Yorkeys Knob

➡️
Yorkeys Knob
Yorkeys Knob is one of Cairns’ original northern beach suburbs, located about 20 minutes north of the CBD. Known for its relaxed coastal charm, marina lifestyle, and community feel, it combines long-established homes with modern apartments and units near the beach. The suburb offers a more affordable entry point into the northern beaches property market while retaining a strong connection to both ocean and outdoor recreation.
☑️
Local Insights
Set on low-lying coastal land, Yorkeys Knob has a distinct, easygoing character shaped by its older housing stock and flat, walkable streets. Many homes date back to the 1970s and 1980s, with renovations and rebuilds adding variety to the suburb’s streetscape. Closer to the foreshore, the housing mix shifts toward low-rise unit complexes and beachside apartments, catering to both owner-occupiers and investors.
The suburb is best known for its long sandy beach, a popular kite-surfing destination thanks to steady southeasterly breezes and wide open shoreline. Locals enjoy early morning walks, dog-friendly stretches, and beachside cafés that have added a touch of vibrancy to the foreshore. The café scene has grown in recent years, offering casual breakfast and coffee options that give the suburb a welcoming, lived-in atmosphere.
At the northern end, the Half Moon Bay Marina and Yorkeys Knob Boating Club form the heart of the community’s social life. The marina offers moorings for private vessels and access to fishing and sailing, while the boating club combines waterfront dining with local events and live music.
For day-to-day needs, Yorkeys Knob has a small local shopping strip with a supermarket and convenience stores, while Smithfield Shopping Centre is just a short drive away for larger retail options. Yorkeys Knob State School serves local families, and nearby Smithfield State High School and James Cook University provide secondary and tertiary education options.
Beyond the beachfront, residents enjoy the Half Moon Bay Golf Club, framed by mountain views, and surrounding wetlands that support birdlife and biodiversity.
What Sets Yorkeys Knob Apart
Premier kite-surfing beach and relaxed coastal lifestyle
Half Moon Bay Marina and Boating Club offering a true on-water community
Café culture emerging along the beachfront, adding charm and social appeal
Affordable coastal living compared with Palm Cove and Trinity Beach
Established housing and unit mix, suiting both families and investors
Community-oriented atmosphere, with golf course and wetlands nearby
🔎
Appeal
Yorkeys Knob appeals to those seeking authentic coastal living — relaxed, friendly, and immersed in nature. Its marina, kite-surfing beach, and growing café culture offer a true local lifestyle without the formality of resort precincts.
The suburb attracts long-term residents, retirees, and younger families alike, all drawn to its space, affordability, and connection to the sea. For those wanting to live close to the water and enjoy a community-oriented beachside environment, Yorkeys Knob remains one of Cairns’ most character-rich northern suburbs.
Phone Jennifer Smith on 0419 772 237
