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.
Clifton Beach Tours and Activities
Visit Clifton Beach
Plan a trip to see Clifton Beach
Shantara Resort Port Douglas - Adults Only Retreat
Reviewed on 20 Apr. 2024
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2024
Coral Sands Resort
Reviewed on 20 Apr. 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 52 activitiesOpens in new tabSmall Group Kuranda Tour via Kuranda Scenic Rail and Skyrail
Wildlife & nature
See all 10 activitiesOpens in new tabQuicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 10 activitiesOpens in new tabDeluxe Reef & Rainforest Scenic Helicopter Flight
Adventure & outdoor
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabDaintree Rainforest with Aboriginal Coastal Walk
Cruises & boat tours
See all 4 activitiesOpens in new tabQuicksilver Great Barrier Reef Agincourt Reef Cruise
Reviews of Clifton Beach
4/5 - Good
AS ABOVE... OBSERVE SIGNS STATING 'STINGERS AND CROCS' IN THE AREA. WE SAW CROC TRACKS IN THE SAND NOT 5 METERS FROM THE NETTED SWIM AREA ON THE BEACH! REALITY OF FNQ!
Popular places to visit
Palm Cove Beach
Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.
Rainforestation Nature Park
Why not meet the animals who call Rainforestation Nature Park home during your travels in Kuranda? Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this walkable area or enjoy its local tours.
Skyrail Kuranda Terminal
You can take time to visit Skyrail Kuranda Terminal during your travels to Kuranda. Discover the spectacular coral reefs in this culturally rich area or enjoy its local tours.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Soar above the treetops of the rain forest, gorges and mountains of North Queensland in a glass-enclosed cable car.
Cattana Wetlands
Enjoy the spectacular coral reefs and explore Cattana Wetlands, a lovely green space in Cairns. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.
Kewarra Beach
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Kewarra Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Cairns. Amble around this relaxing area's rainforests or seek out the golf courses.
Top Clifton Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals
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