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 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

Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove

4 out of 5
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is NZ$370 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
NZ$370
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (832 reviews)
"Have stayed at Drift twice. Is excellent in just about all respects. Lovely staff, amazing pool and great rooms. Would recommend."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Drift Palm Cove
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$413 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
NZ$413
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (999 reviews)
"Great location. Great pool area We were in block 6, great apartment but not enough daylight."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

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 4-star aparthotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (482 reviews)
"Very clean and well run. Helpful staff, great location with everything you need. Would stay again and recommend to others 5*"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

The Reef Retreat
Mantra Amphora

Mantra Amphora

4 out of 5
49-63 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, QLD
The price is NZ$253 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
NZ$253
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,003 reviews)
"It was lovely being so close to the beach and eateries. So great to have such a beautiful pool and surrounds. And our room was in a quiet spot. Very relaxing."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

Mantra Amphora
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$262 per night from 6 Oct to 7 Oct
NZ$262
6 Oct - 7 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cairns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (569 reviews)
"Really appreciate the support of the staff, when had booked the wrong room set up for our weeks stay. They gave us alternate rooms & accommodated our needs. Staff are friendly & attentive for a lovely stay"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Paradise on the Beach Resort - 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$357 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
NZ$357
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (789 reviews)
"Hard to go wrong with the Pullman in Palm Cove. Initially, we were given a very dark, small, ground floor room, but after asking, we were moved to a lovely room on the 4th floor with great balcony and pool view. The landscaping around the whole complex is brilliant. Staff were friendly. Day spa beautiful ..."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and 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 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 Beach and Palm Cove 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 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
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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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