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 3.7-mile (six-kilometer) 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 neighboring 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.

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Agincourt Beachfront Apartments

Agincourt Beachfront Apartments

3.5 out of 5
69-73 Arlington Esplanade Clifton Beach, Clifton Beach, QLD
Agincourt Beachfront Apartments
Spacious Luxury House on Clifton Beach with Heated Saltwater Pool

Spacious Luxury House on Clifton Beach with Heated Saltwater Pool

Clifton Beach
Spacious Luxury House on Clifton Beach with Heated Saltwater Pool
Beautiful Beachfront Holiday Home in Clifton Beach

Beautiful Beachfront Holiday Home in Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach
Beautiful Beachfront Holiday Home in Clifton Beach
Blue Lagoon Resort

Blue Lagoon Resort

4.5 out of 5
22 - 26 Trinity Beach Road, Trinity Beach, QLD
Blue Lagoon Resort
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, Cairns, is the perfect destination for adventure seekers and night owls alike. Enjoy thrilling activities like surfing and paddleboarding, with local lessons available for beginners. As the sun sets, the vibrant nightlife comes alive, offering a mix of bars and restaurants to unwind and socialise. Don’t forget to pack your beach essentials for a delightful day by the sea, soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning coastal views.

Shopping

At Clifton Beach, visit Clifton Village Shopping Centre, only 1.3km away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. The Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets, 6.4km away, provide a unique local experience. If you're up for a drive, Kite Rite Australia is also located 6.4km away.

Recreation

Experience luxury at Paradise Palms Country Club, where you can unwind in a serene setting. Enjoy rejuvenation at Vie Spa Palm Cove, indulging in body treatments that promote relaxation. For adventure, explore the scenic trails at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park, perfect for both fitness and tranquillity.

Adventure

Experience the Skyrail Kuranda Cableway for a breathtaking gondola ride through the lush rainforest, located 6.4km from Clifton Beach. For water sports enthusiasts, Cable Ski Cairns and Cairns Cable Ski, situated 3 and 8.0km away respectively, offer thrilling wakeboarding and water skiing adventures amidst stunning scenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Clifton Beach offers a vibrant mix of culture and entertainment. Enjoy a performance at the Cairns Convention Centre, located 20.9km away, or the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, 19.3km away. Don't miss the Rondo Theatre, a mere 16.1km from the beach, for an enchanting evening.

*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 an array of attractions for every type of traveller, including stunning beaches, fascinating museums, and lush rainforests. Whether you seek a cultural experience, outdoor adventures, or simply wish to relax by the shore, the region provides an ideal blend of activities. Embrace the natural beauty and vibrant local culture during your visit to this picturesque coastal destination.

  • Palm Cove Beach: just 1.6km from Clifton Beach, Palm Cove Beach offers a stunning tropical paradise with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Its laid-back atmosphere and swaying palm trees create the perfect setting for relaxation, sunbathing, and swimming, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
  • James Cook University: Located three miles away, James Cook University is an esteemed institution that boasts modern architecture and vibrant city vibes. Visitors can explore its beautiful campus, enjoy art displays, or engage with students and faculty in a lively academic environment.
  • Rainforestation Nature Park: Four miles from Clifton Beach, this eco-friendly park immerses you in lush rainforest scenery. Experience wildlife encounters, guided tours, and Aboriginal cultural performances, all while enjoying the serene beauty of the natural surroundings.

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 during your trip to Clifton Beach, consider visiting between February to March or November, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help you secure better rates, with Wednesday being the least expensive day to stay. Take advantage of last-minute deals on Expedia, and consider combining flights and activities for additional savings. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and location, ensuring you find the best options for your stay.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Clifton Beach about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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 preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable options and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Clifton Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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