Is it safe to swim in Cairns?
The beaches around Cairns in Far North Queensland are some of the most beautiful in Australia, with soft white sand, turquoise waters, and the Great Barrier Reef not far off the coast. But when swimming here, there are two dangers to be aware of: stingers and crocodiles.
Is there a beach in Cairns?
While Cairns itself doesn’t actually have a beach within the city, you just have to take a very short drive north to one of the beach suburbs and you’ll be rewarded with the exquisite clear blue ocean and magnificent white sand. Below we have rounded up the best places to swim and the best beaches near Cairns. But first of all, some safety tips.
When is the best time of year to visit Cairns?
Cairns winter temperatures hover around the mid-twenties (Celsius) making it the ideal time to visit the beaches, with stinger nets removed and sunny days ruling the weather chart. Free barbecues are available along most foreshores, encouraging visitors and locals alike to spend more time outside enjoying the tropics.
Where is the best place to have a BBQ in Cairns?
There are barbeques on the boardwalk of the Trinity Beach Esplanade along with a shaded playground area which is just fabulous for that family get together on a beautiful sunny day in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.
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Where can you go swimming in Cairns?
Swim only at beaches patrolled by a lifeguard and between the flags or in the stinger nets during the summer months.Palm Cove. Palm Cove at sunrise. ... Ellis Beach. Ellis Beach. ... Machans Beach. Late afternoon along the O'shea Esplanade at Machans Beach. ... Trinity Beach. ... Holloways Beach. ... Yorkeys Knob. ... Kewarra Beach. ... Clifton Beach.More items...
Can you swim in Cairns in summer?
Thankfully, the Cairns region is also home to an abundance of safe and picturesque freshwater swimming locations (such as creeks), so you can still take a refreshing dip and cool off during the summer months.
Are Cairns beaches good?
The beaches around Cairns in Far North Queensland are some of the most beautiful in Australia, with soft white sand, turquoise waters, and the Great Barrier Reef not far off the coast. But when swimming here, there are two dangers to be aware of: stingers and crocodiles.
Why are Cairns beaches muddy?
when and why are the waters muddy? The main reason is that the water at the beaches inside the Great Barrier Reef is very shallow as, being behind the shelter of the reef, there is no real surf.
What months are stingers in Cairns?
From the first of November until the start of May, the stinger nets are out around Cairns and Port Douglas. Those hitting the beach should be sure to only swim in patrolled areas and to look for the comforting colours of the red and yellow flags.
Is it still stinger season in Cairns?
There are many different kinds and they are usually most prevalent during the Cairns jellyfish 'season', which is generally from November to May.
What is the nicest beach in Cairns?
Best Beaches in CairnsPalm Cove. Palm Cove is one of the most iconic beaches in Cairns. ... Nudey Beach. While you were after the best beaches in Cairns, I present you one of the best beaches in Australia, Nudey Beach. ... Trinity Beach. ... Ellis Beach. ... Kewarra Beach. ... Green Island. ... Clifton Beach. ... Four Mile Beach.More items...•
What beaches Can you swim at near Cairns?
Swim safely and only swim at beaches patrolled by a lifeguard.Ellis Beach.Palm Cove.Clifton Beach.Kewarra Beach.Trinity Beach.Yorkeys Knob.Holloways Beach.Bramston Beach.
Can you swim in Palm Cove beach?
Swimming at Palm Cove is great at all times of the year, but just as a precaution you are better of to restrict your swimming to inside the swimming enclosures during the summer period. At all times of the year it is advisable to swim between the Surf Life Saving rescue flags, coloured yellow and red.
How hot does it get in Cairns?
The average annual maximum temperature is 29°C (84.2°F), with 62 per cent humidity. Plan ahead with our information on temperature and rainfall. During summer in Cairns, average temperatures range from 23.6 - 31.4°C (74.5 - 88.5°F).
Can you swim at Clifton Beach Cairns?
Clifton Beach has a swimming net and a great children's playground with barbeque facilities right on the beach for all to enjoy under the shade of big raintrees and plenty of parking space.
Can u swim at Trinity Beach Cairns?
The beach is very safe for swimming and like all Aussie beaches has lifeguards on duty and, in our tropical summer from November to May, a stinger-proof enclosure for protected swimming.
