Cairns Beaches Travel Guide

Tourist 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 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 with sights like Palm Cove Beach and Kuranda National Park, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Palm Cove
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Buchan Point

4/5(9 area reviews)

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
Fitzroy Island Resort
Fitzroy Island Resort
4.5 out of 5
Fitzroy Island via Cairns, Fitzroy Island, QLD
The price is NZ$188 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$188
26 July - 27 July
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! (967 reviews)
"Nice, isolated island resort which is a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns. Had originally planned on staying three nights but changed to two prior to booking. The resort is an older property which, while clean and maintained, shows its age with some needed maintenance to return to (what I'm sure was) ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Fitzroy Island Resort
Blue Lagoon Resort
Blue Lagoon Resort
4.5 out of 5
22 - 26 Trinity Beach Road, Trinity Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$340 per night from 17 July to 18 July
NZ$340
17 July - 18 July
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! (999 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay at Blue Lagoon very much. The double apartment set up was roomy, clean, well secured and perfect for our family of 5. We were very thankful for the lift to the 4th floor! We would say that the furnishings were a little worn and there were a few holes in the walls to be fixed up, ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 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 NZ$437 per night from 25 July to 26 July
NZ$437
25 July - 26 July
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! (1,001 reviews)
"The property has generous sized rooms, and a true resort feel"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 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.
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! (749 reviews)
"Great holiday and perfectly located accommodation"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Coral Sands Resort
Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments
Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments
4 out of 5
19-23 Trinity Beach Road, Trinity Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (466 reviews)
What a lovely welcome, we can't wait to go back!!!
"We were greeted by the owner, who couldn't have been more helpful. He was able to supply information about tours, and he genuinely cared about making our stay as enjoyable as possible."

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Trinity Beach Club Holiday Apartments
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! (1,323 reviews)
"Neat and tidy apartment with great facilities. Excellent communication from staff before, during and after our stay. Really peaceful and relaxed area with great view! Highly recommended this place."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Sea Change Beachfront Apartments
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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