Palm Cove Beach Tours and Activities

Palm Cove Beach
Palm Cove Beach
Palm Cove Beach
Palm Cove Beach featuring landscape views, a sandy beach and tropical scenes
Palm Cove Beach


Located in between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this palm tree-lined beach is an idyllic spot to take it easy or begin an adventure.

Experience the stunning beaches, resorts and scenery where the rainforest hugs the shores of the Great Barrier Reef at Palm Cove Beach. Swim or sunbathe beneath the warm Tropical North Queensland sun. Explore the waters on a kayak or sailboat and take in the views of forested hills rising up behind the beach’s string of swaying palm trees.

Start your day at Palm Cove Beach with a quiet moment watching the sunrise over the calm Coral Sea. Rest beneath the shade of a coconut tree and take in the magnificent ocean views. Try tropical fruits for breakfast or take a seat at one of the oceanfront cafés and enjoy the morning’s serenity.

Go for a swim in the clear waters, which are patrolled year-round by lifeguards. In the summer months between November and May, you can swim within the expansive ocean enclosures that protect swimmers from jellyfish stings. Rent a kayak or catamaran from the beachside operators and explore the length of Palm Cove and intriguing Double Island, just 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) offshore.

Relax in the idyllic beach setting with a round on the golf course. Drop a fishing line at Palm Cove jetty and enjoy the ocean views as you wait for a bite.

Stroll along the esplanade and pick a spot to have a meal. Palm Cove Beach has a wide selection of dining options. Try the local barramundi or giant trevally paired with a wine in a restaurant or simply with chips on the beach.

Combine your visit to Palm Cove Beach with a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Go scuba diving or snorkelling with the tours that depart daily from Cairns and Port Douglas. Within an hours’ drive to the northeast, you’ll find the lush rainforests of Daintree National Park. Join a guided hike to spot wildlife, discover the forest’s unique ecosystem and learn about local Aboriginal culture.

Palm Cove Beach is within a half-hour drive north of Cairns, and less than a 1-hour drive south from Port Douglas. The beach features mostly resort-style accommodation, but cheaper options can be found closer to Cairns.

Plan a trip to see Palm Cove Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Shantara Resort Port Douglas - Adults Only Retreat
The Reef House Adults Retreat -Enjoy 28 Complimentary Inclusions
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Reviews of Palm Cove Beach

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
567
" "5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
397
" "4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
87
" "3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
7
" "2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Unfortunately, it was closed due to the jelly fish.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

OBSERVE SIGNS STATING 'STINGERS AND CROCS' IN THE AREA. WE SAW CROC TRACKS IN THE SAND NOT 5 METERS FROM THE NETTED SWIM AREA ON THE BEACH! REALITY OF FNQ!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Such a beautiful spot for a wander along the beach and out on the jetty

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great spot for dinner in the evening

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

August is a Great month to go to FNQ as there is no humidity and the days are a perfect 25° while the nights are around 17° . Beats the Southern Winter anytime.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

no parking

Popular places to visit


Top Palm Cove Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Mantra Amphora
Mantra Amphora
4 out of 5
49-63 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
Mantra Amphora
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
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
5 out of 5
1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove, QLD
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove
Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove
5 out of 5
123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
Peppers Beach Club and Spa - Palm Cove
Drift Palm Cove
Drift Palm Cove
4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, QLD
Drift Palm Cove
Palm Cove Tropic Apartments
Palm Cove Tropic Apartments
4 out of 5
6 Triton Street, Palm Cove, QLD
Palm Cove Tropic Apartments
Havannah Beachfront Holiday House with Heated Pool
Havannah Beachfront Holiday House with Heated Pool
Cairns
Havannah Beachfront Holiday House with Heated Pool
Villa Beach Palm Cove
Villa Beach Palm Cove
3.5 out of 5
85-87 Upolu Esplanade, Clifton Beach, QLD
Villa Beach Palm Cove
32c continuously heated pool 300m to beach Seaside@PalmCove
32c continuously heated pool 300m to beach Seaside@PalmCove
palm cove
32c continuously heated pool 300m to beach Seaside@PalmCove
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.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

Black Friday: Members save 30%+

Members save 30%+ on selected hotels until 4 Dec (property time) with our Black Friday deals. Stay by 15 Dec 2025.