The main airport servicing the Northern Beaches area is Cairns International Airport. The airport is about a 15-20 minute drive to Northern Beaches.

If you have not booked a private transfer through us you have a few options. Rental cars, taxis, shuttle buses, and public buses are available at the airport to transfer you to your hotel.

There are several rental car agencies found at the Cairns International Airport, the rental car desks can be found in the arrivals hall of both terminals T1 and T2.

Taxis are available at the airport, taxi stands are located in front of both terminal buildings with taxis readily available 24/7. Taxi prices can be on the expensive side to get to the Northern Beaches. Taxis fares will be determined by the duration and distance traveled. There is an airport taxi fee automatically applied to any taxi ride and prices are higher at night and during the early morning hours. Uber is also available and can be cheaper than taking a taxi.

The Cairns Airport Shuttle of Sun Palm Transport has a transfer service to the Northern Beaches region, there is a desk found inside both terminals. Reservation can be made at the airport or online or by calling 61-7-4099-1191.

There are bus services that connect the beach towns of the Northern Beaches. Regular bus services are offers from Cairns city to reach the beaches, these buses run every 30 minutes. Each beach town has its bus service, timetables, and pricing.

There are taxis that travel from Cairns to the Northern Beach towns, it is a 15-minute ride and prices depend upon duration and distance. Taxis can be found in and around the individual beach towns or call local taxi services to order by phone.

Hiring a car while visiting the Cairn`s Northern Beaches region is a good idea, the initial drive from Cairns is only around 15 minutes to the first beach town of Machans Beach, and then there is quite some distance (19 miles to the last beach at Ellis Beach) between the other nine beach towns, so driving is a good idea. Public transportation is limited and could take a while, and taxis are scarce and will cost a fortune. Having your car will give you the freedom to explore the areas you desire at your own pace.

Yes, all ten of the beach towns are walkable with many attractions such as restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops located within walking distance of the beaches. There is quite some distance between each beach town, so unless you are up for a lengthy hike then having your own transportation to get between the towns is necessary. Once in the individual beach towns, taking a relaxing stroll along the soft white sands is possible with swaying palm trees and the fresh sea air.

Yes, it is possible to ride a bike in the Northern Beaches, this is a great way to get around the quaint beach towns and to connect you to others nearby. Bikes are normally available for hire from different accommodations such as guest houses and bike rental companies in town.

The Cairns Northern Beaches region is an incredibly safe place to visit in the world, just like visiting any other city in the world, be sure to keep your street smarts and keep your personal items safe when you are out and about, use caution when walking in remote areas at night.

Each beach town has its own distinct character and offerings. Exploring the towns on foot or by bike is a great way to get your bearings and see what each one has to offer. In the beach towns, visitors will find quaint shops and boutiques, some souvenir shops and grocery stores, normally they offer the basics for a beachside retreat vacation. This is not much of a shopping region. If you wish to do some real shopping then head south to the city of Cairns which has plenty of shopping opportunities to offer.

There are a total of 10 beaches spread along 16 ½ miles of coastline along the Northern Beaches. Each beach has its unique char all of them boasting soft white sand and calm clear waters with palm trees lining the sands. A few of the beaches here include Machans Beach, Holloway`s Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity Beach and Palm Cove, each one has its small beach town with accommodations and amenities and laid back beachside vibes. The beaches here are idyllic and backed by the lush verdant rainforest mountains, there are many activities offered including jet ski`s, sailing, horseback riding along the sands and many other watersports.

Trinity Beach is a sheltered beach and centrally located within the Northern Beach region. The beach here is lined by picnic tables and barbeques for families to cook and hang out. There is a wide range of tour groups here offering trips to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. There is a great selection of beachfront restaurants, cafes, and shops here with beautiful views of the water.

Palm Cove Beach is a popular tourist spot with a wide range of beach and water activities. Rafting is available on the Russell, Tully and Baron Rivers along with quad bike rides, skydiving, and scenic helicopter rides. The Palm Cove jetty is a bustling place packed with eateries and shops.

The beach towns of Northern Beaches have lots to offer when it comes to food. Visitors can expect to dine at local restaurants, upscale restaurants, cafes, beachside eateries and even have fast food options for those on the go. Supermarkets will stock the essentials to make a picnic to take to the beach and there are plenty of food options offered in nearby Cairns, which is worth a visit. Expect to see menus offering lots of fresh fish and seafood options as you will be on the water.

The Northern Beach towns will all have their own unique nightlife options to offer, whether it be a beachside restaurant or bar with a laid back atmosphere or a hotel lounge with cocktails, fine dining, and entertainment, there is something for everyone in the area. If you are looking for a more happening nightlife scene then you have the option to travel south to the city of Cairns which is known as the party capital! And it`s always happy hour somewhere! This can be reached via a 15-minute drive by taxi or Uber. The most popular areas in Cairns are Grafton, Sheraton and Spence Street with many establishments open until 5 am!!

In the case of an emergency (fire, police, and ambulance) dial 000 or 112 if using an international phone.

Hospitals:

Cairns Base Hospital tel.61-7-4226-0000

Cairns Private Hospital tel. 61-7-4052-5200