The Best Beaches Near Cairns – 2023

THE BEST BEACHES NEAR CAIRNS

Renowned for the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, the best beaches near Cairns are also a site to behold. Boasting some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, ranging from secluded coves to wide stretches of golden sand. In thisguide, we’ll introduce you to the best beaches near Cairns and Far North Queensland, providing useful information on each beach’s location, facilities, and activities.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach with calm waters, a surfing spot with epic waves, or a secluded paradise for a romantic getaway, our guide will help you find the perfect beach to unwind and soak up the sun during your visit to Far North Queensland.

Palm Cove

Palm Cove is a renowned beach in Cairns that is famous for its picturesque beauty. Situated on the northern coastline, it is about half an hour away from the central business district. The beach boasts a long expanse of sand, flanked by palm trees, which is often showcased in promotional campaigns and travel programs.

Palm Cove is renowned for its palm trees, but it offers more than just that. Visitors can safely swim in the stinger net at the surf club, indulge in exquisite dining experiences at renowned restaurants, and explore the rainforest walking track on the north side of the bay.

Nudey Beach

As you were searching for the finest beaches in Cairns, let me introduce you to one of the most remarkable beaches in all of Australia – Nudey Beach. This stunning beach is situated on Fitzroy Island, and you will need to take a ferry to reach it. However, the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters that await you.

Fortunately, Fitzroy Island is located in close proximity to Cairns, which means that you can easily plan a visit to the island during your trip. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this beautiful destination!

The beauty of Nudey Beach is beyond words and can only be experienced in person. The clear blue waters gently caress the pristine white sand, while the lush green rainforest provides a stunning backdrop to this secluded paradise located at the tip of the island.

Unlike other beaches, Nudey Beach is free from any lurking danger such as crocodiles and instead offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of the ocean. With a plethora of tropical fish and sea turtles, there is no shortage of marine life to marvel at.

Fitzroy Island is one of the most accessible islands from Cairns. A short 45-minute boat ride from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal will have you basking on the tropical shores of one of Queensland’s most picturesque beaches.

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach, situated in the Northern Suburbs of Cairns, is a stunning beach that rivals the beauty of Palm Cove, but without the crowds of tourists. The beach is fringed with palm trees and culminates at a charming mangrove cove. In my perspective, Trinity Beach is an equally mesmerizing destination as Palm Cove.

Trinity Beach boasts a variety of dining options, a swimming area protected from dangerous jellyfish, workout facilities, outdoor grills, and a laid-back ambiance that perfectly captures the tropical atmosphere.

Ellis Beach

If you’re looking for a lesser-known beach in Cairns, Ellis Beach is a great option. It can be found on the Northern Beaches, following Palm Cove.

Ellis beach is usually not very crowded, so visitors can enjoy the island’s beauty with minimal interruptions. At Cairns beach, tourists can admire the view of Double Island in peace. Although the beach is not very busy, there is a small lifesaving club that provides a stinger net for safe swimming all year round.

Kewarra Beach

Continuing with the ultimate Cairns beaches guide, we have Kewarra Beach, which is known more among the locals than the tourists. It is a hidden gem where you can spot only a handful of tourists, while most of the visitors are the locals who come here to swim or take a relaxing walk.

If you’re interested in exploring Kewarra Beach, my suggestion is to visit the southern end. This area offers a great place to unwind, as there are several palm trees that provide shade.

Green Island

To access some of the stunning beaches in Cairns, a boat is necessary. One of the most well-known islands in Cairns is Green Island, which is renowned for its expansive, surrounding reef, abundant turtle population, and picturesque rainforest interior.

Green Island boasts an immaculate beach with powdery, white coral sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling enthusiasts. You can easily book a round-trip fast ferry day excursion online to reach this paradise.

Clifton Beach

Located in the Northern Suburbs, Clifton Beach is a charming beach that deserves a visit. It stretches from Kewarra Beach to Palm Cove in the north, offering a pleasant coastal experience.

Although Clifton Beach may not offer as many tourist attractions or notable features as some of the other beaches on this list, it is still a pleasant location to visit for a refreshing swim.

Four Mile Beach

The following entries on this list are not exactly beaches found in Cairns, but rather noteworthy beach destinations in the surrounding Tropical North. The initial one is Four Mile Beach, which is a must-see attraction.

Extensive white sandy beach coupled with a fantastic coastal trail.

Myall Beach

No visit to Cairns is said to be truly complete without venturing to the point where the rainforest and reef converge in Cape Tribulation. Myall Beach is a stunning, powdery white beach with a surrounding coral reef and a backdrop of lush, dense tropical rainforest.

Cape Tribulation’s primary shoreline, which boasts the greatest number of amenities in the vicinity, is commonly referred to as the primary “beach.”

Although swimming at Cape Tribulation is not recommended due to the presence of stingers and crocodiles, it is still regarded as one of the finest beaches in Cairns and the entire Tropical North. If you’re looking to beat the heat, you may want to consider taking a dip in the nearby freshwater waterhole.

Etty Beach

Etty Beach is the first beach on the list of Cairns’ nearby beaches that is situated in the south. It stands out due to the fact that it is a popular spot for observing wild cassowaries. It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Etty Bay from Cairns, making it more suitable for those embarking on a road trip or a day trip to the southern region.

Summary of the best beaches near Cairns

This blog is about the 11 beautiful and must-visit beaches located in Far North Queensland, specifically in Cairns. It highlights each beach’s unique features and activities that travelers can do.

It also provides some useful tips and recommendations on how to maximize the experience of visiting these coastal gems. Whether one is looking for a serene and quiet beach, a long stretch of white sand, a place to witness the rainforest meeting the reef, or to catch a glimpse of a wild cassowary on the beach, this blog is a helpful guide for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts planning to explore Cairns’ beautiful coastal areas.