Is it warm enough to swim in Cairns in July?
Cairns is beautiful in July with temperatures hovering in the mid-twenties and the water temperatures hovering between 22 and 25 degrees, Cairns should not be too hot or cold for anyone.
Can you swim all year round in Cairns?
Yes you can swim in Cairns beaches, however it can be very dangerous between the months of November – May. Most locals would recommend swimming in freshwater lagoons, lakes and waterfalls to avoid crocodiles, jellyfish and other dangerous animals in the sea.
Can you swim at Cairns in July?
Yes! Swimming in july is pleasant in Cairns and the surrounding area. The sea temperature is 75°F on average (min/max: 73°F/78°F), allowing you to swim for a long time and enjoy water sports.
Is it warm enough to swim in Cairns in June?
Yes! Swimming in june is pleasant in Cairns and the surrounding area. The sea temperature is 77°F on average (min/max: 74°F/80°F), allowing you to swim for a long time and enjoy water sports.
What time does Cairns Lagoon open?
Cairns Lagoon Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday 6.00am to 9.00pm. Wednesday 12.00pm to 9.00pm (closed before midday for weekly maintenance) Public holidays 6.00am to 9.00pm. Early morning swimming at Cairns Lagoon, not busy at all. The sculptures and fountains have made this lagoon a Cairns icon.
Where is the Tobruk Memorial Pool in Cairns?
Tobruk Memorial Pool is just over 2km from the centre of Cairns, a pleasant 30 minute walk on the Esplanade walkway or a much shorter cycle.
Where to go for a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef?
Personally, I like to recommend the Passions of Paradise snorkelling trips. Cairns Lagoon taken from the air.
Is there swimming in Cairns?
First things first, when in Cairns there is no swimming at the beach! Too many crocodiles and too many stingers from November to June. Luckily there are some great pools and the excellent Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. Cairns Lagoon is beautiful both above and below the water.
Beaches & foreshores
The Cairns region has some of the most beautiful coastline in Queensland.
Swimming pools
Cairns has public swimming pools open daily for a small fee. Be aware operating hours may change between the peak summer season and the cooler winter months.
Recreational fishing in Cairns
Cairns Regional Council recognises the significant role recreational fishing plays in our local community.
Crystal Cascades
Crystal Cascades is one of the secrets of Tropical North Queensland. It is a secluded freshwater swimming hole, hidden in a tropical rainforest.
Babinda Boulders
The Boulders at Babinda is a popular swimming spot and picnic area amid tropical rainforest in the foothills of the Bellenden Ker Range.
Sugarworld Adventure Park
The Sugarworld Adventure Park at Hambledon Drive Edmonton features water slides, tube raft water slide, mat racer water slide, interactive water play for littlies, swimming pools, shaded picnic areas and BBQ facilities.
What is the best time to visit Cairns?
Cairns winter temperatures hover around the mid-twenties (Celsius) making it the ideal time to visit the beaches, with stinger nets removed and sunny days ruling the weather chart. Free barbecues are available along most foreshores, encouraging visitors and locals alike to spend more time outside enjoying the tropics.
Where is Palm Cove in Cairns?
Famed as much for its palm trees as its 500-year-old melaleuca trees, Palm Cove is the ultimate idyllic seaside village, perfectly located between both Cairns and Port Douglas.
Where is Machans Beach in Cairns?
Machans Beach is a local’s seaside suburb and the closest beach to Cairns. If you’re looking to sunbake on the sand, Machans probably isn’t your top choice with the beach lined with a rock wall but it’s great for a waterfront walk at any time.
Where is the Palm Cove?
Famed as much for its palm trees as its 500-year-old melaleuca trees, Palm Cove is the ultimate idyllic seaside village, perfectly located between both Cairns and Port Douglas. Glamorous resorts and day spas share the shores with a mixture ...
Where to hang out in Trinity Beach?
Nestled between two headlands is a favoured local hangout, Trinity Beach. Beach almonds dotted between coconut trees provide shady hangouts to lounge on the sand between swims. Trinity Beach is perfect for active travellers with walking tracks along the waterfront and headlands or the more challenging 1km steep climb to the summit of Earl Hill.
Where is Ellis Beach?
