Cairns best beaches. 9+ most beautiful & best beaches in Cairns and around

Summon the hearts of nature lovers. These stunning Cairns beaches will make your Australian trip more meaningful. Check out 9+ most beautiful & best beaches in Cairns (Cairns best beaches) and around that will steal your heart. Let’s find out in this article!

Want to enjoy a tropical trip in Australia? Look no further than the tropical resort town of Cairns in North Queensland, which offers some of the most stunning beaches in the Lowcountry!

Bound by the Great Barrier Reef to the front and the West Tropics Rainforest to the rear, this coastal city is home to a number of popular beaches, including Trinity Beach and Palm Cove. Get ready for a weekend of snorkeling, sand walks and swaying palm trees on the grass.

Ellis Beach – Cairns (#Cairns best beaches)

There’s no better place to start your beach getaway than Ellis Beach. This northernmost beach is one of Cairns’ most underrated beaches, Queensland’s best kept secret, known only to the most seasoned travellers.

Just take a detour around the Great Barrier Reef Road and you’ll find pristine white sand, coconut palms and a rainforest waiting to be explored. The best part is, you’ll have it all to yourself! Fun fact: In 2016, Ellis Beach had a total population of 24.

Palm Cove Beach in Cairns

It’s not far from Ellis Beach to the tropical paradise of Palm Cove. Just a four-minute drive away, you’ll find a picturesque stretch of sand lined with 500-year-old Melaluca trees waiting to be discovered.

This is where you’ll discover some of Australia’s bluest waters. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlours to stop by. Add some romance to your day with a seafood alfresco meal prepared by Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort, and even stop by the Reef House for a champagne breakfast with views of the Coral Sea, home to the Great Barrier Reef.

Clifton Beach

A little quieter, Clifton Beach offers a quieter vibe, filled with surf adventures. This stunning stretch of sand is where you’ll find surfers – pros and beginners alike – riding waves ranging from one to five metres high! Stopping by Clifton Beach during your Cairns getaway is a great opportunity to grill out and watch the sunset.

Kewarra Beach – Chill & Eat

How about wood-fired pizzas and tapas? If you’re into those, then you’ve got to stop by Kewarra! The Cairns beach has some lovely benches along the shore. The Beach Shack serves great cocktails, cold beers and live music for the ultimate tropical vibe! Many Cairns locals also love to gather at Kewarra Beach to walk their dogs, swim and fish.

Trinity Beach (#best beaches in cairns)

Hit the highest grass in Queensland! Trinity Beach is home to a number of busy five-star hotels and resorts that offer some of the best views of the Coral Sea and Earl’s Hill. Stay overnight at Vue Luxury Apartments and wake up to the sunrise, gentle waves and palm-lined beach cottages. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy a relaxing hike to the top of Earl’s Hill.

Yorkeys Knob Beach

Popular beaches aside, it’s nice to be able to spend some quiet time away from the crowds, and Yorkeys Knob is a great Cairns beach to do just that! This hidden gem offers a plethora of water activities without distractions. Race the wind on a kiteboard, ride the waves on a stand-up paddleboard or try your hand at spearfishing! When you’re ready to relax, enjoy a luxurious dinner on a yacht in Marina Bay while the sounds of kookaburras echo around you.

Holloways Beach – The Perfect Choice for Introverts

Another Cairns beach that’s perfect for some “me time” is Holloways Beach, a sleepy coastal village blessed with rolling golden beaches. Pack a picnic mat, grab a book and create your tropical playlist — this Cairns spot was made for introverts! Of course, to add to the liveliness, Holloways Beach also has some great beachside markets where you can pick up interesting trinkets, jewellery, souvenirs and sip on a great coffee!

Machans Beach – Australia’s Lively Destination

Of all the beaches in Cairns, Machans is definitely the liveliest. From dance parties to beach volleyball matches, there’s always something for everyone. Take this opportunity to get to know the locals while spending some quality family time. While there aren’t any luxury resorts in town, the great thing about Machan Beach is the quaint apartments and cottages that create a completely laid-back and relaxing vibe.

Tip: Machans Beach is only a ten-minute drive from the Cairns CBD, so make this your last (or first) stop!

Nudey Beach in Cairns

If you’re looking for beaches near Cairns, Nudey Beach is a must-visit! While it may be a long journey to get here – taking the ferry to Fitzroy Island – trust us, it’s worth it! Surrounded by white coral sand beaches and warm, clear tropical waters, you’ll be in paradise.

Nudey Beach is a top spot for snorkelling and spotting the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. For animal lovers, the rainforest is home to some of the most exotic creatures on the planet (emerald pigeons, macaws, skinks, white-bellied sea eagles, and more).

Now that you know the best beaches in Cairns, have a great time.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Cairns you can refer to

• Shared Cairns Airport Transfer (CNS) from and to Cairns, Port Douglas, Palm Cove
• Great Barrier Reef Cruise (GBRA)
• Grand Kuranda Experience
• Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class Admission in Cairns [Klook Exclusive 10% Off]
• Unpublished Cairns Reef Tours Full Day Green Island by Big Cat
• Cairns Aquarium General Admission Ticket
• Fitzroy Island Ferry Transfer Ticket from Cairns
• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Ticket
• Rainforestation Nature Park Ticket in Cairns
• Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Ticket
• Green Island Snorkelling & Glass Bottom Boat from Cairns
• Army Duck Tour with Skyrail Cable Car and Kuranda Scenic Railway Ride
• Grand Kuranda Full Day Tour from Cairns
• Klook Pass Australia Tours
• Great Barrier Reef Snorkel, Dive & Helicopter Full Day Tour
• Half or Full Day Fitzroy Island Transfers & Optional Activities
• Great Barrier Reef Day Tours
• Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns

Are you looking for more top things to do in Cairns: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here and Australia here.