Cairns! The name conjures images of vibrant coral reefs teeming with life, but did you know it’s also a haven for beach lovers? Cairns and the coastline along the Great Barrier Reef boasts a treasure trove of breathtaking beaches where you can bask in the sun on pristine sands, swim in crystal-clear waters, or immerse yourself in the tropical beauty of Far North Queensland.
From family-friendly shores with excellent facilities to secluded island retreats and off-the-beaten-track gems, the region provides an incredible array of beach experiences. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or picture-perfect views, these beaches are bound to captivate you.
With so many incredible options, deciding where to start can feel overwhelming. Let this guide take you on a journey to discover the most stunning beaches in Cairns and the surrounding Great Barrier Reef area, promising unforgettable tropical adventures.
Family Fun in the Sun
Looking for a beach day with the whole crew? Look no further! These Cairns beaches offer calm waters, playgrounds, and facilities to keep everyone entertained.
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: This free, man-made lagoon in the heart of Cairns is a winner. Imagine splashing under waterfalls, wading in shallow pools, or relaxing on the sandy beach with stunning city views. Public BBQs, playgrounds, and a lifeguard patrol make it the ultimate family-friendly option.
- Holloways Beach: Just a 10-minute drive from Cairns city, Holloways Beach boasts a patrolled swimming area with calm waters and a stinger net for peace of mind. Kids will love the nearby playground and the chance to build sandcastles on the golden sandif you visit on a Sunday, the nearby Holloways Beach Market is well worth a stop post-swim.
- Yorkeys Knob Beach: Nestled at the base of a lush headland, Yorkeys Knob Beach is another family favourite. The calm waters are perfect for a dipbeach is equipped with stinger nets, while the nearby park offers a playground and picnic areas for post-swim relaxation. Don’t forget to check out the Yorkeys Knob MarinaBoat Club for some post-beachbeautiful vistas and boat-spotting!
Secluded Serenity: Off the Beaten Path
Craving a little more tranquility? Venture beyond the main hubs and discover these hidden gems:
- Normanby Island Beach (Frankland Islands): This pristine haven on a Great Barrier Reef Island is accessible by day trip. Imagine white sand stretching into turquoise waters, with the only sounds the gentle lapping of waves and the cries of exotic birds.
- Nudey Beach: While the name might raise eyebrows, this Fitzroy Island gem is Nudey only in name, and is a family friendly paradise. Pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters make it well worth a visit when out on Fitzroy Island, and Nudey Beach was voted number one of Australia’s 101 Best Beaches in 2018.
- Cow Bay (Daintree): Escape the crowds at this remote beach nestled along the coastline of the Daintree Rainforest. The golden sand and clear waters are stunning, while the chance to spot cassowaries adds a touch of adventure. Keep in mind, there are no stinger nets here, so swim with caution during stinger season (November to May).
- Myall Beach (Cape Tribulation): This idyllic beach at the tip of the Daintree boasts World Heritage rainforest on one side and the Coral Sea on the other. While there are no stinger nets here, the sheltered location creates calm waters perfect for a refreshing dip.
Safety First: Stinger Nets and Lifeguards
Remember, Cairns is home to some marine stingers, so swimming at patrolled beaches with stinger nets is crucial during the stinger season (November to May). All the beaches mentioned above with “(patrolled)” have stinger nets and lifeguards on duty during peak season.
Beyond the Beach
No trip to Cairns is complete without exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you choose to snorkel or dive, witnessing this underwater wonderland is a truly unforgettable experience. Many beachside towns offer convenient reef tours, allowing you to combine a relaxing beach day with a journey into the vibrant coral kingdom.
Pro Tip: The Frankland Islands provide an exclusive and pristine beach experience, featuring the shortest boat journey from the mainland and incredible marine biodiversity.
Why Visit: The Frankland Islands offer an intimate and uncrowded adventure, with access limited to just 100 visitors per day. Perfect for snorkelling, diving, and discovering the diverse marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, these islands boast stunning, powdery white sands and turquoise waters, creating an idyllic setting for a relaxing day trip.
