Palm Cove is an idyllic enclave set on the coast of Far North Queensland. The postcard-perfect beach is lined with lush palms that lean over the sugar-white sand. World-class restaurants, stylish boutiques and high-end resorts make Palm Cove a prime destination for barefoot luxury. Palm Cove is also a launchpad for boat trips to the Great Barrier Reef.
Things to do in Palm Cove
Sunseekers love basking on the powder-white sand of Palm Beach. Seek shade under one of the tropical palms and cool off in the crystalline water of the Coral Sea. You can also rent a kayak from the shoreline and enjoy a leisurely paddle around the bay or cast a line of the jetty to reel in Spanish mackerel, whiting, cod and flathead.
Strolling along Williams Esplanade at sunset is a signature Palm Cove experience. The boardwalk is lined with beautiful paperbark trees, some more than 500 years old. In the lively town centre, you’ll find independent boutiques, art galleries and cafes.
Palm Cove is home to a handful of luxury resorts and boutique hotels where you can enjoy a taste of the high life. From charming colonial manors to sleek self-contained apartments, there’s something to suit every travel style.
A sprinkling of fine-dining restaurants makes Palm Cove a rewarding destination for foodies. Menus feature creative dishes inspired by local ingredients such as wild-caught prawns, yellowfin tuna, rainforest honey and organic macadamias. For a simple meal, pick up fish and chips to enjoy on the beach.
Palm Cove boasts some of the best day spas in Australia. Treat yourself to blissful massages, facials, pedicures and other treatments. Some spas are located in the town centre, while others are perched on the waterfront or hidden away in the rainforest.
Getting around Palm Cove
Palm Cove is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The village is a 30-minute drive north of Cairns.