Ellis Beach. Five minutes north of Palm Cove, you’ll round a corner on the Captain Cook Highway (AKA the Great Barrier Reef Drive) and a postcard-perfect scene will greet you. Over the tranquil waters and behind a string of coconut trees looms an impressive rainforest clad mountain.
Is Clifton Beach a beach?
Clifton Beach is a relaxed locals beach. This hideaway is an unspoilt locals beach with only a small number of holiday apartments up for grabs. With a large supermarket just up the road, pick up some supplies and make your way down to one of the free barbecues along the beach, guaranteed to be peaceful waterfront meal.
Beaches in Cairns
If you’re looking to escape to Cairns to soak up some sunshine, you might be wondering what you can expect in the way of beaches.
Can you swim at the beaches near Cairns?
If you haven’t spent much time in Far North Queensland, remember to always pay attention to signs and only swim at beaches with lifeguards. This is croc territory, and you don’t want to go swimming at just any old beach without doing a little research.
Cairns Beaches, North Queensland
So, let’s take a look at the best beaches in Cairns and the surrounding area.
1. Ellis Beach
About a 30 minute drive north of central Cairns is the beautiful palm tree lined Ellis Beach, one of the best beaches near Cairns. It’s a very quiet area just off the Captain Cook Highway. It’s a popular spot for those looking to escape Cairns and there is plenty of parking space right next to the beach.
2. Palm Cove
Palm Cove is the most popular northern beaches suburb and is full of great facilities for families with kids of all ages. There is plenty of shade to be had along the beachfront.
3. Trinity Beach
Trinity Beach is another beautiful beach north of Cairns that caters well to tourists but is not as busy as the very popular Palm Cove.
4. Kewarra Beach
In between Palm Cove and Trinity Beach lies the sleepy beach suburb of Kewarra Beach.
Where did the word "cairns" come from?
Fun Fact – the word cairns originates in Scottish Gaelic, meaning “a human-made stack of rocks or stones.”. So it only seems appropriate that one of the best beaches in Cairns would be a beach full of cairns. How exciting. You get a spot on this list just for making us chuckle.
What is the Cairns Esplanade famous for?
The Cairns Esplanade is famous for the crystal clear waters of its lagoon running parallel with the ocean shoreline, and it’s been a focal point for the city since 1876. It’s a perfect place to safely swim while watching the waves gently lap at the shore as the sun slowly dips below the horizon.
Where is Mossman Gorge in Queensland?
Mossman Gorge lies a little north of Cairns in the southern end of the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest. The river’s become a hot spot for tourists looking to swim or relax by the cascading waterfalls nearby. The gorge also contains several walking trails, including one that crosses over a suspension bridge before connecting with a loop track. It’s a great spot to experience the Australian rainforest on your first visit to Far North Queensland, though it’s a little further away from Cairns City (80 km or 50 mi) than the other entries on this list.
Where is the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef’s not a beach by itself but rather lies along a strip of beaches and oceanfront spanning 2,300 kilometres (1,400 mi) along the Queensland coast from the Cape York Peninsula down to Bundaberg. And as one of Australia’s biggest attractions and the prime reason vacationers flock to Queensland, it’s an opportunity that can’t be passed up. Cairns is world-renowned as one of the prime gateways to the Great Barrier Reef, and just a 45-minute ferry ride can transport you to island shores located right on the reef.
Where is Palm Cove Beach?
Named after the palm trees that line the beach (surprise surprise), Palm Cove Beach lies 27 kilometres (17 mi) north of the city of Cairns, and is one of the most scenic beaches in all of Queensland.
Is Machans Beach in Cairns?
Machans Beach is on this list because it’s the closest beach to Cairns City and just 1 to 2 km north of the Cairns International Airport. It exists as a part of a residential neighborhood, so it’s quiet and not too crowded.
Is Yorkeys Knob a good place to surf?
Yorkeys Knob has become a tourist hot spot over the past couple of years, and it’s a popular place for surfing and other water sports due to the southeasterly winds hitting the beach on a sharp angle. There’s a sand bar that provides jumps for surfers as well as great place to walk out to sea during low tide.
How to contact Cairns Holiday Specialists?
For all your accommodation needs contact The Cairns Holiday Specialists 1300 780 806 or Email [email protected]
When is Trinity Beach swimming?