Top Activity: Join a guided snorkelling tour to explore the underwater wonderland, or kayak around the islands for breathtaking views of the coastline and coral formations.
So, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure—Cairns has a beach waiting to welcome you! Whether you’re after family fun, thrilling adventures, or serene isolation, this tropical paradise offers the perfect beach escape.
The crew was so friendly and everything was well organized! Pick up & drop off were timely. They had so much gear and we saw so much wildlife.
A fun day with lots to do and a very friendly and helpful crew. Enjoyed all the activities. The snorkelling was great, all the gear was provided and one crew even swam with us and took us out to see the reef as we weren’t very confident and are not very good swimmers. The semi submarine was beautiful and we saw a turtle and a sting ray. And finally the island walk – very interesting and informative. All in all a great experience and a big thanks to the crew.
Amazing day out on the reef so many turtles and fish to see the staff are amazing they know exactly where to look for things and let you know. Day is well run and organised friendly and helpful staff made the day one to remember.
Absolutely loved my experience with Frankland Island Tours! From start to finish, it was a fantastic day. The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful, making us feel welcome right away. Our guides, were amazing! They were so knowledgeable about the reef, the island, and all the marine life. We learned so much and had a great time doing it.
The island itself is stunning, and the snorkeling was out of this world. We saw so many colorful fish and even a few turtles! Everything was well-organized and ran smoothly, which made the whole day relaxing and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a great day trip in the Cairns area, I highly recommend Frankland Island Tours! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Truly Cairns hidden gem… knowledgeable and friendly staff all inclusive .. absolutely pristine..turtles baby sharks so much marine life large fish and variety of coral .. food was lovely .. very good value for money .. not a huge day ..felt relaxing ..even W kids 😉
Our experience with Frankland Islands Cruises was absolutely incredible! The staff were remarkably knowledgeable, helpful, fun, and full of energy, making the entire day a joy from start to finish.
We’re so glad we chose this cruise over the others—it was perfect for families and packed with activities! Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking—we did it all! Swimming with turtles, countless fish, and seeing the vibrant coral up close was simply unforgettable.
Lunch was delicious and exactly what we needed after such an action-packed day.
This has truly been the highlight of our trip, and we can’t thank the amazing staff enough for making it so special. Highly recommend Frankland Islands Cruises!
Despite some showers and a thunderstorm during lunch, it was an excellent day for my two kids and I. We much prefer this experience over the outer reef because the water was calmer and easier for the kids to handle. Plenty of marine life to see. Staff were great. We did not partake in the glass boat tour or the island walk because my kids wanted to stay on the beach, snorkel, and kayak. You can customize your experience to suit your desires. Thank you Frankland Island Reef Cruises for a memorable day!
Great tour. Worth the money. The crew makes sure that everyone finds the right activity. The equipment is sufficient. The activities are well planned. I would absolutely recommend the tour.
This tour was the highlight of our holiday and the best snorkeling to be had outside of the outer Great Barrier Reef. We saw clown fish living in bright blue anemones, a reef shark, turtles and a bright yellow box fish. Conditions were very calm and clear on the day we went. It was like swimming my in an aquarium.
Staff were professional and helpful and food was great. There were even beach games for young children.
We loved our day on a tropical island, admiring the views, snorkeling, swimming and stand up paddle boarding.
Undoubtedly one of the best island trip, if not the best. To begin with, once you are picked up by the bus, the bus ride to the ferry is unbelievably beautiful. With mountains and sugar cane fields. The ferry ride on the river and sea is smooth and not bumpy which keeps sea sickness away.
The island itself is a Virgin island. You will have semi submarine tours and snorkeling. Beginners will have guides on water. The underwater coral view is truly amazing. The staff is super friendly and will take good care. Highly recommend 👌
Read more about Frankland Islands
Are you ready to take your first breaths underwater? The crew of Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are here to make your Introductory Dive dreams happen!
If you want to get off the ‘tourist trail’ and enjoy a unique Great Barrier Reef island experience, consider visiting the Frankland Islands!
Trying to decide when to visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef? We’ve got all the details you need on the highs and lows of the wet and dry seasons!