Cairns beach living and northern suburbs
Who's living the beach life in Cairns?
Cairns has eight northern beach communities that are primarily residential areas. These picturesque suburbs, dotted with coconut palms and tropical greenery, are popular with young couples, families, professionals, retirees and sea changers seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
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 | $675,000 |
| Holloways Beach | 14 minutes | $736,500 |
| Yorkeys Knob | 18 minutes | $740,000 |
| Trinity Park | 19 minutes | $805,000 |
| Kewarra Beach | 21 minutes | $890,000 |
| Trinity Beach | 22 minutes | $900,000 |
| Clifton Beach | 25 minutes | $995,000 |
| Palm Cove | 27 minutes | $1,150,000 |
* Source: Google Maps, January 2025 (approximate driving times) ** Source: realestate.com.au, July 2026
Each beach suburb has a unique character
Some of our northern beaches have a resort feel, such as Palm Cove, with its great restaurants, pubs and cafes; others are home to active and eclectic arts communities, like Machans Beach. Bluewater Marina is situated at Trinity Park, and Yorkeys Knob features Half Moon Bay Marina and the Yorkey's Knob Boating Club.
The Northern Beaches Leisure Trail is progressively connecting Cairns' beachside communities through a network of shared walking and cycling paths, supporting an active and relaxed lifestyle.
Fun fact
- The northern beaches are a hub for students and their families as James Cook University is in nearby Smithfield.
- Machans Beach (11km to city): Eclectic, arty beach with cafes, a school, post office, and community events and gatherings. A pedestrian bridge connects Machans Beach and Holloways Beach.
- Holloways Beach (12km to city): Dog-friendly beach, beachfront cafe, local dining options, 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 cafes, local shops, the Kuyurru First Peoples Games Trail, the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club, Half Moon Bay Marina, and the Half Moon Bay Golf Club. Hosts the annual "Festival of the Knob."
- Trinity Park (20km to city): Home to Bluewater Marina and the popular Earl Hill hiking track, offering stunning views. A family-friendly suburb, growing number of shops and services.
- Trinity Beach (21km to city): Picturesque beach with a range of dining options, local shops and foreshore restaurants. Popular for sunrise views and a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
- Kewarra Beach (22km to the city): Quiet beach with scenic views of offshore islands, local shops and community facilities. Known for its leafy streets and relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Clifton Beach (23km to city): A relaxed beachside community with local dining options, Clifton Village Shopping Centre and everyday services. Known for its friendly atmosphere and laid-back coastal lifestyle.
- Palm Cove (27km to city): Relaxing beach village with a scenic fishing jetty, resorts, boutiques, cafes, and ancient melaleuca trees. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and resort-like feel.
- Ellis Beach (home to Ellis Beach Surf Life Saving Club)
- Palm Cove
- Clifton Beach
- Kewarra Beach
- Trinity Beach
- Yorkeys Knob
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. Nearby Babinda is known for its heritage township, tropical scenery, and attractions including Babinda Boulders.
Find your place check out real estate in Cairns.