WITH its serene shoreline and proximity to trendy tourist hubs, Clifton Beach is a quiet achiever of the northern suburbs.

Matt Graham has lived at the suburb for more than 30 years and couldn’t have imagined a more idyllic childhood.

“We lived one street off the beach and would be fishing just about every day,” he said.

“It is a bit different now – there is more hustle and bustle – but it’s still not as busy as other parts.”

For 20 years he has worked at Bransford’s Tackle Shop, near the Clifton Village Shopping Centre.

Mr Graham was now looking forward to showing his young daughter some of the suburb’s top fishing spots.

About 20km north of the CBD, Clifton Beach is bordered to the west by Kuranda National Park.

“I only ever go into Cairns if I absolutely need to,” Mr Graham said.

A path connecting the suburb to Palm Cove has made Clifton Beach popular for exercise enthusiasts.

Walks along the beach are made even more relaxing by swaying palm trees and views to Double Island.

According to Cairns Regional Council, Clifton Beach was named after Clifton in Scotland – the birthplace of one of the area’s European settlers, Mary Hunter Smart.

The average house price is hovering about $500,000, just below the nearby Palm Cove, with the median unit price about $280,000.

In 2014 a four-bedroom manor on Arlington Esplanade, Clifton Beach, sold for a mammoth $1.72 million.

Another mansion, at 34-36 Alexandra St, is currently listed for $1.195 million.

Keith and Lily Schirmer have lived in Thetford Close for 21 enjoyable years after moving to Clifton Beach from Port Douglas.

“It’s very quiet here. We live in a cul-de-sac and all our neighbours are extremely friendly,” Mrs Schirmer said.

“We found the area wasn’t particularly touristy, which suited our needs.

“It has changed quite a lot from when we arrived, but we still really enjoy it here.”