Welcome to Yorkeys Knob — a wide sandy beach just 15 minutes north of Cairns, Queensland. Popular with kite surfers, dog walkers, and families, it offers calm swimming areas, tropical views, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.
Beach Information
- 🏖️ Best Time to Visit: May to October for dry, pleasant weather.
- 🐠 Marine Stingers: November–May; stinger nets in use.
- 🚩 Lifeguard Patrol: Patrolled during stinger season.
- 🐕 Dog Friendly: Yes — designated off-leash zones.
- 🛠️ Facilities: Marina, picnic areas, BBQs, cafes, parking, amenities.
- ♿ Accessibility: Good wheelchair access to foreshore.
- 🏘️ Closest Town: Cairns — Distance: 15 km
- ✈️ Closest Airport: cairns Airport — Distance: 11 km
- 🌦️ Typical Weather: Tropical; hot, humid summers, warm dry winters.
🏝️Why Visit Yorkeys Knob?
Yorkeys Knob is one of Cairns’ largest northern beaches, stretching wide with soft golden sands and calm tropical waters. Just 15 minutes from Cairns, it’s a favourite with kite surfers, families, and dog walkers. With its relaxed community atmosphere, marina, and spectacular sunrises over the Coral Sea, Yorkeys Knob offers a blend of recreation and coastal charm.
🏖️Things to Do at Yorkeys Knob
- Kite Surfing & Windsurfing: Famous for steady breezes that make it one of the best spots in Far North Queensland.
- Swimming: Safe swimming areas protected by stinger nets during summer months.
- Dog-Friendly Fun: Designated off-leash zones make it perfect for pet owners.
- Beach Walks: Wide sandy stretches ideal for long strolls or jogging.
- Fishing: Cast off from the beach or nearby marina.
- Dining & Cafes: Relax with local eateries and cafes near the foreshore.
- Yorkeys Knob Marina: Popular for boating, fishing charters, and reef trips.
🛍️Facilities & Accessibility
Yorkeys Knob is well set up for visitors:
- 🚻 Toilets, showers, and picnic areas
- 🍖 BBQs and shaded parklands
- 🐕 Dog-friendly zones (on and off-leash)
- 🛟 Patrolled during stinger season
- 🛥️ Marina with boating and fishing facilities
- 🅿️ Parking areas close to the foreshore
- ♿ Good wheelchair access to beach areas
🌤️Best Time to Visit Yorkeys Knob
- 🌞 May to October: Pleasant dry season weather.
- 🪼 November to May: Marine stinger season — nets are in place.
- 🛟 Lifeguard Patrols: Patrolled during stinger season.
- 🌤️ Year-round: Tropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm dry winters.
🗺️ Getting There
🚗 Driving: Yorkeys Knob is located about 15 minutes north of Cairns CBD along the Captain Cook Highway. Turn right at Yorkeys Knob Road, which leads straight to the Esplanade and beachfront.
🚍 Public Transport: Sunbus Route 110 runs regularly between Cairns City and Yorkeys Knob, stopping near Sims Esplanade and the foreshore park.
🅿️ Parking: Free parking is available along Sims Esplanade and near the Yorkeys Knob Surf Life Saving Club. Additional shaded bays are available beside the picnic and BBQ areas.
💡 Info correct at time of writing — check Cairns Regional Council and Sunbus for latest timetables and travel updates.
💡 Local Tips
🌅 Yorkeys Knob offers 1.5 km of calm beach with soft golden sand and gentle waves — perfect for morning walks and kite-surfing.
🌊 A stinger net is in place during the wet season (Nov–May) and lifeguards patrol daily.
🐊 This is crocodile country — always swim inside the nets and observe warning signs.
🎣 Popular for fishing and kiteboarding, especially at the southern end near the creek mouth.
🍹 Visit the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club for seafood dining with ocean views and sunset drinks overlooking the marina.
📍Nearby Attractions
- 🌴 Cairns Esplanade (15 km): Dining, lagoon, and waterfront activities.
- 🏝️ Great Barrier Reef Tours: Day trips depart from nearby marinas.
- 🌳 Barron Gorge National Park (12 km): Rainforest walks, waterfalls, and scenic lookouts.
- 🏖️ Trinity Beach (8 km): Another popular northern beach with family-friendly amenities.
📆 Events & Markets Nearby
Yorkeys Knob is a relaxed beachfront suburb with easy access to nearby coastal markets and Cairns’ best community events.
- 🛍️ Holloways Beach Markets (seasonal): Coastal stalls offering handmade crafts, local produce, plants, art, and gourmet food.
- 🍍 Rusty’s Markets (Friday–Sunday): Tropical fruits, flowers, baked goods, and multicultural street food — a Cairns icon.
- 🎨 Tanks Arts Centre Markets (monthly): Handmade art, ceramics, jewellery, clothing, and creative goods.
- 🛍️ Esplanade Markets (Saturdays): Artisan stalls with handmade gifts, jewellery, artwork, and coastal products.
- 🎶 Cairns Festival (August/September): Parades, concerts, cultural performances, art installations, and waterfront celebrations.
For a full list of what’s on in the region, visit the
👉 Cairns & Northern Beaches Region Attractions | Best Things to Do in Far North Queensland
🏕️Accommodation Near Yorkeys Knob
- 🏨 Beachfront holiday apartments and serviced units
- 🏡 Holiday homes and boutique rentals
- ⛺ Budget-friendly caravan parks nearby
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🍴 Places to Eat & Drink
Yorkeys Knob offers a relaxed beachside dining atmosphere with local cafés, pubs, and the popular Yorkeys Knob Boating Club overlooking the marina. Enjoy breakfast by the water, fresh seafood for lunch, or sunset drinks with ocean and mountain views — then share your favourite food and drink experiences below!
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🧭Plan Your Trip to Yorkeys Knob
Yorkeys Knob combines coastal relaxation with adventure, offering safe swimming, kite surfing, dog-friendly areas, and a full-service marina. Just minutes from Cairns, it’s ideal for families, water sports enthusiasts, and day-trippers. Whether you’re enjoying a sunrise walk, fishing from the marina, or launching into the Great Barrier Reef, Yorkeys Knob provides an unforgettable slice of tropical Queensland.
💬 Share Your Yorkeys Knob Beach Photos & Reviews
📸 We’d love to see your favourite moments from the Cairns & Northern Beaches Region! Upload your photos, share your experiences, and leave a review to help other visitors discover the stunning tropical coastline stretching from Cairns to Port Douglas.
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💙 Explore More Beaches Nearby
Discover more of Cairns’ northern beaches:
Machans Beach ➜ | Holloways Beach ➜ | Trinity Beach ➜ | Palm Cove ➜
🌊 About This Beach Directory
🌴 Note: This directory doesn’t include every beach in Queensland — there are simply too many! We’ve selected the most significant and unique beaches based on a range of factors including natural beauty, accessibility, and local popularity.
If you think we’ve missed one that deserves to be featured, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email us at Admin@QldBeach.com with your photos and tell us why your favourite beach should be added.
☀️ Happy surfing and sunning from the Queensland Beach Guide team!