A beach day in Cairns with kids
This is a beach day on the northern beaches of Cairns, for families who want patrolled sand and shade. Palm Cove, Clifton Beach and Ellis Beach all sit along the coast north of the city, between about 19 and 26 km from the centre. All three are council beaches with no entry cost. You can swim at one or work your way up the coast.
Pick one or two beaches rather than all three. You will need a car. Bring hats, sunscreen and food, as there are free electric barbecues at Palm Cove and Ellis Beach. Stinger season generally runs November to May. The council says the nets are not 100 percent stinger proof, and this is crocodile country, so swim only inside the net when lifesavers are on duty.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Palm Cove Beach
- Lunch: Clifton Beach
- Afternoon: Ellis Beach
Morning
Start at Palm Cove Beach
Palm Cove Beach, Palm Cove · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.7 stars (3404 reviews)
A council beach on Williams Esplanade. The shady foreshore has free electric barbecues, bench seats, a sealed walking and cycling path and a fenced children's playground. A beach wheelchair and all-access mat can be borrowed free from the lifeguards.
Lifeguard patrol: 9:00am – 5:00pm, All year.
Tip: Patrolled by Surf Lifesavers 9am to 5pm, every day, all year. A stinger net enclosure is in place from November to May.
Lunch
Stop at Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach, Clifton Beach · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
A council beach on Arlington Esplanade, with a shady foreshore, benches and tables, and a small children's playground at the northern end. A stinger net enclosure is in place.
Lifeguard patrol: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Marine stinger season, November to May.
Tip: Patrolled 9am to 5pm during stinger season, November to May. Outside those months, check the council page before you swim.
Afternoon
Finish at Ellis Beach
Ellis Beach, Ellis Beach · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
A council beach north of Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway. It has a stinger net enclosure, free electric barbecues and a council toilet block. A beach wheelchair can be borrowed free from the lifeguards.
Lifeguard patrol: 9:00am – 5:00pm, November to May (stinger season).
Tip: Patrolled 9am to 5pm during stinger season, November to May. Check the council page outside those months.
Before you go
- Palm Cove is patrolled 9am to 5pm every day of the year. Clifton and Ellis are patrolled 9am to 5pm in stinger season, November to May.
- Swim only inside the net when lifesavers are on duty. The council notes this is crocodile country.
- Free electric barbecues are listed at Palm Cove and Ellis Beach. Ellis Beach has a council toilet block.
- The beaches are 19 to 26 km from the centre, so plan to drive.
Questions parents ask
Which Cairns beach is patrolled all year?
Palm Cove Beach is patrolled by Surf Lifesavers from 9am to 5pm every day, all year, according to the council. Clifton Beach and Ellis Beach are patrolled during marine stinger season, November to May.
Is it safe to swim at Cairns beaches with kids?
Swim only inside the stinger net when lifesavers are on duty. The council says the nets are not 100 percent stinger proof and this is crocodile country. Check each beach's council page before you go.
Which beach near Cairns has a playground?
Palm Cove has a fenced children's playground on the foreshore. Clifton Beach has a small children's playground at its northern end. Both are council beaches with shady foreshores.
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- Your first day in Cairns with kids - The places to start with when you have one day and want the best of the city.
- A rainy day in Cairns with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A free day out in Cairns with kids - A full day where every stop has free entry.
- Cairns with toddlers and under-5s - Short distances, space to run and places built for under-5s.
- Cairns with teenagers - Things teenagers choose for themselves, not just tolerate.
- Visiting Cairns with kids: all guides