Lexi Webster
Cairns, Australia, is not known for its surfing scene, despite being a coastal city in Queensland surrounded by incredible beaches and wild rainforests. The nearby Great Barrier Reef acts as a natural barrier, breaking ocean swells before they reach the coast, resulting in a lack of consistent waves. However, for those eager to surf, there are a few spots within a few hours' drive, such as Ellis Beach and Rocky Point, that occasionally offer small, surfable waves. While Cairns may not be the best destination for traditional surfing, it offers plenty of other water-based activities like kitesurfing, wing surfing, and snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Surfing in Cairns | Not a popular surfing destination due to geography, climate, and natural features |
| Surfing spots near Cairns | Ellis Beach, Buchan Point, Rocky Point, Mission Beach |
| Surfing conditions near Cairns | Unpredictable and unreliable waves; occasional waves that may be suitable for beginners or experienced surfers |
| Alternative water activities in Cairns | Kitesurfing, wing surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, scuba diving |
| Great surfing destinations in Australia | Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Sydney, Queensland, Victoria |
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What You'll Learn
Surfing alternatives in Cairns
Cairns, Australia, is not known for its surfing due to the lack of consistent waves. The Great Barrier Reef, which is located close by, acts as a natural barrier, blocking waves and preventing swell from reaching the shore. However, there are plenty of alternative water-based activities to try in Cairns.
Kitesurfing and Wing Surfing
The coastal winds around Cairns and Port Douglas are ideal for kitesurfing and wing surfing. Wing surfing involves using an inflatable wing to catch the wind and glide across the water, rather than a traditional sail.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
For a more leisurely activity, try stand-up paddleboarding in the calm waters of Lake Tinaroo or Lake Eacham. This is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area while exercising.
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
Cairns is world-renowned for its access to the Great Barrier Reef, making it an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving. Explore the diverse and colourful marine life of the Outer Reef or the reefs around islands such as Green Island and Fitzroy Island.
Whitewater Rafting
The Barron River and Tully River offer rapids ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 4. Join a guided rafting tour to navigate the rushing waters with all the necessary gear provided.
Swimming in Waterfalls
Take a dip in one of the many waterfalls around Cairns, such as Mossman Gorge near Port Douglas or the Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit.
While traditional surfing may not be the best option in Cairns, there are still plenty of exciting water activities to enjoy in this lush region.
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Closest surf spots to Cairns
Cairns is not known for being a surf destination. The nearby Great Barrier Reef acts as a natural barrier, breaking up ocean swells before they reach the coast. This means that the beaches near Cairns rarely experience the kind of wave action needed for a good surfing session.
However, there are a few spots within a few hours' drive of Cairns where surfing is possible:
Buchan Point
Located about half an hour's drive north of Cairns, Ellis Beach is a beautiful, often uncrowded spot with a right-hand break on its southern end. Waves here start to break at the 1-foot mark and can exceed 3 feet.
Rocky Point
Just under 1.5 hours north of Cairns, Rocky Point occasionally has decent swells due to tropical cyclones.
Mission Beach
About 2 hours south of Cairns, Mission Beach sometimes offers surfable conditions, particularly during tropical storms or strong winds. This area is better known for its relaxed vibe and stunning views.
It's important to note that the surf breaks near Cairns are unpredictable and unreliable. For beginners looking to learn surfing, it is recommended to go further south to destinations like Noosa, the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Newcastle, or Sydney, which offer consistent waves year-round.
Additionally, the presence of dangerous marine life such as crocodiles, sharks, and box jellyfish makes surfing and other water activities unsafe in many areas, especially during the warmer months from November to May.
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Best times to surf in Cairns
Surfing in Cairns is not a popular activity due to the geography, climate and natural features that make it unsuitable for surfing. The Great Barrier Reef, located near Cairns, acts as a natural barrier, blocking waves and preventing swells from reaching the coast. As a result, the beaches near Cairns rarely experience the wave action required for surfing.
However, if you are an experienced surfer who knows how to read the ocean, there are a few locations near Cairns where you can occasionally find surfable waves. These spots are unpredictable and unreliable, and it can be challenging to determine when conditions will be favourable. Here are some of the best locations and times to surf near Cairns:
Ellis Beach
Located about 28 to 30 kilometres or a 30-minute drive north of Cairns, Ellis Beach is a beautiful and often uncrowded spot. While it doesn't break often, small waves that are perfect for beginners using longboards can occasionally be found during mid-low tide.
