This is a map of kitesurfing locations and possible downwind tours in Far North Queensland.
View Kitesurfing - Far North Queensland in a larger map
Some notes on kitesurfing locations follow.
Port Douglas
In my opinion this is the best spot for kitesurfing for the following reasons:- 4 Mile Beach gets fairly reliable SE trade winds in the 15-25 knot range over much of winter - you can get by with one kite (e.g. a 10 or 12)
- There are no crocs there - but stay clear of the Mowbray River mouth and the harbour: Dixons Inlet / Packers Creek (no kiting there anyway)
- You can do nice downwinders along 4 Mile Beach and catch the shuttle bus back
- Bretto, the owner of Windswell, and his crew can assist with gear, advice, instruction and downwinders
- You can do a big downwinder out to the Low Isles with boat support - Bretto can assist with this.
- The downwinder from Pretty Beach back to 4 Mile Beach is superb.
When there is no wind you can:
- visit Mosman Gorge, rainforest & walks, you might see a Cassowary.
- SUP in the ocean, at Low Isles or down the Mosman River
- Hire a bike or e-bike and ride from Port Douglas to 4 Mile Beach on the bike path
- Cruise to Low Isles - great snorkelling. You may be able to take your kite out by arrangement
- Dive on the outer reef (its a longish boat trip to get there)
- Hang out downtown with the tourists
- Visit Hartley's Crocodile farm - its well worth a look
- Lunch at Thala Lodge and go for a walk in the nature reserve - a spectacular location but you need a car or bike to get there
- Visit the Daintree rainforest on a day trip
- Drive the coast road back towards Cairns and find a nice place for a swim, such as Ellis Beach
- Walk to 4 Mile Beach Lookout on Flagstaff Hill
Yorkeys Knob
A popular spot close to Cairns.
Cooktown
- You need a 4WD to get to the only place to kite (the beach near the Annan River), and its not guaranteed croc free.
- There is much stronger wind the Port Douglas, so you are likely need a smaller kite
- Further north, Kitesurfaris operate tours at a great kiting location near Cape Flattery, which is hard to get to.
Beaches around the Daintree
- You need to be lucky with the wind and there are crocs about - not a great option
- The Daintree River itself is croc central - don't go in the water anywhere near it.
Lizard Island
- I haven't kited there, but by all accounts it is superb. Great wind and a tropical island location with nice sandy beaches.
- You need an extended boat cruise tour to get there, which Windswell can arrange.
Seasons
- Winter months (May to September) - the best time to kite anywhere in North Queensland, with clear skies and consistent trade winds.
- Summer (December to February) - you can kitesurf, but the wind is very inconsistent, it is hot and marine stingers are present in the water.
