King tides expected to impact Cairns this week
Published: 23rd February 2026. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)
King tides will be experienced in Cairns from Thursday 26 February to Thursday 5 March.
The highest tides (3.42m) will be experienced on Sunday 1 March and Monday 2 March.
King tide levels for Cairns are expected at the following times (other areas may vary):
- Thursday 26 February: 2.91m at 6.20am
- Friday 27 February: 3.15m at 7.04am
- Saturday 28 February: 3.33m at 7.45am
- Sunday 1 March: 3.42m at 8.21am
- Monday 2 March: 3.42m at 8.53am
- Tuesday 3 March: 3.33m at 9.21am
- Wednesday 4 March: 3.16m at 9.46am
- Thursday 5 March: 2.93m at 10.10am
Low-lying areas, roads, and properties can be inundated with saltwater during king tides, potentially damaging vehicles and infrastructure.
The impact of king tides on low lying areas can be exacerbated by heavy rainfall.
Tidal flooding is saltwater, which can damage cars on contact.
Avoid parking cars in low-lying tidal areas and never drive through floodwaters.
Motorists should drive carefully and slowly, not only for the safety of road users and pedestrians, but to lessen the impact of bow waves, which can push water into nearby properties.
Council may close roads which are inundated by tidal flooding to prevent damage to private property.
Motorists are required to adhere to signs advising the road is closed and should find an alternative route until the road is reopened.
Streets that are most likely to be impacted by king tides include:
- Redden St, Portsmith
- Tingira St, Portsmith
- Liberty St, Portsmith
- Walters St, Portsmith
- Trawler Base Rd, Portsmith
- Bramp Cl, Portsmith
- Cook St, Portsmith
- Fearnley St, Portsmith
- Parts of Aumuller St (near Comport St), Portsmith
- Toohey St, Portsmith
- Knight St, Portsmith
- Palmer St, Portsmith
- Hartley St, Portsmith
- Hasell St, Portsmith
- Parts of Draper St (Hartley St to Kenny Street), Portsmith
- Spence St and the Esplanade intersection, Cairns City
- Corner of Lily St and the Esplanade, Cairns North
Residents should also monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website for general information related to tide heights.
Last Updated: 23 February 2026
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