Palm Cove Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Palm Cove
Relax on sandy beaches and swim in turquoise waters at a resort town between the Great Barrier Reef and the rain forests of tropical Far North Queensland.

Palm Cove is a small but popular resort town about half an hour’s drive north of Cairns. It’s home to one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches and an addictive holiday vibe. Just inland is the sparsely populated countryside of Northern Queensland, where you’ll find untouched forests and native animals. And, of course, one of the wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef, is close at hand.

Throw on your togs, grab an umbrella and head to the beachfront. Palm Cove is first and foremost a beach town, and for good reason. Walk along soft white sand flanked by palm trees and mountains. Even in high season you won’t run into many people, and looking out to sea, you’ll spot islands and fishing boats. If you need to cool off, jump into the pristine waters. Be sure to swim within the safety nets, though, as jelly fish and other creatures inhabit the water.

For a peaceful afternoon, hire a kayak and go for a paddle. If you’re a fan of fishing, grab some gear, pack some lunch and try your luck off the Palm Cove jetty. There are whiting, grunter, mackerel and many other species to catch.

If all this sounds a little too quiet, hire a Jet Ski and explore the coastline at a faster pace. Of course, many people travel to North Queensland for the Barrier Reef. Head out and explore what's under the water with one of the many companies that operate in nearby Cairns. Snorkel or dive among the staggering coral formations and colourful marine life of the reef, which lies just off the coast here.

Inland, there are rain forests, swamps and woodlands. Take a drive to the Atherton Tablelands and explore the quaint country towns, or walk among tropical forests to see waterfalls and beautiful creeks. There are plenty of nearby attractions where you can check out the native wildlife, including the awesome saltwater crocodile.

If, like many, you are visiting for the relaxation, then check into one of Palm Cove's wonderful spas or retreats and enjoy some serious pampering.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Palm Cove Hotel Deals

Mantra Amphora
Mantra Amphora
4 out of 5
49-63 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is AU$157 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$157
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cairns. Enjoy a full-service spa, WiFi, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (881 reviews)
"Loved everything about this property, would definitely recommend and stay here again."

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2024

Mantra Amphora
Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove
Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove
5 out of 5
123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is AU$295 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$295
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (991 reviews)
"Unfortunately we had to cut our holiday short due to a family emergency, we were happy to have credit/new dates for the remaining nights, but unfortunately Expedia or the hotel would not honour this so we lost 3 nights accommodation!"

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2024

Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove
Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove
Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove
4 out of 5
119-121 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$177 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$177
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (465 reviews)
Business felt like relaxation
"Easy check-in… very clean and comfortable. I will definitely book again."

Reviewed on 9 Nov. 2023

Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove
Drift Palm Cove
Drift Palm Cove
4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is AU$404 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$404
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (731 reviews)
"The pool is fantastic, location is beautiful. Staff were lovely."

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

Drift Palm Cove
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
5 out of 5
1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is AU$599 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$599
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (488 reviews)
"We loved the property but the hot tub beside the pool was being worked on so there was some noise during the day."

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2024

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Mango Lagoon Resort & Wellness Spa
Mango Lagoon Resort & Wellness Spa
3.5 out of 5
81 - 85 Cedar Road, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is AU$397 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
AU$397
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (641 reviews)
"Perfect place to stay, So close to the beach and lots of good restaurants in that area. Very friendly staff, I Highly recommend to all."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Mango Lagoon Resort & Wellness Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Palm Cove

Clifton Beach which includes mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while in the area.

Clifton Beach
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Ellis Beach

Ellis Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Macalister Range National Park and Wet Tropics of Queensland.

Ellis Beach
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Kewarra Beach

Unique features of Kewarra Beach include the beaches and golf courses. Make a stop by Kewarra Beach or Kuranda National Park while you're exploring the area.

Kewarra Beach
Trinity Beach showing tropical scenes, a sandy beach and surfing

Trinity Beach

Trinity Beach is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cairns.

Trinity Beach
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Trinity Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Trinity Park and surrounding area, you can visit Half Moon Bay Golf Course and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Trinity Park
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Yorkeys Knob

Yorkeys Knob is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yorkeys Knob Beach and Half Moon Bay Golf Course.

Yorkeys Knob


Palm Cove Travel Guide

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