Palm Cove

Cairns
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 colorful 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

Things to do


Top hotels in Palm Cove

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 P10,908 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
P10,908
P10,908 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (996 reviews)
"We had an ocean view suite and it was a really nice room. Very modern, clean and had all we needed. Tea, coffee, sugar, milk and an espresso machine included. Breakfast had lots to choose from and the restaurant had some good food. Great location to be able to get around Palm Cove and parking was ..."

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
5 out of 5
5 Triton Street, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is P9,986 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
P9,986
P10,985 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (737 reviews)
"Lovely stay at a first class resort!"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2024

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Mango Lagoon Resort & Wellness Spa
Mango Lagoon Resort & Wellness Spa
3.5 out of 5
81 - 85 Cedar Road, Palm Cove, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P10,040 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
P10,040
P11,155 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (683 reviews)
"The room was great, staff were wonderful, 4 swimming pools to choose from and a massive kids pool with pool toys. Beds were comfy so had a great sleep( bonus). We will definitely be back. Thankyou Mango lagoon😊"

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2024

Mango Lagoon Resort & Wellness Spa
Drift Palm Cove
Drift Palm Cove
4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is P11,146 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
P11,146
P11,146 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
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! (779 reviews)
"All good, great location."

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024

Drift Palm Cove
Mantra Amphora
Mantra Amphora
4 out of 5
49-63 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is P8,535 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
P8,535
P8,535 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cairns. Enjoy a full-service spa, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and a garden. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (929 reviews)
"Excellent location and services"

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

Mantra Amphora
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
The price is P8,852 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
P8,852
P9,775 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (514 reviews)
Great Resort close to beach and restaurants
"Great location, beach right across the road, friendly staff, would definitely come back again."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024

Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove
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 featuring mountains, a luxury hotel or resort and golf

Clifton Beach

Travelers come to Clifton Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Clifton Beach and Palm Cove Beach while you're in town.

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
Kewarra Beach. The best of Cairns' northern beaches. Stunning.

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 landscape views, tropical scenes and a beach

Trinity Beach

Travelers to Trinity Beach praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Trinity Beach and Kewarra Beach.

Trinity Beach
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Trinity Park

When in Trinity Park, you can plan a visit to Half Moon Bay Golf Course and Moon River Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Trinity Park
Yorkeys Knob showing tranquil scenes and mountains

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