Cairns beach living and northern suburbs
Who's living the beach life in Cairns?
Cairns has eight northern beaches suburbs that are primarily residential areas. Cairns northern beaches suburbs are all picturesque places dotted with coconut palms, which are popular with young couples and families, particularly Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach. Many families also live in Trinity Park, Yorkeys Knob and Trinity Beach.
Our northern beaches suburbs have a mix of townhouses, homes and units in the streets closest to the beaches, and a greater number of houses on larger blocks in the streets further back from the shoreline.
Median house prices in the Cairns northern beaches
| Northern beaches suburbs | Approx. driving time to city* | Median house price** |
|---|---|---|
| Machans Beach | 13 minutes | $540,000 |
| Holloways Beach | 14 minutes | $587,500 |
| Yorkeys Knob | 18 minutes | $620,000 |
| Trinity Park | 19 minutes | $685,000 |
| Kewarra Beach | 21 minutes | $705,000 |
| Trinity Beach | 22 minutes | $760,000 |
| Clifton Beach | 25 minutes | $865,000 |
| Palm Cove | 27 minutes | $945,000 |
* source: Google Maps, January 2025 ** source: realestate.com.au, January 2025
Each beach suburb has a unique character
Some of our northern beaches have a resort feel (like Palm Cove) with its great restaurants, pubs and cafes; others are home to an active and eclectic arts community (like Machans Beach). Bluewater Marina is situated at Trinity Park, and Yorkeys Knob has a boating club.
Our northern beaches will soon be connected to each other and the city via a shared path as Council builds the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail.
Fun facts
- The northern beaches are a hub for students and their families as James Cook University is in nearby Smithfield.
- Palm Cove has the highest median age of any suburb in Cairns – 54 years.
- Machans Beach (11km to city): Eclectic, arty beach with cafes, a school, post office, and community gatherings. A pedestrian bridge connects to Holloways Beach.
- Holloways Beach (12km to city): Dog-friendly beach, cafes, and a community garden. Great for picnics and families, with a mix of beachfront and suburban housing.
- Yorkeys Knob (17km to city): Family-friendly with parks, hidden cafes, an Indigenous games trail, a boating club, and the Half Moon Bay Golf Club. Hosts the annual "Festival of the Knob."
- Trinity Park (20km to city): Home to Bluewater Marina, a Catholic school, and a popular Earl Hill hiking track offering stunning views. Growing number of shops and services.
- Trinity Beach (21km to city): Picturesque beach with laid-back dining options. Popular for sunrise views, low-key eateries, and foreshore restaurants, attracting both locals and tourists.
- Kewarra Beach (22km to the city): Quiet beach with scenic views of offshore islands. Resorts with live weekend music and tree-lined streets filled with green.
- Clifton Beach (23km to city): A hidden gem with a laid-back, friendly vibe. Enjoy mojitos, great pizza, and a local supermarket at Clifton Village Shops.
- Palm Cove (27km to city): Relaxing beach village with a fishing jetty, resorts, boutiques, cafes, and ancient melaleuca trees. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and resort-like feel.
- Ellis Beach (surf club base is here too)
- Palm Cove
- Clifton Beach
- Kewarra Beach
- Trinity Beach
- Yorkeys Knob
- Holloways Beach
- Bramston Beach (an hour's drive south of Cairns)
Cairns Regional Council is in the process of connecting our northern beaches with a shared path between Cairns city and Palm Cove. Several stages of the Northern Beaches leisure trail have been built. Once completed, the path will provide a continuous foreshore walking and cycling link for locals and visitors. As part of the development, enhanced recreation, accessibility and fitness amenities are being created along the path.
The Northern Beaches leisure trail, which will also include improvements to the accessibility features, fitness and recreation facilities along the foreshores, will showcase our beautiful beaches and island views, as well as providing an important active transport alternative to the car.
Looking for a quieter beach life in Cairns?
To the south of Cairns, we have Bramston Beach, which is 81 km away from the city (an hour's drive). Bramston Beach is a quiet spot, reached by driving through rainforest and looking out for cassowaries along the way. It has beachfront living, great fishing, a campground and general store.
Find your place check out real estate in Cairns.