Also known as the Northern Beaches, the beaches at Cairns are some of the most well known in the world. Over recent years the beaches have become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. This increase in traffic has led several luxury resorts to open along the beaches, only adding to the accommodation and amenities visitors can expect to find.

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There are eight different beaches at Cairns. They include Machan’s Beach, Halloways Beach, Yorkey’s Knob, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove Beach, and Ellis Beach. To this day Palm Cove Beach and Trinity Beach remain favorites amongst tourists and visitors, with Kewarra Beach following a close third.

Palm Cove Beach

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After a brief 25 minute ride away from the Cairns International Airport you’ll find yourself at Palm Cove. Food lovers will enjoy exploring the area’s myriad of restaurants and bars while fashionistas will have a great time exploring some of the area’s many fashionable shops and boutiques. Golfing and fishing are also popular pastimes here.

One of Palm Cove’s most popular resorts is The Sebel Reef House and Spa. The private resort lies on the border of some of Australia’s finest white sandy beaches and is also adjacent to a portion of the Great Barrier Reef. The resort is small, with only 69 rooms, but will make you feel as though you’re right at home. You’ll enjoy lounging on Palm Cove Beach or dining on exquisitely prepared meals at the hotel restaurant.

The Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove is another hot spot amongst travelers. This serene resort was designed with two things in mind – luxury and privacy. When you return from the beach you’ll enjoy spending time in the spa or trying one of the restaurants elegant South East Asian or Australian dishes before heading out to sip cocktails by the lagoon.

Kewarra Beach

Kewarra Beach is also a short ride from the airport and offers a myriad of entertainment and dining opportunities as well. The beach here may be a bit smaller, but the amenities are known for being a bit more affordable for the average traveler as well. You’ll be able to find both budget and luxury accommodations – perfect for travelers from all walks of life.

The Kewarra Beach Resort Cairns is a perfect example. The comfortable rooms are luxuriously decorated and provide a welcoming place to relax after a long day on the beach or exploring the nearby Port Douglas, tourist attractions, and shopping districts. Inside you’ll find the Island Kings Restaurant, daily serving a delicious buffet breakfast before turning the menu over to create a variety of seafood dishes for the lunch and dinner crowd.

Trinity Beach

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The last of our favorite Cairns beaches, Trinity Beach is a mere 15 minute drive from Cairns International Airport. Accommodations range from budget up to luxury and you’ll never run out of nearby restaurants and shopping complexes to explore. This is the perfect beach destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you’ll find plenty of opportunities for sailing, boogie boarding, windsurfing, or riding wave skis.

One of the most popular hotels at Trinity Beach is the Sea Change Beachfront Apartments. Not only will you have access to some of Cairns finest beaches, but you’ll be within short travel distance to some of the areas most beautiful attractions. If you’re not on the beach, you’ll enjoy exploring the rainforests on the Skyrail Rainforest cableway, riding the Kuranda Scenic train, or visiting nearby Port Douglas.

Image credit: Blue Lagoon Resort

Another favorite, and one we enjoy immensely, is the Blue Lagoon Resort Trinity Beach. The resort is located strategically, making it easy for you to walk to the beach or access the main road. While you’re there you’ll have easy access to the Tablelands, the Great Barrier Reef, and Trinity Beach itself. The accommodations here are comfortable and the restaurant serves delicious dishes. You’ll have no trouble finding a room that meets your budgetary needs.

While all of the beaches in Cairns are worth visiting, why not start your vacation with a stay at some of the finest? The amenities and opportunities near Palm Cove, Trinity, and Kewarra Beach are endless and you’ll have little need to stray much further away!