Clifton Beach Tours

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Clifton Beach which includes tropical scenes, a beach and general coastal views
Clifton Beach which includes general coastal views, tropical scenes and a beach
Clifton Beach featuring a beach
Clifton Beach featuring a sandy 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.

Plan a trip to see Clifton Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Coral Sands Resort
The Reef House Adults Retreat
Sanctuary Palm Cove

Browse tours and tickets to explore Clifton Beach

Tours & day trips

See all 39 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 9 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 5 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Clifton Beach

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
Beachcomber Holiday House

Beachcomber Holiday House

3.5 out of 5
Lot 2, 61-67 Arlington Esplanade, Clifton Beach, QLD
Beachcomber Holiday House
Clifton Sands Holiday Apartments

Clifton Sands Holiday Apartments

3.5 out of 5
81-87 Guide Street, (Entrance on Clifton Road), Clifton Beach, QLD
Clifton Sands Holiday Apartments
3 Bedroom Beachfront Apartment at Clifton Beach

3 Bedroom Beachfront Apartment at Clifton Beach

Cairns
3 Bedroom Beachfront Apartment at Clifton Beach
Seascape Luxury Beachfront Holiday House

Seascape Luxury Beachfront Holiday House

3.5 out of 5
11 Arlington Esplanade, Clifton Beach, QLD
Seascape Luxury Beachfront Holiday House
Argosy On The Beach

Argosy On The Beach

4 out of 5
119 Arlington Esplanade, Clifton Beach, QLD
Argosy On The Beach
Palm Cove/Cairns beaches tropical spacious retreat

Palm Cove/Cairns beaches tropical spacious retreat

Clifton Beach
Palm Cove/Cairns beaches tropical spacious retreat
Mango Wood Villa - Tropical Coastal Living

Mango Wood Villa - Tropical Coastal Living

Clifton Beach
Mango Wood Villa - Tropical Coastal Living
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

Enjoy stunning ocean views and relax on the beautiful sands of Clifton Beach in Cairns, Queensland. This picturesque beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and taking leisurely strolls along the shoreline. Explore nearby parks and nature trails for a taste of the local flora and fauna, or indulge in water sports like snorkeling and kayaking to experience the vibrant marine life. Clifton Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for every tourist.

Shopping

The Clifton Village Shopping Centre, located 0.8 miles from the beach, offers a vibrant mix of shopping and entertainment. For a unique experience, check out the Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets, just 4 miles away, showcasing local crafts and foods. If you're up for a drive, the Smithfield Shopping Centre is 5 miles away, featuring family-friendly shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Paradise Palms Country Club offers a luxurious retreat with stunning surroundings and top-notch amenities, perfect for relaxation. Vie Spa Palm Cove provides rejuvenating body treatments in a tranquil setting, while Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail Head is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and wellness through cycling.

Adventure

Experience the Skyrail Kuranda Cableway for breathtaking views as you glide above the rainforest, located 4 miles from Clifton Beach. For water sports enthusiasts, Cable Ski Cairns, 3 miles away, offers thrilling wakeboarding adventures and fun on the water. Enjoy an exhilarating experience at Cairns Cable Ski, 5 miles from the beach.

Nightlife

In Clifton Beach, the nightlife is vibrant with cultural experiences. The Cairns Convention Centre, located 13 miles away, and the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, 12 miles away, offer captivating performances. The Rondo Theatre, only 10 miles from Clifton Beach, adds to the romantic and entertaining atmosphere perfect for families.

*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, Cairns, offers a delightful mix of attractions, including stunning beaches, engaging museums, and lush rainforests. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities and immerse themselves in the local culture. Don’t miss the chance to explore the best spots like Clifton Bay Beach, Clifton 1st Beach, and Clifton Hill Beach for an unforgettable coastal experience.

  • Palm Cove Beach: Relax at Palm Cove Beach, a picturesque destination just 1 mile from Clifton Beach. Enjoy the soft sands, palm-lined shores, and tranquil waves, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or leisurely strolls.
  • Rainforestation Nature Park: Explore the lush Rainforestation Nature Park, located 4 miles away. This eco-friendly haven offers outdoor adventures amidst stunning scenery, including guided tours that immerse you in the beauty of the rainforest.
  • Australian Armour and Artillery Museum: Delve into history at the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, situated 6 miles from Clifton Beach. Discover an impressive collection of military vehicles and artifacts that showcase Australia's rich cultural heritage.

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, plan your visit during the off-peak months of February to March or November, when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodations about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Wednesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia's search tools for budget-friendly options and consider package deals that combine flights and hotels. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and help you earn cash for future bookings.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and offers, make sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Clifton Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia