Tropical paradise waits just north of the Cairns CBD, where over 20 kilometres of sandy beach heaven offers instant distraction and the perfect change of pace and scenery from the bustling city centre.

All Cairns beaches boast their own unique atmosphere while sharing sun-kissed white sand, swaying tropical trees and crystal clear ocean waters, further complemented by the lush green backdrop of the Kuranda rainforest the more north you go. In a short read, these are the 5 best Cairns beaches that you need to visit!

Machans Beach

Machans Beach is the closest beach to the city centre, reachable in just a 15-minute drive with a unique free spirited community culture that makes for easy relaxation away from the city. Machans Beach and its equally laid-back neighbour Holloways Beach can be enjoyed together in one visit, however air traffic noise from Cairns Airport may tempt some to travel further north.

Yorkeys Knob

The ‘central’ Cairns beach, Yorkeys Knob is halfway to Palm Cove and popular for its local water sports activities, including kite-surfing, paddle-boarding, rafting and surfing. Yorkeys Knob has a small marina, local golf course and beachfront playground, and is also only a 10-minute drive to Smithfield Shopping Centre and the famous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is a tranquil Cairns beach that is notably uncommercialised, having no tall buildings in view and a friendly suburb community that makes this beach ideal for families and anyone wanting to relax. There are stinger nets in the summer, a kids playground and stunning views to the south as the coast curves from neighbouring Kewarra Beach to the headland. Clifton Beach can be reached in a 25-minute drive from Cairns Central.

Palm Cove Beach

North of Clifton Beach is Palm Cove Beach, which is regularly hailed as one of Australia’s best beaches. This premier Cairns destination is a perfect tropical beach paradise with a vibrant holiday atmosphere, numerous Esplanade cafés and restaurants and a lookout jetty where you enjoy distant views of Double Island and Haycock Island – both of which have island reefs to be discovered via local tours.

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is Palm Cove’s equivalent with a more relaxed atmosphere, sharing the same tropical tree-lined white sand and clear ocean waters for beach-lovers, couples and families that prefer a more laid-back vibe, as well as many locals who regard Trinity Beach as the region’s favourite beach. There are swimming nets, a particularly popular beach walk that runs under the trees and a fantastic cafe and restaurant scene close to the beachfront.

Marlin Cove Cairns Beach Resort

Enjoy all the above – our Trinity Beach accommodation at Marlin Cove Resort offers a relaxing Cairns holiday in Trinity Beach Cairns, just footsteps from Trinity Beach itself with all Cairns beaches and the Cairns CBD only a short drive away. 

Start planning an unforgettable beach holiday in Cairns – you can view our luxury holiday apartments, resort facilities and exclusive direct rates by visiting Marlin Cove Cairns Beach Resort.

BOOK NOW