Which is the best beach north of Cairns?

A client recently asked me what seemed like a simple question; “What’s the best beach north of Cairns?”

Of course, the answer depends on what you’re looking for in a beach.

So, the passenger refined the question into two parts: which beach is best for swimming and which beach is the most scenic?

Several beaches immediately sprang to mind: Machans Beach is known for its quaint old cottages lining O’Shea Esplanade, while Trinity Beach is an emerging dining hotspot alongside a stunning stretch of sand. Palm Cove, on the other hand, has a peaceful shaded esplanade and a busy popular beach with a fishing pier.

After considering the various options, I decided that the answer to the passenger’s question – for both criteria – was Ellis Beach.

This beach has it all: a shady picnic area for families, water activities, a netted and patrolled swimming area, and stunning scenery with views of the rainforest-covered mountains coming down to the beach. The coastline stretches to the north as far as the eye can see, making it a truly beautiful location.

What also sets Ellis Beach apart from the other beaches in the area is the Ellis Beach Bar and Grill. This place offers casual dining, a beer garden, and live pleasant music on weekends. Visitors can come dressed up or wrapped in a towel from the beach. The food is of great quality, and it is a popular stop when the classic car clubs have their rallies: they like to show off their classic machines and shiny chrome motorbikes lined up out the front every weekend, adding to the fun and tropical atmosphere.

So, while the other beaches all have their charms, Ellis Beach is the clear winner if you’re looking for a combination of great swimming and stunning scenery. Plus, with the added bonus of the Ellis Beach Bar and Grill, you can’t go wrong with this beach as your top pick for a day trip or a longer stay.