Beach near Cairns in Tropical North Queensland
Table of Contents
Hi there, and welcome to my Holloways Beach guide! So that it is easier for you to read I have arranged it into the different sections below:
1. Introduction
2. Where is Holloways Beach?
3. Best Time To Visit Holloways Beach
4. What Facilities do they have at Holloways Beach?
5. How to get to Holloways Beach
6. Things to do at Holloways Beach
7. Holloways Beach Accommodation
8. Holloways Beach Restaurants
9. Final Thought
10. FAQs
After you have read this guide, I hope you will be inspired to go to this fantastic Tropical North Queensland beach!
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).
Read Time: 8 Minutes
Introduction
For many visitors to Cairns, Holloways Beach is one of their first ports of call when they arrive in the city.
Located just a ten minute drive from the CBD, this fantastic Tropical North Queensland beach is an incredibly picturesque destination, boasting pristine, sandy beaches, crystal-clear blue waters and lush palm trees that line it.
The beach also has a laid back, tropical ambience – especially during week days – that makes it the perfect destination for sunbathing, swimming, beach walking and generally treating yourself to a bit of R&R.
Throw in its close proximity to cafes, restaurants, shops, hotels and holiday accommodation and the fact you can easily embark on Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park tours and you really have everything you need to enjoy a wonderful vacation.
The suburb contains the closest patrolled stretch of coastline to the city centre and the second closest beach to the CBD behind Machans Beach.
Where is Holloways Beach?
Holloways Beach is a coastal and residential suburb of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. It is situated about 11 km north from the Cairns Esplanade and airport and is sandwiched in between the suburbs of Machans Beach and Yorkeys Knob.
The suburb contains the closest patrolled stretch of coastline to the city centre and the second closest beach to the CBD behind Machans Beach. It sits on the traditional indigenous land of the Djabugay (Tjapukai) country and has a current permanent population of around 2,400 people.
Distance to Other Beaches in TNQ
Best Time To Visit Holloways Beach
The best time to visit Cairns or indeed Holloways Beach, really depends on your preferences, budget and availability.
As it is located in the suburbs, Cairns experiences two seasons – the wet and the dry season. The wet season runs from November to March and is a time when tropical cyclones and monsoons are not uncommon. That said the weather tends to be very hot and humid, which makes perfect conditions for swimming at the beach – just do this in the stinger nets only, as box jellyfish can be prevalent in the water at this time of year. You will also find the surrounding landscape to be lush and vibrant.
Despite being the wet season, many people come to the beach during the months of December and January which coincide with the main school holidays. At this time, you might find the beach a little crowded and the availability of accommodation a bit more sparse. Prices will vary depending on the weather and demand.
The months of April to October represent the dry season. At this time of year you are more likely to experience clearer skies and little rain. Temperatures are also much warmer than other parts of the country, so they do attract tourists from Victoria, New South Wales, Canberra and New Zealand who are wanting to escape the cold. For this reason, during the school holidays at Easter and in particular June and July it can get busy. However, outside of that time, you are more likely to find cheaper accommodation and a less crowded beach, particularly during the middle of the week.
What Facilities do they have at Holloways Beach?
As you would expect from one of the best beaches near Cairns, Holloways Beach is well-equipped with a range of facilities that are designed to make your visit there as enjoyable as possible.
The foreshore is dotted with barbecue facilities and picnic tables at regular intervals which enable tourists to enjoy a picnic or meal with family and friends against a background of stunning Coral Sea views. In addition, there are several public restrooms and shower facilities that you can use when nature calls.
Along the foreshore you will also find a good selection of dining options, offering a range of international cuisine, with a particular emphasis on seafood. You may also find the odd company promoting tours or equipment for hire for activities such as kits surfing or kayaking.
Overall, the beach’s expansive shoreline stretches for about 2km, which makes it a terrific beach for walking or dog-walking, particularly during the early morning or late afternoon when you can witness stunning sunrises and sunset colours in the sky.
How to get to Holloways Beach
Holloways Beach is a very easy destination to get to. Wherever your starting point in Cairns is, you will need to make your way onto the National Route 1. Once on it, you will eventually come to a roundabout where you will see the exit to Holloways Beach Road. This will eventually lead you to the main entrance of the beach where you should find space in the car park.
