Clifton Beach

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach


This quiet beach north of Cairns offers long stretches of white sand and clear water.

Clifton Beach is a tropical beachside town surrounded by two natural wonders: a World Heritage-listed rain forest and the Great Barrier Reef. The six-kilometre (3.7-mile) beach is lined with palm trees, white sand and clear water. Come to swim, go white-water rafting, wildlife watching, or just unwind in the shade with a drink in one hand and a book in the other.

Clifton Beach is relatively quiet, with fewer tourists than neighbouring beaches and an almost non-existent nightlife. Spend a few hours or a few weeks here. Accommodation options range from budget dormitory-style rooms, to luxury resorts. There are cafés and restaurants, grocery stores and a few specialty retail outlets where you can pick up holiday equipment such as fishing gear and snorkels. 

At the beach you’ll find picnic tables, barbecues and play equipment. Feed kangaroos and cuddle a koala at the Cairns Tropical Zoo. Keen golfers can enjoy a game on the local golf course, which is considered one of Australia’s top 50 greens.

Explore the headland of Cape Tribulation and the surrounding Daintree Rainforest on foot, by car or as part of a tour. Walk north along the beach to Palm Cove, a town that offers more bars and restaurants, as well as boutiques and art galleries. Port Douglas is a 45-minute drive north of Clifton Beach. Many tour companies leave from Port Douglas for the Great Barrier Reef, and the town of about 5,000 residents has a thriving backpacker nightlife and fine-dining restaurants.

The weather is warm all year, and hot and humid in summer. Clifton Beach has nets that protect swimmers from harmful marine stingers such as irukandji jellyfish, which are in the waters between November and May. Lifeguards patrol the beach every day during “stinger season”.

Clifton Beach is a 25-minute drive north of Cairns along the Captain Cook Highway. Buses run regularly between Cairns and Palm Cove, stopping at Clifton Beach every hour throughout the day.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Agincourt Beachfront Apartments

Agincourt Beachfront Apartments

3.5 out of 5
69-73 Arlington Esplanade Clifton Beach, Clifton Beach, QLD
Agincourt Beachfront Apartments
Beachcomber Holiday House

Beachcomber Holiday House

3.5 out of 5
Lot 2, 61-67 Arlington Esplanade, Clifton Beach, QLD
Beachcomber Holiday House
Villa Beach Palm Cove

Villa Beach Palm Cove

3.5 out of 5
85-87 Upolu Esplanade, Clifton Beach, QLD
Villa Beach Palm Cove
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

5 out of 5
5 Triton Street, Palm Cove, QLD
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Blue Lagoon Resort

Blue Lagoon Resort

4.5 out of 5
22 - 26 Trinity Beach Road, Trinity Beach, QLD
Blue Lagoon Resort
South Pacific Bed & Breakfast

South Pacific Bed & Breakfast

18 Gibson Cl, Clifton Beach, QLD
South Pacific Bed & Breakfast
Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove

4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, QLD
Drift Palm Cove
Coral Sands Resort

Coral Sands Resort

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Trinity Beach Rd & Vasey Esplanade, Trinity Beach, QLD
Coral Sands Resort
Mantra Amphora

Mantra Amphora

4 out of 5
49-63 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
Mantra Amphora
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach in Cairns offers a delightful mix of activities for visitors. You can unwind at charming beach bars while enjoying refreshing drinks, or partake in various beach activities such as swimming and sunbathing. Families will appreciate the play areas for children, and there are lovely picnic spots perfect for a relaxing meal by the sea. With its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere, Clifton Beach is an ideal destination for a memorable holiday.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Clifton Village Shopping Centre, just 1.3km from Clifton Beach, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, visit Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets and Kite Rite Australia, both located 6.4km away, for unique souvenirs and local treasures.

Recreation

At Paradise Palms Country Club, indulge in a luxurious atmosphere with golf and relaxation amenities. Vie Spa Palm Cove offers soothing body treatments for ultimate wellness. For the adventurous, Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail Head provides invigorating trails amidst serene natural beauty, perfect for rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views at Skyrail Kuranda Cableway Station, located 6.4km from Clifton Beach, where adventure meets nature. For thrilling water sports, visit Cable Ski Cairns, 4.8km away, or Cairns Cable Ski, 8.0km away, both offering exciting outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Clifton Beach with a visit to the Cairns Convention Centre, 20.9km away, or the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, 19.3km distant. For an intimate performance, check out the Rondo Theatre, located 16.1km away, all offering rich culture and entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach offers a delightful blend of attractions, including beautiful beaches, fascinating museums, and lush rainforests. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy outdoor adventures, or simply relax by the sea. Whether you're seeking a tranquil day on the sand or exploring the unique flora and fauna of the rainforest, Clifton Beach caters to all types of travellers looking for an enriching holiday experience.

  • Palm Cove Beach: A stunning stretch of golden sand, Palm Cove Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Enjoy the picturesque palm trees swaying in the breeze as you indulge in local cafés and restaurants overlooking the ocean.
  • James Cook University: Renowned for its research and education, James Cook University boasts modern architecture set within lush gardens. Explore the vibrant campus, where you can experience the energetic city vibes and engage with students from around the globe.
  • Rainforestation Nature Park: Immerse yourself in nature at Rainforestation Nature Park, where you can discover the rich biodiversity of the rainforest. Enjoy eco-friendly tours, encounter native wildlife, and take in breathtaking scenery in this tranquil setting.

Best time to go to Clifton Beach

The best time to visit Clifton Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Clifton Beach falls in January and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather. The coolest average temperature around Clifton Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January80.4°F (26.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February80.4°F (26.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March79.2°F (26.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
April76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.3°F (21.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July69.3°F (20.7°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.7°F (22.6°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December79.9°F (26.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Clifton Beach

To save money on your trip to Clifton Beach, consider visiting during the off-peak months of February to March or November when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for better rates, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Wednesdays are typically the cheapest nights to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter for eco-friendly options and explore package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Always check for any extra fees and ensure free cancellation options are available.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Clifton Beach are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Clifton Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Clifton Beach is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Clifton Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you wish to stay in. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will present you with a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Clifton Beach with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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