Palm Cove Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Palm Cove
Palm Cove
Palm Cove
Palm Cove
Palm Cove Beach which includes a sandy beach, tropical scenes and swimming
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

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$305 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
AU$305
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
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! (1,001 reviews)
"The hotel and Palm Cove was a great place to chill and relax after a 3 week trip in Australia. The hotel was amazing, the staff were all friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2025

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 AU$295 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
AU$295
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
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! (759 reviews)
Beautiful room
"Great family stay during the off season"

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2025

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Mantra Amphora
Mantra Amphora
4 out of 5
49-63 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is AU$159 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
AU$159
includes taxes & fees
27 Mar - 28 Mar
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! (963 reviews)
"Nice property room outdated room needs new lamps pictures and other decor very outdated like hasn’t been changed since 80s, friendly helpful staff."

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2025

Mantra Amphora
Drift Palm Cove
Drift Palm Cove
4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$285 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$285
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 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! (794 reviews)
"Centrally located near everything Great staff, comfy with lifts"

Reviewed on 13 Mar. 2025

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$362 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
AU$362
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
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! (508 reviews)
"tops my bucket list for location. beachfront tranquility on the shores of Palm Cove"

Reviewed on 18 Oct. 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$396 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$396
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (692 reviews)
"A very chill hotel with spacious apartments, amazing staff and great pools."

Reviewed on 9 Dec. 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 Village Shopping Centre and Clifton 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 Moon River Beach.

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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