If you don’t have access to a car you can catch an Uber there. Alternatively, the likes of Enterprise, Europcar and Budget all have offices where you can rent out a car if you need to, particularly at Cairns Airport.
For those who would rather not drive, you can catch the 120 or 120N bus to the beach from various destinations around town. This bus is operated by Translink and you can check out the current timetable here.
Distance to Other places in Queensland
Things to do at Holloways Beach
Holloways Beach offers a wide range of activities for tourists of all ages. The warm waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, and as the beach is patrolled and there is a stinger net in place in the summer months, you will be able to do so safely. Just make sure you swim in the designated area.
If you have a stinger suit you may prefer to don the snorkel gear and venture out into the Coral Sea to see the wonders of what lies beneath it. While for those who prefer to explore the water in other ways, kayaks and paddleboards can be rented out at the beach. Some adventurous souls even choose to head out on to it on a kiteboard or wakeboard.
Overall, the beach’s expansive shoreline stretches for about 2km, which makes it a terrific beach for walking or dog-walking, particularly during the early morning or late afternoon when you can witness stunning sunrises and sunset colours in the sky. Its gold sand is also very good for picnics, sunbathing, yoga, keep fit exercises and beachcombing. Volleyball is also a popular pastime here, with several games often taking place on the sand, using portable nets.
If you happen to be in the area on a Sunday be sure to check out the Holloway Beach markets. They run from 8 am to 1 pm and contain over 140 stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables, candles and perfumes to handmade jewellery, fresh flowers and bags.
Holloways Beach Accommodation
If you are in need of a place to stay, Holloways Beach offers several accommodation options right near the sand. They range from hotels and resorts to apartments and Airbnb units.
As you would expect, the closer you are to the sand the more expensive the accommodation you choose will be. However, some of the best options include the Cairns Beach Resort, The Beach House @ Holloways and El Ranchito.
The Cairns Beach Resort on Oleander Street is a beachfront location with stunning gardens. They offer comfortable one-bedroom apartments with balconies, kitchens and separate dining and living rooms that have additional sofa beds. All of them are furnished with a flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi and washer/dryers, providing you with all the comforts of home. Some even have views of the Coral Sea.
Elsewhere, The Beach House @ Holloways is also not far from the beach. It accommodates three-bedrooms and features gourmet, fully-equipped kitchens and also offers guests the use of bbq facilities and a swimming pool.
El Ranchito is another good option. This pet-friendly establishment offers bed and breakfast with comfortable rooms, free onsite parking, and a mini-market on site.
If you ever find yourself visiting Cairns, you should make a point of checking out Holloways Beach.
Holloways Beach Restaurants
When it comes to food options you are well looked after at Holloways Beach. Visitors will find a good selection of cafes and eateries both right next to the beach and in the surrounding area.
One of the best options for places to eat include Strait on the Beach on Oleander Street which has a terrific location right next to the beach, directly overlooking the water. There you can enjoy delicious coffee and excellent burgers and seafood dishes. If you happen to go there on a Wednesday night you can enjoy ukulele performances, while on Saturday they have other live music.
Another good option is a little further down is Holloways Pizza & Pasta, which presents a top notch menu of both. In addition, Richards Salt And Pepper Takeaway do excellent fish and chips, as well as Thai curries.
For further dining options, the area around the Cairns Esplanade and CBD has plenty more options.
Final Thought
If you ever find yourself visiting Cairns, you should make a point of checking out Holloways Beach. This stunning coastal area is easy to get to from the Cairns Esplanade and provides a relaxing contrast from its hustle and bustle.
Whether you choose to swim in the Coral Sea, set off on a beach walk or simply just relax on its golden sand, there is no better beach in Tropical North Queensland to recharge your batteries and enjoy some ‘me’ time while soaking in its laid back vibes.
FAQs
How Far Is Holloways Beach from Cairns?
Holloways Beach is situated just a 10 minute drive from the Cairns Esplanade. It is easy to get to via car, bus or Uber on the Captain Cook Highway.
Can you swim at Holloways Beach?
Broadly speaking, it is safe to swim at Holloways Beach outside of stinger season, which runs from October to May. Just make sure you follow safety guides and warning signs. During the season, there is a stinger net in place to protect you.
Where is Holloways Beach located?
Holloways Beach is nestled in between the suburbs of Yorkeys Knob and Machans Beach, around a 10 minute drive from the Cairns CBD and Cairns Esplanade.
