Cairns is famous for its tropical landscapes, proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, stunning beaches and exciting water activities, but can you surf in Cairns? The short answer is not really.
Traditional surfing is not a very popular activity in the region due to the geography, climate and natural features around Cairns making it fairly unsuitable for hitting the waves; however, there are plenty of similar activities available.
Why Surfing in Cairns is Challenging
The beaches around Cairns are not great for surfing, mostly due to the lack of consistent waves. With the nearby Great Barrier Reef acting like a natural barrier, it breaks 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.
There’s also the presence of dangerous marine life (such as box jellyfish and crocodiles), which makes surfing and other water activities unsafe in many areas, especially during the warmer months from November to May. Beaches are equipped with stinger nets during this season to protect swimmers, but these enclosures are no-go locations for surfing.
Surfing Alternatives Near Cairns
Even though Cairns itself is not a great surfing destination, there are spots within a few hours’ drive where surfing is definitely possible, such as:
- Ellis Beach – Located about 30 minutes north of Cairns, Ellis Beach occasionally buffs up some small, surfable waves that are perfect for beginners. While it’s not always a reliable surf spot, it’s a gorgeous beach to visit if you want a quiet escape.
- Rocky Point – A bit further north (just under 1.5 hours away) is a great little area that often puts out some decent swells.
- Mission Beach – About two hours south of Cairns, Mission Beach sometimes gives you surfable conditions, particularly during tropical storms or strong winds. The area is better known for its relaxed vibe and stunning views rather than consistent waves, but it’s worth checking out.
You do have to heed local warnings about stingers, crocs and sharks, but these beaches are generally safe. For dedicated surfers, heading further south to the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast is also an option.
Water Activities in Cairns
If you want the experience of traditional surfing in Cairns, we can still help. There’s plenty of other exciting water-based activities in Cairns, like:
- Kitesurfing and wing surfing – The coastal winds around Cairns and Port Douglas are ideal for the thrilling sports of kitesurfing and wing surfing (yes, it’s ‘wing’ surfing, as you use an inflatable wing to catch the breeze, unlike the traditional sail used in windsurfing).
- Stand-up paddleboarding – The calm waters of Lake Tinaroo provide excellent conditions for stand-up paddleboarding, which is an excellent way to explore the area’s natural beauty while having fun.
- Snorkelling and Diving – it’s not really anything like surfing, but Cairns is world-famous for its access to the Great Barrier Reef – perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving, which is just as fun.
So as you can see, the region provides plenty of alternatives for those eager to explore its waters, but for even more thrilling activities, check out our Cairns Tours page.
FAQs
Why isn’t the surf in Cairns great?
Cairns has calm water due to the Great Barrier Reef acting as a natural barrier and breaking up ocean swells before they reach the coastline. This is great for diving, but not so great for surfing. There’s also some dangerous marine creatures like crocodiles and box jellyfish, so surfing can be risky.
Are there any good surf spots near Cairns?
Yes, there are some nice spots just a short drive away. Ellis Beach (30 minutes north), Rocky Point (1.5 hours north) and Mission Beach (2 hours south) can produce small, surfable waves, especially during windy or stormy conditions.
What are some surfing alternatives in Cairns?
Cairns has plenty of exciting water activities, such as kitesurfing, wing surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. There’s also snorkelling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef, as well as many other adrenaline activities.
Where can I surf in Queensland?
If you want better surfing conditions, head down south to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast. These areas are known for reliable waves and their friendly surf communities.
What is wing surfing in Cairns?
Wing surfing is a thrilling water sport where – instead of a sail used in traditional windsurfing – you hold an inflatable ‘wing’ that catches the wind and helps you glide across the water. It’s really popular in Cairns and Port Douglas thanks to decent coastal winds.
