Cairns Beaches

Travel Guide

Palm Cove Beach showing a beach, tropical scenes and landscape views
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns Beaches
Cairns which includes a city

With the Great Barrier Reef on your front doorstep and breathtaking tropical rainforest out the back, this laid-back city is where your adventures begin.

Take the plunge into reef-marbled waters and dense tropical rainforests from Cairns, a major city in northern Queensland and a gateway to some of the country’s most famous World Heritage wonders. Cairns pulses with the life of its natural surroundings, while its cosmopolitan hum makes it a great spot to base your tropical north Queensland adventures. Embark on a tour of the iconic Great Barrier ReefOpens in a new window, see the rainforests of the Wet Tropics or simply kick back on sandy white beaches fringed by palms at the Northern Beaches.

Linger a while in Cairns to discover the city’s local treasures. Take a dip at the Esplanade LagoonOpens in a new window, check out the marina or pick up regional delights from the farmers’ market. Cairns Tropical ZooOpens in a new window showcases the diverse wildlife that resides in Queensland’s tropical north.

Discover postcard-perfect waters along Cairns’ Northern Beaches. Trinity BeachOpens in a new window offers family-friendly swimming areas, while Palm CoveOpens in a new window is the ideal romantic getaway. Enjoy the seclusion of Clifton BeachOpens in a new window beneath the shade of a coconut palm.

When you’re ready to explore a little further, head to the Reef Fleet Terminal for a wide range of coral-cay sightseeing and diving tours, or jump on board the historic railway that takes passengers through breathtaking rainforest to the town of Kuranda. Check out Barron Gorge National ParkOpens in a new window to soar over the Wet Tropics on the Skyrail Rainforest CablewayOpens in a new window. Book a white-water rafting adventure on the Tully, Barron or North Johnstone rivers. Explore ancient rainforests at Cape Tribulation and the Daintree or take a four-wheel drive journey through the hinterland savannah and fertile plateau of the Atherton TablelandsOpens in a new window.

Cairns is located on Queensland’s northern coast and is accessible via its own domestic and international airport, as well as the coast’s major arterial highway. The Northern Beaches are about a 15-minute drive from the city. Accommodation options include island resorts and rainforest lodges. Chat to the lifeguards before swimming between November and May, as stingers can make the waters extremely dangerous. Peak visitor times are between June and August, when the climate is warm and dry.

Where to stay in Cairns Beaches

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Palm Cove

Palm Cove is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights in the area like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park.

Palm Cove
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Buchan Point

While Buchan Point might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Palm Cove Beach and Clifton Village Shopping Centre.

Buchan Point
Blue Lagoon Resort

Blue Lagoon Resort

4.5 out of 5
22 - 26 Trinity Beach Road, Trinity Beach, QLD
The price is P8,148 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P8,148
P8,963 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"wasn't enough parking bays and had to empty our own bins ?"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Blue Lagoon Resort
Fitzroy Island Resort

Fitzroy Island Resort

4.5 out of 5
Fitzroy Island via Cairns, Fitzroy Island, QLD
The price is P7,154 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P7,154
P7,869 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Fitzroy Island. Enjoy 2 restaurants, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (976 reviews)
"A fun place with friendly helpful staff"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Fitzroy Island Resort
Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove

Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove

5 out of 5
123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
Fully refundable
The price is P13,893 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P13,893
P13,893 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"Lovely resort - quiet, clean, lovely garden spa room. Spacious, great facilities and the best water pressure in the shower. Plenty of options at the buffet breakfast. A great place to just wind down and relax."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sea Change Beachfront Apartments

Sea Change Beachfront Apartments

5 out of 5
31-35 Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,327 reviews)
"Wonderful location and spacious, well-presented accommodation. Would definitely return."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Sea Change Beachfront Apartments
Coral Sands Resort

Coral Sands Resort

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Trinity Beach Rd & Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (755 reviews)
Great location
"Great location, specious apartments."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Coral Sands Resort
Trinity Collective

Trinity Collective

3.5 out of 5
10-14 Navigation Drive, Trinity Beach, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Earl Hill Conservation Park and Cable ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (99 reviews)
"Great and amazibg place. The entire place is new and modern, the apartment was huge."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Trinity Collective
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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