These swimming enclosures are only present in the waters in the months of November to May and are there to prevent Box Jellyfish from entering this area so guests can swim safely.
What to do if you get stung by a marine animal?
If you feel you have been stung by a marine animal it very well may only be sand flies or sea lice so do not go into a panic situation just wander up to the Surf Life Saver and ask them to take a look and they will then assess the situation and if necessary they will douse the location of the sting with some vinegar to take the sting away.
Where are barbeques on the Trinity Beach?
There are barbeques on the boardwalk of the Trinity Beach Esplanade along with a shaded playground area which is just fabulous for that family get together on a beautiful sunny day in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland.
Can you swim on the beach at Surf Life Savers?
At other times of the year all guests should swim within the patrolled flags on the beach and check with the Surf Life Savers if you are unsure at any time if conditions are too rough for your families swimming capabilities.
What are the best beaches in Cairns?
Best Beaches in Cairns. 1. Palm Cove. Palm Cove is one of the most iconic beaches in Cairns. Located on the northern beaches, approximately 30 minutes north of the CBD is a long stretch of palm-tree lined sand often featured in adverts and travel shows.
What are the dangers of visiting Cairns?
One thing that you have to be aware of when visiting beaches in Cairns is that there are two major marine hazards here: crocodiles and marine stingers. However, most of the best beaches in Cairns have patrolled stinger nets that keep out both crocs and hazardous stingers.
What are the hazards of Cairns?
One thing that you have to be aware of when visiting beaches in Cairns is that there are two major marine hazards here: crocodiles and marine stingers. However, most of the best beaches in Cairns have patrolled stinger nets that keep out both crocs and hazardous stingers.
How far is Etty Bay from Cairns?
Etty Bay is located approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Cairns. Therefore, this one is better suited to those on a road trip or those spending a day-trip down south. Best for: spotting a wild cassowary on the beach. The best time to spot cassowaries at Etty Bay is in the early morning and late afternoon.
What is Palm Cove known for?
While Palm Cove is mostly famous for its palm trees , there is also a stinger net at the surf club for safe swimming, some world-class restaurants, as well as a rainforest walking track on the north side of the bay. Best for: Restaurants and scenic palm trees. Best Places to Stay in Palm Cove.
What is the name of the beach in the Northern Suburbs?
Clifton Beach is another quite, local Northern Suburbs beach that is well-worth visiting. This one continues on from Kewarra Beach and connects up to Palm Cove in the north.
Where to stay in Cairns?
In my opinion, Palm Cove is truly one of the best places to base yourself in Cairns. Luxury: By far, the best place to stay in Palm Cove is the Alamanda by Lancemore.
What are the dangers of swimming in Cairns?
But when swimming here, there are two dangers to be aware of: stingers and crocodiles.
Where is Trinity Beach in Cairns?
Trinity Beach. In the northern suburbs of Cairns, a string of gorgeous beaches offers the perfect introduction to the Aussie tropics. (Immediately south of city, the coastline is protected by national park that is not accessible to the public.)
How long is the trip to Cairns from the Great Barrier Reef?
Depending on whether you take the ferry or a smaller boat, the trip is around 30 to 45 minutes from Cairns.
When are stingers dangerous?
Stingers, particularly the dangerous box and Irukandji jellyfish, can be found in tropical waters from around November to May. For this reason, many beaches in the region are protected by nets and swimmers use full-body stinger suits.
Where is Clifton Beach in Australia?
Clifton Beach QLD 4879, Australia. Get directions. Further north, Clifton Beach is a local secret only 25 minutes from the Cairns city center. There is a small shopping village and some holiday apartments, but the waterfront is laid-back and quiet.
Where is Palm Cove in Cairns?
Palm Cove. On Cairns' northern fringe, Palm Cove is an idyllic escape packed with boutique hotels, luxury spas, and top restaurants. Make a reservation at beachfront restaurant Nunu for a taste of the region's unique Asia-Pacific fusion cuisine.
Is Cairns Lagoon safe to swim?
Although not technically a beach, the Cairns Lagoon offers a safe place to swim all year round with views across the Coral Sea. This free public facility in the heart of the city is filled with filtered saltwater and includes playgrounds and fitness stations.
