Palm Cove Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes
Palm Cove showing a beach, a garden and tropical scenes
Palm Cove showing a coastal town, general coastal views and landscape views
Palm Cove Beach which includes a sunset, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Palm Cove

Relax and rejuvenate at this beachside village, known as Queensland’s spa capital and enjoy the tropical north in style.

Palm Cove is an elegant beachside town known for its spa treatments, exclusive resorts and high-end dining. The village atmosphere is relaxed and sophisticated, so you can enjoy Tropical North Queensland in style.

Rent a private villa to unwind and enjoy uninterrupted views of the sea, the sweeping sandy coastline and the tropical rainforest. Stroll along the waterfront where palm and paperbark Melaleuca trees line the boardwalk. Some of the hotels and restaurants have these trees incorporated into their decks. Known as the “Spa Capital of Australia,” Palm Cove is where you can pamper yourself with a spa treatment, including facials, massages and pedicures.

If you want to get active, enjoy a day of water sports and activities. Swim, snorkel or windsurf on the water. Rent a kayak, Jet Ski or canoe to explore the nearby islands. You can fish off the pier in Palm Cove or get in a boat and head out to sea for deep-sea or reef fishing.

Visit the zoo, located only two minutes from the beach. Spend a morning or afternoon on a golf course with views of the Coral Sea. Enjoy a rainforest excursion or horse ride through the bush. See the landscape from above in a hot air balloon or by parachuting.

Browse art galleries dotted throughout the area. For a day of shopping, visit local boutiques or drive to the nearby Clifton Beach Shopping Centre.

As the sun begins to set, stroll along Palm Cove beach and dine at a restaurant on the waterfront.

Palm Cove is located between Cairns and Port Douglas. It’s a 30-minute drive from Cairns. Airport shuttle Transfers from Cairns Airport can be arranged by your resort or hotel. Alternatively, hire a car and drive or catch a bus. The public bus stops by the esplanade and runs services between Trinity Beach, Cairns and Palm Cove. Once here, the small town is easy to get around with the beach, bars, restaurants, cafés and hotels all within easy walking distance.


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 NZ$350 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
NZ$350
24 Mar - 25 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
The staff were very kind and helpful.

Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026

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 NZ$338 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
NZ$338
27 Feb - 28 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (803 reviews)
The Hotel and room were amazing. Would definitely stay there again. I left an item behind in the room and management had it sent back to me. Very impressed!

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove

4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp Palm Cove QLD
The price is NZ$450 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$450
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (868 reviews)
The apartment was great (location, etc.) but the furniture was all pretty beat up and really needed replaced. There was also construction going on around the pool the entire stay, which was rather inconvenient. Staff were helpful but sparse.

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Drift 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
The price is NZ$283 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
NZ$283
25 Feb - 26 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (600 reviews)
Great location however it is a little run down and needs to be updated. Staff were very friendly and helpful.

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove
The Reef Retreat

The Reef Retreat

4 out of 5
10-14 Harpa Street Palm Cove QLD
Stay at this aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (498 reviews)
We were on the roadside-- but still very quiet. Parking off street available but we parked on the road as it was closer to our unit. Loved the indoor/ outdoor living. Coffee on room available. 5 minute walk to the beach, cafes and restaurants. Very safe town and very friendly. We used the pool and ...

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

The Reef Retreat
Mantra Amphora

Mantra Amphora

4 out of 5
49-63 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove QLD
The price is NZ$255 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
NZ$255
25 Feb - 26 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Cairns. Enjoy a full-service spa, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and a garden. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Staff were very friendly and helpful and room was clean and comfy

Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026

Mantra Amphora
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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

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Other neighbourhoods around Palm Cove

Clifton Beach featuring a luxury hotel or resort, golf and mountains

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
With a balcony boasting 180 degree views up and down the coastline Santai really is a special place to stay. plus - no kids allowed in the complex! So you can sip your poolside cocktails safe in the knowledge that no one is about to jump in and splash you...probably!

www.cairnsluxuryapartments.com.au

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 featuring tropical scenes, landscape views 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
Default Image

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
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 Travel Guide

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