Clifton Beach Tours and Activities

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.

Plan a trip to see Clifton Beach

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Coral Tree Inn
Oasis at Palm Cove
Beach Terraces- Port Douglas

Tours & day trips

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Water activities

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Adventure & outdoor

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Popular places to visit


Top Clifton Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Agincourt Beachfront Apartments

Agincourt Beachfront Apartments

3.5 out of 5
69-73 Arlington Esplanade Clifton Beach, Clifton Beach, QLD
Agincourt Beachfront Apartments
Belle Escapes SeaChange at Clifton beach Luxury Beachfront Home

Belle Escapes SeaChange at Clifton beach Luxury Beachfront Home

Clifton Beach
Belle Escapes SeaChange at Clifton beach Luxury Beachfront Home
Absolute Luxury Beachfront Holiday House

Absolute Luxury Beachfront Holiday House

Clifton Beach
Absolute Luxury Beachfront Holiday House
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
Stunning Apartment Right In Front Of The Beach!

Stunning Apartment Right In Front Of The Beach!

Cairns
Stunning Apartment Right In Front Of The Beach!
Decked Out By The Sea 4 Bedrooms

Decked Out By The Sea 4 Bedrooms

Cairns
Decked Out By The Sea 4 Bedrooms
Beachside Apartment With Pool And Garden View!

Beachside Apartment With Pool And Garden View!

Cairns
Beachside Apartment With Pool And Garden View!
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
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

While visiting Clifton Beach, Cairns, explore the stunning beaches and vibrant local culture. Consider day excursions to the Great Barrier Reef or Daintree Rainforest for unforgettable experiences. For relaxation, indulge in spa packages at nearby resorts. Book Cairns tours for an adventurous day out, and don’t hesitate to reach out to local tour operators for the best options and contact details. Remember to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated while enjoying the tropical climate!

Shopping

For unique gifts, visit the Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets, only 6.4km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, head to Cairns Central Shopping Centre, 19.3km away, where you can enjoy a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Experience luxury at Paradise Palms Country Club, where you can unwind in a serene environment surrounded by stunning landscapes. For ultimate relaxation, visit Vie Spa Palm Cove, offering rejuvenating body treatments. For the adventurous, the Smithfield Mountain Bike Park Trail Head provides scenic trails perfect for cycling and exploring nature.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views at the Skyrail Kuranda Cableway Station, located 6.4km from Clifton Beach, where you can glide above the rainforest. For a thrilling day on the water, visit Cable Ski Cairns, situated 4.8km away, or Cairns Cable Ski, 8.0km away, both offering exhilarating water sports.

Nightlife

In Clifton Beach, you can enjoy a vibrant nightlife with venues like the Cairns Convention Centre, renowned for its cultural events, and the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, both 19.3km away. Closer by, the Rondo Theatre offers a mix of family-friendly shows and romantic performances, creating a lively atmosphere.

*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 stunning beaches, cultural experiences, and educational sites like museums and modern colleges. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities while soaking up the sun. For shopping, the nearby Clifton Beach Shopping Centre is conveniently located, providing a range of options for tourists. With various points of interest just a short drive away, from beautiful coastal views to cultural sites, there's plenty to explore in and around Clifton Beach.

  • Palm Cove Beach: just 1.6km from Clifton Beach, Palm Cove Beach offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. With its palm-fringed shore and gentle waves, it’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the sand.
  • Australian Armour and Artillery Museum: Located 9.7km away, this museum showcases a rich collection of military history. Experience the culture and heritage of Australia’s defence forces through interactive exhibits and impressive displays of armoured vehicles.
  • James Cook University: Situated 4.8km from Clifton Beach, this modern university boasts beautiful campus surroundings. Explore its facilities, enjoy the vibrant student atmosphere, and appreciate the blend of education and innovation in this city-like setting.

Best time to go to Clifton Beach

The best time to visit Clifton Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January and February are its hottest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
July69.3°F (20.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August69.6°F (20.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September72.7°F (22.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October75.7°F (24.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 cheaper months of February to March or November, avoiding the pricier July to September. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Wednesdays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the most costly. Use Expedia’s tools to sort by price and combine your hotel with flights and activities for added discounts. Don't forget to check for free cancellation options on select hotels!

  • 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. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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 hotel type. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Clifton Beach hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.