Cairns Beaches

Travel Guide

Palm Cove Beach featuring a beach, landscape views and tropical scenes
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Cairns Marlin Marina which includes general coastal views, a bay or harbor and cruising
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

Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes

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
With a balcony boasting 180 degree views up and down the coastline Santai really is a special place to stay. plus - no kids allowed in the complex! So you can sip your poolside cocktails safe in the knowledge that no one is about to jump in and splash you...probably!

www.cairnsluxuryapartments.com.au

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 NT$4,187 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$4,187
NT$4,606 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! (997 reviews)
"The apartment was clean, comfortable, spacoius and well-appointed, with relaxing views over the Lagoon and nearby bushland."

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Blue Lagoon Resort
Fitzroy Island Resort

Fitzroy Island Resort

4.5 out of 5
Fitzroy Island via Cairns, Fitzroy Island, QLD
Fully refundable
The price is NT$3,676 per night from Aug 14 to Aug 15
NT$3,676
NT$4,044 total
Aug 14 - Aug 15
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! (979 reviews)
"A fun place with friendly helpful staff"

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

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
The price is NT$7,139 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
NT$7,139
NT$7,139 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Beautiful place will come back again and again👍"

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

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 2025/7/27

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! (756 reviews)
Fantastic location
"We have stayed at Coral sands a few times over the years. We absolutely love the location close to restaurants and trinity pub. Accommodation is fabulous with a great pool. The gardens are well kept. Apartments are large and roomy. Over looking the beach."

Reviewed on 2025/8/4

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! (101 reviews)
"Lovely apartments clean and new in a nice location away from the hussle and bustle also a shout out to Alex at Reception was very nice and helpful and also assisted with getting a 11am checkout"

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

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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