Cairns Beaches

Travel Guide

Palm Cove Beach featuring landscape views, a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns Beaches
Cairns showing 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 with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
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Buchan Point

Though Buchan Point may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions 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
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! (999 reviews)
"Good stay, friendly staff"

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Blue Lagoon 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
The price is RM975 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
RM975
RM975 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
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)
"Loved our time at Peppers!! Totally recommend the breakfast package, their breakfast buffet is wonderful! Everything about our stay was amazing."

Reviewed on 24 May 2025

Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove
Mantra Amphora
Mantra Amphora
4 out of 5
49-63 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is RM563 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
RM563
RM563 total
11 Jun - 12 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cairns. Enjoy a full-service spa, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and a garden. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (987 reviews)
"Once again, we loved our stay!"

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Mantra Amphora
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! (1,317 reviews)
Family & friend getaway
"The apartments were well equipped, roomy & comfortable for our 3 night stay at Trinity Beach & would highly recommend them & would definitely stay there again ! Straight across the road was the beach & a short walk up the road was cafe’s & restaurants ! The room we stayed in no 10 level 1 had the ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jun 2025

Sea Change Beachfront Apartments
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
5 out of 5
1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (518 reviews)
"Our stay at Alamanda was truly relaxing and peaceful. The beachfront location provided stunning ocean views, and the tranquil atmosphere made it easy to unwind. The spacious, well-appointed suites and lush gardens added to the overall sense of serenity. A perfect place to rejuvenate!"

Reviewed on 30 May 2025

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
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! (741 reviews)
"Fantastic location, very clean apartment with friendly staff highly recommend"

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2025

Coral Sands Resort
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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