Nestled between the bustling tourist meccas of Cairns and Palm Cove is the quietly understated beachfront paradise of Yorkeys Knob. Why not escape the hustle and bustle of Yorkeys Knob’s crowded, tourist-dense cousins (Cairns and Palm Cove) and explore the diverse range of sights and activities it has to offer?
At The York Beachfront Holiday Apartments, we get a lot of questions about things to do in Yorkeys Knob, so we thought we’d put a list together of our recommendations. Enjoy.
YORKEYS KNOB BEACH
As a local, I can honestly say that Yorkeys Knob beach is one of the most idyllic, peaceful beaches amongst all the Cairns northern beaches. With a tree-lined foreshore and an expansive sandy beach, you’ll be amazed by the fact that you can hardly see a single building when walking along the 1.5km long beach.
The southern end of Yorkeys Knob Beach allows dogs to be off the lead, so you’ll generally find a few more people out walking their pooches in the early morning or late afternoon.
Fancy a quiet spot to swim, sunbake or read? I recommend setting up right out the front of The York Beachfront Holiday Apartments. You’ll find the sandy path to the beach just across Sims Esplanade, directly in front of our pool. 200m further north along the beach you’ll find the lifeguard attended swimming net during stinger season (beginning of November until the start of May). As far as things to do in Yorkeys Knob go, spending a day or two on the beach certainly takes the cake.
SHOPPING
Yorkeys Knob has a great range of local shops for general supplies, however for those who like to browse, we recommend the large, air-conditioned shopping centres of Smithfield and Cairns.
WALKING
Walking around Yorkeys Knob is easy. Although footpaths are a scarcity (it’s a North Qld thing), the streets are wide and generally quiet. In Yorkeys Knob, most things are within walking distance. There is a beautiful path along the entire length of the esplanade, right in front of the tree-lined shore with intermittent exercise stations for active holiday makers. And let’s not forget that beach where you can walk right down to the mouth of the Barron River.
GOLF
Fancy a spot of golf? The Half Moon Bay Golf Club offers a challenging golfing experience and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. It’s simply stunning and caters for golfers of all abilities.
DINING IN YORKEYS KNOB
The Yorkeys Knob Boat Club is essentially the hub of social activity in Yorkeys Knob. Here you’ll get great food, a wide selection of drinks, live music and a friendly atmosphere. All to be enjoyed on their seaside deck overlooking the marina and surrounding hills.
Other options include Ten 06 Café Bar and Hidden, both located on Sims Esplanade directly in front of the Yorkeys Knob Beach foreshore.
YORKEYS KNOB NIGHTLIFE
As mentioned above, Yorkeys Knob Boat Club provides entertaining live music on certain afternoons and evenings. As do a few other popular cafes such as Ten 06 Café Bar and Hidden. While young holiday makers who like the club scene may struggle for things to do in Yorkeys Knob in the evenings, it’s the relaxed vibes in the local cafes and restaurants that make Yorkeys a great place to stay.
TOURS
With the option of pickups for most tours, there are literally dozens of different tours to choose from. Here’s just a few great ideas:
- Great Barrier Reef tour
- Hot Air Ballooning over the Tablelands
- Kuranda Village, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Tablelands tours
- Scenic Helicopter tours
- Kite Surfing at Yorkeys Knob Beach
Check out our Activities page for more information on tours from Yorkeys Knob.
Thinking of holidaying in Yorkeys Knob? The York Beachfront Holiday Apartments have fully furnished, self contained, 1-bedroom beachfront apartments available for your next holiday in paradise. Call us directly for the best deals of the day.
