

Please read the "Safety information" under the "Local information" section.