Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland

Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland

Australia

Dive into the world's largest coral reef system where tropical fish dart through pristine gardens just steps from the shore.

Currency Australian Dollar (AUD)
Language English
Time Zone AEST (UTC+10)
Best Time to Visit Nov–Apr
Typical Duration 10-11 nights
Price Range $597.50–$1,955.50 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and tropical North Queensland, offering pristine beaches and world-class diving opportunities.

Cruises that visit Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland

Build Your Day in Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Cairns Central Shopping Centre It's a relief to shop in air-conditioned mall in cairns heat and humidity. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 8k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Nu Nu Restaurant The freshest locally sourced products they can get their hands on. Australian restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 4k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Kuranda Scenic Railway Dramatic rainforest & waterfall views Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 4k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Kuranda Koala Gardens Interactive wildlife attraction Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Smithfield Shopping Centre Butchers, groceries, clothes, nails, hair, booze! Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 3k Closed · Opens 9 AM
L'Unico Trattoria Italiano Casual, classic dining & a sea-view deck Italian restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 3k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Vivo Palm Cove Casual but efficient, pleasant, warm and hospitable service. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 3k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill Top place great Sunday music & fabulous $2.00 oysters was an awesome treat. Bar & grill · ★ 4.4 · 2k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Trinity Beach Tavern Amazing cocktails and great atmosphere! Pub · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Yorkeys Knob Boating Club A waterfront dining spot offering steaks Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM
NOA Restaurant Cairns Happy hour food·Great cocktails·Vegan options Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 6 AM
The Bluewater Great venue, reasonably priced drinks & wonderful food. Bar & grill · ★ 4.4 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett Bungee jump & swing set in a rainforest Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Billy Tea Safaris I did the Chillagoe caves,granite gorge and aboriginal rock art tour. Tour agency · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Smithfield Tavern Great night @the trivia, cold beer, good food & witty trivia questions. Pub · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closes soon · 4 AM
Il Chiosco Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegan options Italian restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Strait on the Beach Great all round live music friendly staff foods great awesome location Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Goomboora Park Huge open green areas for picnics with playgrounds and seating. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open 24 hours
Yorkeys Knob Foreshore Park Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open 24 hours
Cairns Waterfalls Onsite services·Online appointments Tour agency · ★ 5 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 AM
The Beach House at Trinity Beach Casual service and environment right on the beach front. Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Restaurant Oak & Vine - Cairns A benchmark in Cairns where they have made excellent their normal. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
Rise & Bake Creperie Excellent coffee to milk ratio, fresh roasted beans and friendly staff. Cafe · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed
Palooka Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegan options Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 6 AM Wed
Code Cairns Hands down the best food and cocktails on the northern beaches of Cairns. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Kickin'Inn Smithfield Amazing experience, very tasty food, very affordable.can not wait to return Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM
hidden@yorkeys Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegan options Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Garage palm cove Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegan options Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
Flamingos Tiki Bar Amazing cocktails, friendly bar staff and very chill atmosphere. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Memories Cafe @ Yorkeys Knob Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM Tue
Ten 06 Fabulous breakfast, lunch and dinner. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Wed
Jamdrop Cafe Cairns Amazing coffee and food is fairly priced Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed
Henry Ross Lookout Breath taking view, photos don't do it justice. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Everyday Lover Finally found the best breaky spot in Cairns. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
Palm Cove Shopping Village Excellent range of products and produce and services for the price 👌 Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
ANNEES® The coffee is genuinely addictive and the service is always incredible. Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed
Mayhem At Machans Great coffee, beautiful location, nice food and easy access. Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed
Summer Bar Friendly staff, great priced beers and fun atmosphere! Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM
Thai Bangkok Street Food Just a great friendly, family vibe and the food is just magnificent. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Yorkeys Knob Beach Playground Wonderful pathway to ride bikes around the playground as well. Playground · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open 24 hours
Tasty at Yorkeys Outdoor seating·Vegetarian options·Kids' menu Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM Tue
The Fox Small Bar Small cosy atmosphere, great happy hour 3pm to 6pm $14 cocktails. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM Wed
Friendly Grocer Probably the best hot box in cairns region Grocery store · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 AM
Bar 94 Club & Beer Garden The prices for entrance fees and drinks were fair. Disco club · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Fri
Yorkey’s Bakery The best food, the most inexpensive, and the friendliest service. Bakery · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Teddy Espresso Smithfield Good coffee, friendly service, a cool setting and a nice vibe. Espresso bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed
Multy Cut Meats @ Yorkeys Knob Fantastic range, fair pricing, friendly service. Butcher shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
D'Lish on McGregor Best coffee, best toasties and really friendly stuff. Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed
The Big Chill Clifton Beach Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Wed
Giving & Living Lifestyle Store The range is amazing and the quality is spectacular. Boutique · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Yorkeys Knob Adventure Playground Bbqs near by as well as picnic table. Playground · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open 24 hours
Bottlemart Onsite services Liquor store · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Thai Spicy Dish Good pricing and seriously good food. Thai restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Tue
Amazeal Açai Bar | Smithfield Hub Recently opened Cafe · ★ 5 · 0k Closed
Pirate Ship Easily the highlight of any Cairns trip. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Pickles Restaurant and Bar Friendly staff and a menu stacked with options to satisfy all. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM Tue
The York Beachfront Holiday Apartments 15+ years in business 4-star hotel · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed
Yorkeys Knob Tourist Information Centre Onsite services Tourist information center · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Vintage Seeker Stunning variety, reasonable prices for quality goods Vintage clothing store · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Tue
GreenRoomByManik Beautiful little place with very unique gift ideas. Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Wed
La Delizia - Thai Street Food Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Thai restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Wed
The Gifting Gnome Cute little gift shop, selling all sorts of gifts created by local artists. Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Wed
Yorkeys Knob Beach Beautiful beach, BBQ areas, and playground at Yorkeys. Scenic spot · ★ 3.8 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland

About Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland

Yorkeys Knob, nestled near Cairns on Queensland's tropical north coast, serves as a vibrant port of call for cruisers exploring Australia and the South Pacific. Two major cruise lines—Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International—regularly call here, offering passengers convenient access to this stunning region. With 15 upcoming cruises and peak seasons spanning from October through March, this port is an increasingly popular stop on longer itineraries, particularly on 11-night voyages that connect Cairns with Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, and the charming coastal towns of Port Douglas and Airlie Beach.

When your ship docks at Yorkeys Knob, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to experience the natural wonders of Far North Queensland. The nearby Great Barrier Reef beckons with world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities, while the lush Daintree Rainforest—one of Earth's oldest ecosystems—offers unforgettable adventures just a short journey from the port. Whether you're seeking underwater exploration or tropical rainforest discovery, this port delivers authentic Australian experiences that make for memorable cruise memories.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

Yorkeys Knob is your gateway to the world's largest coral reef system, just minutes from the cruise terminal. Join a reef tour to snorkel or dive among vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish, or take a glass-bottom boat for an equally spectacular underwater experience without getting wet.

2

Taste Fresh Tropical Seafood

Indulge in Cairns' renowned seafood scene at waterfront restaurants near the port, where barramundi, mud crab, and reef fish are prepared fresh daily. Local favorites showcase Queensland's bounty with Asian-inspired flavors reflecting the region's multicultural heritage and tropical ingredients.

3

Wander Cairns Central Markets

Discover local produce, handicrafts, and Aboriginal art at this vibrant weekend market just a short drive from Yorkeys Knob. Browse tropical fruits, handmade jewelry, and authentic souvenirs while experiencing the authentic pulse of Cairns' community and creative culture.

4

Visit the Cairns Museum

Uncover the region's rich Indigenous heritage and colonial history at this compact museum near the waterfront. Exhibits showcase Aboriginal culture, local artifacts, and the area's transformation from frontier outpost to modern tropical destination, offering deep cultural insight in just a few hours.

5

Relax at Palm Cove Beach

Escape to this picturesque palm-fringed beach just north of Yorkeys Knob, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or a leisurely beachside lunch. The calm waters and tropical setting provide an idyllic tropical escape with stunning mountain backdrops and a laid-back Australian beach atmosphere.

Cruise Lines at Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland

Cruises Departing From Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland

Cruises Visiting Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland

Ship Schedule at Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland

Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, Queensland Location

Other Cruise Ports in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yorkeys Knob best known for?

Yorkeys Knob is known for its safe swimming beaches, golden sand, and proximity to Cairns with easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.

How can I get to Yorkeys Knob from Cairns?

Yorkeys Knob is about 15–20 minutes north of Cairns by car via the Captain Cook Highway (A1).

What activities are popular at Yorkeys Knob?

Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, sailing, kayaking, and seaside dining with views of the Coral Sea.

When is the best time to visit Yorkeys Knob?

The dry season (May to October) offers cooler days; summer brings warmth and tropical rain.