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Beach & Island

Clifton Beach

📍 Clifton Beach, QLD 4879 (about 23 km north of Cairns, just south of Palm Cove)
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★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Australia, Cairns
Category
Beach & Island
Duration
About 1-2 hours
Address
Clifton Beach, QLD 4879 (about 23 km north of Cairns, just south of Palm Cove)
Coordinates
-16.7830, 145.6930

Introduction

Clifton Beach is the fourth beach location north of Cairns, about 23 km from the city centre and just south of the popular Palm Cove. Developed on farming land, it officially became a suburb in May 1959, and housing subdivisions and road improvements through the 1970s shaped the area, with caravan parks and a stinger-resistant swimming enclosure in place by the 1980s. Unlike the livelier Palm Cove, Clifton Beach is mainly residential with a quiet, laid-back feel: broad, palm-fringed sands opening onto the Coral Sea. It is well suited to walks, picnics and a calm coastal escape.

✨ Highlights

1
Fourth northern beach
The fourth beach location north of Cairns, formally gazetted as a suburb in 1959.
2
Quiet residential feel
Mainly residential and laid-back compared with busy Palm Cove further north.
3
Broad palm-fringed sands
Wide sandy beach lined with palms opening onto the Coral Sea, ideal for walks and picnics.
4
Stinger enclosure
A stinger-resistant swimming enclosure along with seasonal pools dates from the 1980s.
5
History of growth
Housing subdivisions began in the 1970s, with early holiday facilities along Arlington Esplanade.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best time to visit：Seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere; check local weather and events. For outdoor sites, mornings or late afternoons are often more pleasant.
→Transport：Australia is vast; most attractions suit self-driving or local day tours. For city sites, check public transport timetables in advance.
→Climate & dress：UV is strong; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, stay hydrated, and beware of insects. Inland areas may have large diurnal temperature swings.
→On site：Follow on-site signs, do not feed or disturb wildlife, protect nature and heritage, and stay on designated trails in national parks.
→Accessibility：Some natural attractions have uneven paths or steps and may challenge those with limited mobility; check accessibility services in advance.
→Opening Hours：Beach open 24 hours
→Transportation：Drive about 30 minutes from Cairns along the Captain Cook Highway; several bus services link the northern beaches

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
AdultFree

Free

💡 Tips

• Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Beach open 24 hours; admission: Free.
• Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.
• Respect local culture, wildlife and natural park rules; never feed animals or leave designated trails.
• Plan alongside nearby sights, using self-driving or local day tours to link your route.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Clifton Beach?

Beach open 24 hours

How much is the admission for Clifton Beach?

Adult: Free; Free

Any practical tips for visiting Clifton Beach?

Tickets, opening hours and tours may change; confirm on official channels on site. Queried opening hours: Beach open 24 hours; admission: Free. Australia has strong sun; protect yourself with sunscreen, hydration and insect repellent, especially outdoors.

How long should I spend at Clifton Beach?

A typical visit takes About 1-2 hours.

This entry is compiled from public Australian and international travel sources. Tickets, opening hours and transport may change; please confirm with official sources on site.