Best Beaches in Cairns City
Looking for the best beaches in Cairns City? We've gathered 9 standout spots in this corner of Cairns, each ranked by our independent Spot Score so the strongest picks rise to the top. Cairns City has its own character, and the beaches here reflect it — from neighbourhood favourites locals keep to themselves to places worth a special trip across town. Use the filters to narrow by price, rating, what's open right now and the features that matter to you, then open the map to plan your visit around what else is nearby. We re-check details regularly, so opening hours and information stay current.
Australia's beaches are world-famous, and around Cairns you'll find everything from patrolled family swimming spots to quieter stretches of sand. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags where lifeguards patrol, and slip, slop, slap — the UV is strong.
9 spots in Cairns City
Nudey Beach
White coral beach ringed by rainforest sheltering skinks & ospreys, with views of Cairns Hinterland.
Trinity Beach
Trinity Beach is a beach in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 134 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 55/100.
Ellis Beach
Ellis Beach is a beach in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 132 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 55/100.
Half Moon Bay Beach
Half Moon Bay Beach is a walk in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 61 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 49/100.
Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach is a beach in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 35 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 49/100.
Machans Beach
Machans Beach is a beach in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 32 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 48/100.
Holloways Beach
Holloways Beach is a beach in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 45 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 47/100.
Kewarra Beach
Kewarra Beach is a beach in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.3-star Google rating from 32 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 45/100.
Second Beach
Second Beach is a beach in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.1-star Google rating from 13 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 41/100.
More in Cairns City
Beaches in Cairns City — FAQs
What are the best beaches in Cairns City?+
The beaches in Cairns City listed here are ranked by our Spot Score — our independent editorial rating out of 100, combining reputation, popularity, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear first.
How many beaches are there in Cairns City?+
We currently feature 9 beaches in Cairns City, and we add and re-check venues regularly so the list stays current.
How do I get to Cairns City in Cairns?+
Cairns City is one of Cairns's neighbourhoods — open any venue's page for its exact location, nearby public-transport stops and a map. See our Getting Around guide for tickets and fares.
Are the beaches near Cairns patrolled?+
Many popular beaches are patrolled by surf lifesavers, especially over summer and on weekends. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags, check signage for conditions, and never swim alone or after drinking.