Where Can You Surf In Cairns?
There isn't much surf in Cairns because the Great Barrier Reef blocks any swell coming in from the sea. However, the occasional wave can be found if you know where to look! Besides, Cairns is full of fun water activities to try besides surfing. We're going to give a brief overview of surfing in Cairns as well as suggestions for other thrilling things to do when the water is flat as can be.
Can you surf in Cairns?
Generally speaking, no, you can't surf in Cairns or elsewhere in northern Queensland. With the Great Barrier Reef blocking waves right offshore, the beaches around Cairns are protected from any swell. This is great for families with young kids and travellers looking to snorkel or relax in calm water. But it's not ideal for die-hard surfers!
Cairns is an incredible city surrounded by reef and rainforest, but it's not known for being a surf destination. Those hoping to catch a few waves on Australia's East Coast are better off heading further south. Destinations like Noosa, the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Newcastle, and Sydney are world famous surf destinations with consistent waves year-round. The furthest north you can surf in Queensland is Agnes Water and the town of 1770. Just north of these small towns, the Great Barrier Reef starts absorbing waves and preventing swell from making it to the shore.
Where can you surf in Cairns?
Despite the lack of surf in Cairns, there are a few local spots where the occasional wave can be found. Ellis Beach is a gorgeous spot about 28km north of Cairns. Once in a while at mid-low tide, small waves break here that you can catch with a longboard. Rocky Point near Port Douglas also has the occasional swell due to tropical cyclones. Etty Bay is another spot about 1.5 hours from Cairns that sometimes sees waves during cyclone season.
The important thing to note about these surf breaks near Cairns is that they are unpredictable and unreliable. You really can't get your hopes up about consistent waves in Cairns, and you'd have to be an experienced surfer who knows how to read the ocean to catch a wave at these spots. If you're a beginner looking to learn surfing, you'd want to take lessons somewhere further south where the waves are consistent. But for knowledgeable surfers desperate for a wave, those are a few local spots where the occasional wave may pop up! You can also catch a boat out beyond the reef where there might be waves, but you'd want to go with a local who knows exactly where to go.
Other fun water activities to try in Cairns
Don't let the lack of surf in Cairns get you down! This lush area is a mecca for other fun water activities, whether you want to explore the Great Barrier Reef or gallivant around the waterfalls and canyons of the rainforest. Here are some exciting ways to fill your time in Cairns if you want to get active and escape the tropical heat.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Cairns. Book a day trip or an overnight trip out to the Outer Reef and get up close with the diverse, colorful marine life that lies below the surface. There is also amazing snorkelling in the reefs around various islands such as Green Island or Fitzroy Island.
Here are some of the most popular Great Barrier Reef day tours from Cairns!
Scuba diving
If you want to elevate your underwater experience, try scuba diving near Cairns! For those who want to learn scuba diving, Cairns is the perfect place to take your first breaths underwater. You can book classes and get certified, or you can have an immersive diving experience on a Great Barrier Reef liveaboard!
Swimming in waterfalls
Take your water adventures inland and enjoy swimming in one of the many waterfalls around Cairns. From the serene Mossman Gorge up near Port Douglas, to the tumbling cascades of the Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit, there is truly no shortage of waterfalls for escaping the heat near Cairns.
Whitewater rafting
Another fun water sport to try in Cairns is whitewater rafting! The Barron River and the Tully River are two freshwater sources near the city that have rapids ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 4. Join a thrilling rafting tour where all your gear is provided and you have experienced guides to help you navigate through the rushing water.
Photo: Wildside Adventures River Rafting
Paddleboarding
A fun way to get up on a board without needing waves is paddleboarding. This leisurely sport allows you to exercise and sightsee in various places. Any of the calm beaches around Cairns would be fine for paddleboarding, though you may want to stick to a freshwater lake just in case you have an unfortunate run-in with a saltwater croc near the ocean! Lake Eacham is a beautiful crater lake in the Atherton Tablelands that is perfect for paddleboarding.
River tubing
If whitewater rafting seems like a bit much for you, consider river tubing instead! You can float down the Mulgrave River or Behana Gorge in an inflatable tube with a guide and have a blast cruising through the rainforest. This is a low-risk way to have a water adventure in the wilderness outside Cairns.
