Making the most of Yorkeys Knob
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise vessels cannot dock here, so passengers are tendered to shore. Please note that, as of 2016, Princess Cruise will use the Cairns cruise terminal, which is far more convenient.
Yorkeys Knob, the best-kept secret of Australia's Tropical North Queensland, is only 10 minutes north of Cairns International Airport and 15 minutes from Cairns City.
This appealing Cairns Northern Beaches destination offers safe swimming beaches, restaurants, a shopping centre, accommodation, a world-class marina, sports, car hire and genuinely friendly residents.
Yorkeys Knob Boating Club sits in the Half Moon Bay cove, serving bistro food in an open-air setting. Its covered balcony has expansive marina and ocean views, and a courtesy bus is available. Half Moon Bay Marina provides 200 sheltered berths for craft up to 30 metres.
Visitors are welcome at one of the Tropical North's most popular golf courses in Yorkeys Knob. Overlooking the Boating Club and Marina, picturesque Half Moon Bay Golf Club provides magnificent vistas across the Coral Sea.
On the broad golden, palm-fringed beach, you will always be able to find a personal piece of paradise. The principal patrolled beach is protected by stinger nets during summer. Swim, sail, wind-surf, snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef, or explore the World Heritage Rain Forests and Cairns City, all while based in Yorkeys Knob. Regular city buses, courtesy tour pick-ups and local car rentals are available.
Nearby places
Trendy Yorkeys Knob beach resort lies just 13kms from Cairns, North Queensland's hub. Cairns is famed for tropical rainforests, bright skies and access to the Great Barrier Reef, while also suiting anyone seeking wilderness and beauty.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia's most spectacular attraction, is readily accessible from Yorkeys Knob.
Ride the 7.5km-long Rainforest Cableway into the heart of the rainforest for an unforgettable experience and memorable views across pristine tropical rainforest.
Money
Australian Dollar is the local currency.
Opening Hours and
Shops and services usually open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and until lunchtime on Saturday. Across cities and larger towns, many businesses trade late on Thursday or Friday evening, generally until 9pm, and throughout Saturday. Shopping centres often open on Sundays too.
In remote rural areas, roadhouses supply every essential service for the traveller and generally operate 24 hours a day on major highways. Tourist offices in visitor areas, including those far off the beaten track, often open daily or at least all week plus weekend mornings; urban information centres are more likely to follow standard shopping hours.
Visitor attractions such as museums, galleries and staffed historic monuments frequently open daily, although those in rural communities may keep irregular hours.