The best beaches you can visit in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

You won’t believe your eyes upon stumbling into Nudey Beach. Considered one of the most picturesque beaches in Queensland, this swimming spot sits on Fitzroy Island just a 45-minute ferry from the mainland.

Stroll through rainforest to meet the main beach, where white sand and loose coral will greet your feet. Pack your snorkel gear because reef life is abundant in the beach’s turquoise waters. You don’t even have to leave if you don’t want to; camp out on the beach if you’re on a budget, or treat yourself with a stay at Fitzroy Island Resort.

Dunk Island

Within waving distance of the mainland sits Dunk Island, just four kilometres offshore from Mission Beach.

It’s not hard to reach Dunk from Cairns; just jump aboard the Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi and in ten minutes you’ll find yourself in paradise (or something like it). The largest member of the Family Islands National Park, Dunk Island hosts an impressive array of rainforest and reef to explore. There’s even a lookout; walk to the top of Mt Kootaloo for awe-inspiring views of the island and its waterborne neighbours. Not content with a single day’s wander, you can choose to stay the night.

Myall Beach

Where the Daintree meets the Great Barrier Reef sits postcard-perfect Myall Beach. Tucked into the southern side of Cape Tribulation headland, the arresting beach is fringed by rainforest canopy; you’ll wander through 1.8km of this luscious forest and mangrove on the Dubuji Boardwalk to reach the turqoise waters beyond. Or, experience it on horseback with Cape Trib Horse Rides. 

While bushwalks and horse riding are encouraged here, swimming is less so; this is crocodile country so enter the water with caution.

Local favourites

Ellis Beach

Mere steps from Cairns is hidden gem Ellis Beach. Popular among locals, the sandy expanse sits at the very start of the Great Barrier Reef Drive, which winds its way from Palm Cove to Port Douglas.

Rated another of Australia’s best beaches, Ellis is a regular haunt for those who call the district home. It’s not hard to see why; not only is it beautiful and surprisingly relaxed, but there's a protective net and lifeguard station. And when the surf's right, you'll even find some great breaks here too. 

Don’t forget to drop in to Ellis Beach Bar and Grill, the drinking hole famed for its beachside barbecues.

Trinity Beach

Fellow Cairns local Trinity Beach is a favourite for families in particular. Fans of a gentle swim will find solace in the calm, sheltered waters of this pretty spot. 

Sitting between two headlands, this one-kilometre stretch of sand also offers ample space in which to indulge in a little sunbaking, or some sand-based sports.

If you find yourself craving even more exercise, follow the adjoining rocky coastal walk which winds its way around the southern headline, where you’ll catch a greater glimpse of Cairns.

Mission Beach

Nestled between two World Heritage-listed wonders, Mission Beach may be the best beach in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef in terms of convenience.

Consisting of four beachside villages (Bingil Bay, North Mission, Wongaling Beach and South Mission), this laid-back district sits on 14 long kilometres of coastline, which links the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef.

This is a spot you can take a dip in year-round, thanks to stinger nets provided at North and South Mission.

Bingil Bay

Seclusion is the specialty of neighbouring Bingil Bay, found just five minutes north of Mission. The clandestine cove is surrounded by coconut trees and shaded under the canopy of lush tropical rainforest.

This is no metropolis, but that’s the beauty of it. At the centre of the village you’ll find just one building that forms Bingil’s convenience store, cafe, bar, and restaurant offering, all in one.

Where the city meets the sea

Cairns Lagoon on the Esplanade

While this beloved swimming hole is technically not a beach, that hasn’t made it any less popular for a swim year-round (head here instead if you prefer a wild swimming hole). 

Sitting in the heart of Cairns, this infinity pool facing the foreshore has become a much-adored part of the community. Those craving a feed after a dip will be pleased to note that public barbecues and picnic spaces surround the lagoon, and eateries are just a stroll away.

Palm Cove

At the top tip of Cairns’ Northern Beaches, just a 30 minute drive from the city, resides this beloved resort town.

A place that proves it's every bit as photogenic as its Instagram presence, Palm Cove is awash with palm trees and golden sand, and surrounded by invitingly clear waters. Perhaps most temptingly, swimming is suitable here year-round thanks to the presence of protective nets and an on-duty lifeguard at the northern end of the beach.

Stand-up paddle boards and kayak rentals are available, while foodies will have your pick of places to dine, including nationally recognised restaurant Nu Nu.

Four Mile Beach

Port Douglas isn’t just the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest, but home to the iconic Four Mile Beach.

Sharing similarities with its neighbour Palm Cove, Four Mile is a stretch of sand covered in palms which runs all the way from Yule Point to Island Point (four miles to be exact). Particularly popular for families, Four Mile Beach is patrolled year-round, and offers plenty of water-based activities to boot; including surfing, kitesurfing and sailing among more.

Wildlife sanctuary

Etty Bay

Budding zoologists will be glad to hear that spotting the second largest bird in the world is a given at Etty Bay.

The cassowary population is thriving at this stretch on the aptly named Cassowary Coast, just 15 minutes from Innisfail. Don’t be surprised if after a dip you find yourself getting better acquainted with the locals; Etty Bay is home to a resident families of cassowaries who tend to wander the beach and nearby campgrounds as they please. But be mindful that despite their looks, they can be dangerous, so it’s best to keep your distance.

To watch the sunrise

Pebbly Beach

Amateur photographers will find plenty of potential at Pebbly Beach. Sitting just before Yule Point, not far from Port Douglas, this pebble-laden beach has become a firm favourite for those armed with a camera.

While not a spot for a swim, instead come and gaze at the sunrise, which has become rather legendary in these parts.