Beaches & foreshores

For the current status at the beaches, visit NQB Beach Report | Surf Life Saving Queensland.

Council provides lifeguard services on the beaches listed below.

All lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers are fully trained in first aid and in the treatment of stings from dangerous marine stingers, and have direct contact with emergency services.

For up-to-date information, contact North Queensland Surf Life Saving (during working hours) on 0429 501 380.  Swim safely and only swim at beaches patrolled by a lifeguard.

• Ellis Beach
• Palm Cove
• Clifton Beach
• Kewarra Beach
• Trinity Beach
• Yorkeys Knob
• Holloways Beach
• Bramston Beach

Stinger season generally runs from November to May. The stinger resistant swimming enclosures at local beaches give a high degree of protection against Box Jellyfish (but are not 100 percent 'stinger proof').

Beaches may be closed when stingers are present. Closures remain in place until weather patterns change and drive stingers away from the coastline. Always heed lifesavers' warnings and do not swim when beaches are closed.

You can reduce your exposure to potential stings by wearing protective clothing (wetsuit or full-body lycra suit) and enter the water slowly as stingers will often swim away, given the chance.

If you are stung at a beach without a lifeguard, get out of the water and apply liberal amounts of vinegar, which can be found on all main beaches. Monitor the patient's breathing and send for urgent medical attention.

The Queensland Government provides a number of boating facilities such as boat ramps, pontoons and jetties within the Cairns Regional Council area. For a list of locations and facility types, including amenities, restrictions and site conditions, visit the Maritime Safety Queensland website and search "boating facilities".

Our beaches are a popular place for weddings, ceremonies, receptions, photographs, parties and other gatherings. In most cases you need permission and the relevant permits - for instance if you are serving food or alcohol, putting up any kind of structure or setting off fireworks - from Council to use public land and facilities for your wedding or event.

• Read more about booking a public space.

Council’s beach wheelchair and all-access mat are available for free hire at Palm Cove and Ellis Beach.

People of all abilities are encouraged to get out and enjoy two of the most beautiful beaches Cairns has to offer.

The friendly lifeguards are available to show you to the wheelchair, open the storage shed and answer any questions regarding the booking process.

Please note: lifeguards are not trained or permitted to help beach wheelchair users, so please bring a support person to safely use the equipment.

Make sure you check weather conditions as severe winds or storms can pose dangers for swimmers.

• Read more about accessibility in Cairns.