Cairns Beaches

Travel Guide

Palm Cove Beach showing tropical scenes, landscape views and a sandy beach
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
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 €183 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€183
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
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! (1,002 reviews)
Perfect spot for our Babymoon.
"Wonderful experience at Peppers Palm Cove 🌴. We had such a lovely time and the staff were kind and helpful. We really felt special during our stay and can't wait to come back for another visit."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2025

Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove
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! (974 reviews)
"I liked the fact that after a misunderstanding about just needing 1 room with 2 beds you were willing to work out an amicable solution"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2025

Blue Lagoon Resort
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
5 out of 5
5 Triton Street, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is €162 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
€162
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (761 reviews)
"The sea temple is absolutely amazing, the building itself is beautifully designed and is definitely a great place for a relaxing stay. The restaurant is gorgeous although the food was a bit of a hit and miss although has the potential to be something incredible. The staff were lovely and the rooms ..."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
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! (1,290 reviews)
"Amazing place and an amazing experience."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 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! (730 reviews)
"Overall pleasant"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2025

Coral Sands Resort
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! (509 reviews)
"Our second time staying at Alamanda was amazing and i cant fault the staff and their welcoming nature. They go above and beyond for their clients and the small personal touches of a box of chocolates and a handwritten welcome note definitely make the best first impressions."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
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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