Rocky Point
Rocky Point, located near Port Douglas, is about an hour and a half north of Cairns. It offers decent swells, especially after tropical cyclones.
Mission Beach
About two hours south of Cairns, Mission Beach sometimes offers surfable conditions, particularly during tropical storms or strong winds. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning views rather than consistent waves.
Etty Bay
Etty Bay is located about an hour and a half from Cairns and sometimes sees waves during the cyclone season.
It is important to note that the presence of dangerous marine life, such as box jellyfish, crocodiles, and sharks, can make surfing unsafe in many areas, especially during the warmer months from November to May. Beaches are equipped with stinger nets during this season, but these enclosures are not suitable for surfing.
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Surfing dangers in Cairns
Surfing in Cairns, Australia, comes with a few dangers that are important to be aware of. Firstly, the beaches around Cairns are not known for their surfability due to the lack of consistent waves. The nearby Great Barrier Reef acts as a natural barrier, breaking up ocean swells before they reach the coast and preventing the beaches from experiencing the wave action needed for surfing. This means that surfers have to venture out beyond the reef to find waves, which can take up to two hours and requires knowledge of the ocean to navigate.
Secondly, the waters around Cairns are home to dangerous marine life, including box jellyfish and crocodiles, which can make surfing unsafe, especially during the warmer months from November to May. Beaches are equipped with stinger nets during this season to protect swimmers, but these areas are not suitable for surfing.
Additionally, the presence of sharks and the murky water conditions can make it difficult to spot them, posing a potential risk to surfers. It is recommended to surf with others and avoid early or late hours when these predators are more likely to be active.
While Cairns may not be ideal for traditional surfing due to these dangers and unpredictable wave conditions, there are plenty of other exciting water activities on offer, such as kitesurfing, wing surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
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Surfing lessons in Cairns
Cairns is not a great destination for surfing due to the geography, climate, and natural features that make it fairly unsuitable for surfing. The nearby Great Barrier Reef acts as a natural barrier, blocking ocean swells and preventing them from reaching the coast. This results in a lack of consistent waves, making the beaches near Cairns unsuitable for surfing. Additionally, the presence of dangerous marine life, such as box jellyfish and crocodiles, further limits the options for surfing and other water activities, especially during the warmer months from November to May.
However, if you are still keen on surfing in Cairns, there are a few spots within a reasonable distance where you might catch the occasional wave. These include:
- Ellis Beach: Located about 28-30 km or a 30-minute drive north of Cairns, Ellis Beach occasionally offers small, surfable waves perfect for beginners. While the waves are not always reliable, it is a beautiful and uncrowded spot to visit.
- Rocky Point: About 1.5 hours north of Cairns, Rocky Point offers decent swells, particularly after tropical cyclones.
- Mission Beach: Approximately two hours south of Cairns, Mission Beach occasionally provides surfable conditions, especially during tropical storms or strong winds. It is known for its relaxed vibe and stunning views.
It is important to note that these spots can have unpredictable and unreliable waves, and you may need to be an experienced surfer who can read the ocean to catch a wave. Additionally, be cautious of the presence of crocodiles and sharks in the area, and always follow local warnings and safety guidelines.
If you are a beginner looking for more consistent waves, you may want to consider surf spots further south, such as Queensland's Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast, which are known for their reliable waves and friendly surf communities. Alternatively, you could explore other water activities that Cairns has to offer, such as kitesurfing, wing surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, and diving in the Great Barrier Reef.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Cairns is not known for being a good surfing destination. The beaches around Cairns are not great for surfing due to a lack of consistent waves. The Great Barrier Reef also acts as a natural barrier, breaking up ocean swells before they reach the shore.
Yes, there are a few spots within a few hours' drive of Cairns where surfing is possible. These include Ellis Beach, about 30 minutes north of Cairns, which has occasional small, surfable waves. Rocky Point, about 1.5 hours north, also has some decent swells, and Mission Beach, about two hours south, can have surfable conditions during tropical storms or strong winds.
There are plenty of other exciting water activities in Cairns, such as kitesurfing, wing surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, and diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is also a great base for exploring the nearby rainforests and waterfalls.
