Nothing captures the feel of a summer holiday better than a beautiful, white, sandy beach fringed by palm trees. The far north Queensland coast has hundreds of kilometres of the most glorious beaches you will ever clap eyes on and they're perfect for relaxing, sunbathing or strolling along at sunset or dawn. And there's no problem in finding your own patch of secluded coastlline. Most of the beaches in the region are safe to swim in during the dry season (May - October) although it is wise to be mindful of crocodile signs, particularly at the more isolated beaches in the Daintree-Cape Tribulation areas or where creeks and rivers meet the sea. Avoid swimming during the wet season unless the beach is provided with a stinger net. Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas is four miles of beach heaven and suitable for swimming in all year around as there are stinger net enclosures. There's also plenty of activities, eg sailboarding, to get involved in. Cairns city does not have a beach (although plans are underway to construct a beach and lagoon) but there are some lovely, safe beaches, such as Trinity and Holloways, just a few minutes drive north of Cairns. Palm Cove, about 30 minutes drive north of Cairns is popular as most of the accommodation places and restaurants are right across the road from the beach. The stretches of beach in the Mission Beach region are long and gracious and most of the resorts are within walking distance. Cape Tribulation is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline anywhere on this planet and is one of the few areas in Australia where tropical rainforest meets the sea. Ideal for long, languid walks with that special someone. Most of the islands, including Lizard, Snapper, Dunk and Hinchinbrook have beaches that are nothing short of sensational. Cooktown has some stunning, remote beaches where it is possible to feel very much like Robinson Crusoe. The beaches on northern Cape York are more than worth the effort to get there. There are camping grounds on, or close by many of the beaches, although you will need a permit if staying overnight.