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 & Spa Palm Cove

Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

5 out of 5
123 Williams Esplanade Cairns QLD
The price is NZ$404 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
NZ$404
8 Nov - 9 Nov
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Generally pretty good only real problem was the wifi which was terrible and constantly cut out."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2026

Peppers Beach Club & Spa 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$596 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
NZ$596
5 Nov - 6 Nov
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 Back Shot Beach are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (561 reviews)
"Friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful gardens and apartment."

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2026

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
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 NZ$341 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
NZ$341
4 Nov - 5 Nov
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! (897 reviews)
"As always a great experience and we loved to stay! The pool is surely one of the main outstanding features. Lovely staff and very accommodating regards late check out."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2026

Drift Palm Cove
Mantra Amphora

Mantra Amphora

4 out of 5
49-63 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove QLD
The price is NZ$277 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
NZ$277
3 Nov - 4 Nov
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
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 a garden. Our guests praise the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions Palm Cove Beach ...
The Reef Retreat
Palm Cove Studio Apartments

Palm Cove Studio Apartments

4 out of 5
42 Cedar Rd Palm Cove QLD
The price is NZ$223 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
NZ$223
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Cairns. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Palm Cove Beach and Back Shot Beach are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
"Walls are paper thin. Can hear alarms and talking through of room next door. But great location, pool was nice and like the shared kitchen area. Rooms spacious and clean and modern. Never received email with details to access room. Had to go through emails to find contact number but once I called ..."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2026

Palm Cove Studio Apartments
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.

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.



Palm Cove Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia