Queensland, East Coast of Australia, Australia

Cairns Beaches

Cairns is a city located in Queensland, Australia. Known for its tropical climate and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, it serves as a popular tourist destination.

Barron River Mouth is a tranquil beach known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. It is a great spot for birdwatching and fishing, despite not having traditional amenities for sunbathing or swimming. Palm Cove Beach is renowned for its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. It offers a vibrant market scene and is well-equipped with excellent facilities, although swimming can be risky due to potential marine hazards. Nudey Beach is a small, picturesque shell beach known for its stunning views and unique natural characteristics. It offers a great snorkeling experience, but visitors should be cautious due to the rough coral surface and potential presence of jellyfish. Trinity Beach Foreshore is a popular spot for swimming and relaxation, with a variety of amenities nearby. It maintains a peaceful atmosphere despite its popularity. Half Moon Bay Beach is a serene coastal destination known for its tranquility. It is accessible via a short walk and offers a bit of shade, although swimming may not be recommended due to potential marine hazards.

Our guide below provides more details on these beaches, including a map of their locations. The guide also offers a more extensive list of beaches in the Cairns area, the best time to visit, and much more.

Discover our top picks

Top Beaches in Cairns

6.7km from Cairns center

Barron River Mouth is a stunning and tranquil beach located near a carpark. The beach is easily accessible with several walking trails leading down to...

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22.4km from Cairns center

Palm Cove Beach is a stunning beach destination located in Australia. It is known for its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, making it one of th...

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22.5km from Cairns center

Nudey Beach is a small, picturesque shell beach known for its stunning views and unique natural characteristics. The beach is often described as 'seri...

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16.9km from Cairns center

Trinity Beach Foreshore is a picturesque beach located in a small town. The beach is known for its natural beauty, characterized by trees lining the s...

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15.1km from Cairns center

Half Moon Bay Beach is a serene coastal destination located near Trinity Beach. It is known for its natural tranquility and is often described as a qu...

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20.1km from Cairns center

Clifton Beach is a serene location known for its natural beauty and tranquility. The beach offers a stunning view of the blue sky and the surrounding ...

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10.8km from Cairns center

Holloways Beach is a tranquil location, known for its spectacular views on sunny spring days. The beach extends northward, providing ample space for a...

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Our selection of beaches to do the things you love

Beaches for Every Taste

Balancing weather, sea temperature and more

Best Time to Visit Cairns

The best time to visit Cairns in Queensland in Australia is during the months of June to October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm and sunny, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor adventures. The sea temperature is also comfortable for swimming. This period avoids the heavy rainfall of the wet season and the extreme heat of the peak summer, offering a perfect balance for tourists. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the outdoors, or dive into the sea, these months provide the best conditions.

The fastest way to find the best Cairns Beaches

Cairns Beaches Map

Holloways Beach
Clifton Beach
Half Moon Bay Beach
Trinity Beach Foreshore
Nudey Beach
Palm Cove Beach
Barron River Mouth
Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap contributors © CARTO

Where to Stay?

Explore the map below for accommodations and their rates. See the full list of accommodation options here.

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Australia
Australia Beaches
East Coast of Australia
East Coast of Australia Beaches
Queensland
Queensland Beaches