A South African man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court in far north Queensland this afternoon, charged with a woman's murder.

Musa Brandon Ngwira, 31, was extradited to Cairns after being arrested in Cronulla in southern Sydney at the weekend.

He is accused of killing Jo La Spina, 26, at Bingil Bay near Mission Beach on April 19.

Ngwira arrived at the Cairns Airport today surrounded by detectives.

He put his head in his hands as he was driven to the Cairns Magistrates Court this afternoon, where he was formally charged with murder.

Ngwira's lawyer, Paul Richardson, asked for the case to be adjourned while forensic tests are carried out.

The matter is due to return to court in June.