Palm Cove Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A beach lined with tall palm trees and a clear blue sky.
A coastal town with turquoise waters, a beach, and lush greenery.
A beach with waves at sunset.
A street with cars, a pharmacy, and a sign for Palm Cove shopping village.
A beach with people, palm trees, and a lifeguard flag.

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.


Stay near popular Palm Cove attractions

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$426 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
NZ$426
17 Sept - 18 Sept
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 ...
Peppers Beach Club and Spa - 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! (525 reviews)
"Location and quiet"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2026

The Reef Retreat
Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove

4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp Palm Cove QLD
The price is NZ$498 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
NZ$498
31 Aug - 1 Sept
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! (888 reviews)
"Pool and hot tub are very nice."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2026

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 NZ$708 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
NZ$708
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (558 reviews)
"Fabulous on the beach location. We were lucky enough to have a beachside apartment (shame we were only there for one night!). The room was huge with everything you would need to cater yourself for the stay, including a massive fridge, dishwasher and the all important washing machine and dryer. Two ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2026

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
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$378 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
NZ$378
8 Sept - 9 Sept
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 ...
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 NZ$336 per night from 10 Sept to 11 Sept
NZ$336
10 Sept - 11 Sept
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 ...
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.

Our guide on where to stay in Palm Cove

Find the best Palm Cove areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Palm Cove
Learn more about Palm Cove

Cairns Central Business District

Cairns Central Business District is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Marlin Marina.

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.

Cairns North

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Cairns North. A stop by Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland or Cairns Mudflats might round out your trip.

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.

Parramatta Park

Visitors to Parramatta Park enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Barlow Park is worth a stop.



Palm Cove Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia