Guide to Palm Cove
Palm Cove's collection of cafés, boutiques and spas has made it a favourite haunt for travellers and locals alike.
By Hannah Tattersall
The stylish beach village of Palm Cove is known for its centuries-old paperbark trees, which line almost the entire length of the cove including the beachfront main street, Williams Esplanade. The town is an attractive accommodation option if you're visiting the Great Barrier Reef (it's 30 minutes to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal or 35 minutes to Port Douglas Marina from where boats head to the reef). The Daintree Rainforest is also nearby, about a two-hour drive north.
Don't miss
- An indulgent spa treatment on "Spa Street"
- A gourmet meal at renowned regional restaurant Nu Nu
- A sunset or sunrise kayak to Double Island
How to get there
Fly to Cairns Airport from any Australian capital city. Palm Cove is a 30-minute drive north of Cairns. You can hire a car from one of several car hire companies at Cairns Airport or in Cairns city centre. There are also regular shuttle services to Palm Cove from both Cairns Airport and the city of Cairns: Exemplar runs an on-demand shuttle service.
Things to do and top attractions in Palm Cove
Peppers Beach Club & Spa, Palm Cove, Queensland © Hamilton Lund Photographer
Indulge in a spa treatment
Palm Cove has so many day spas and wellness retreats that its main street has been affectionately nicknamed "Spa Street". Peppers Day Spa, linked to the popular resort of the same name, is an award-winning sanctum where all treatments begin with an ancient foot ritual and an Aboriginal smoking ceremony. Palm Cove Retreat Day Spa at the Mantra Amphora resort, specialises in Elemis body wraps, massage, anti-ageing facials, exotic body treatments, manicures and pedicures. Also check out the award-winning Reef House and the Alamanda Resort & Spa, a beachfront sanctuary with open-air treatment rooms and a private plunge pool.
Nu Nu restaurant, Palm Cove, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Enjoy Palm Cove's best restaurants
In keeping with the area's other indulgent pursuits, Palm Cove is dotted with several upmarket eateries. Beachfront restaurant Nu Nu is the area's culinary standout, with a local seafood menu that has earned it the title of Australia's best regional restaurant. Nearby, dine on fresh juices and bountiful salads on the outdoor deck at locally favoured hotspot Vivo – don't miss the chilli caramel breakfast panna cotta. Or head to The Rising Sun for a sunset cocktail and casual dinner.
Scenic Railway, Kuranda, Queensland © Tourism Australia
Visit a village in the rainforest
Kuranda is located high in the hills above Cairns. From Palm Cove, it's a 30-minute drive to the Kuranda Scenic Railway (if you don't have a car, tour operators will arrange pick-ups from Palm Cove) and from there you'll board a charming train that will weave you through the rainforest with a stop at the village of Kuranda. There is plenty to do here – visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest butterfly flight aviary in the southern hemisphere – and don't miss the Kuranda Heritage Market, open every day with stalls offering a wide range of locally-produced souvenirs. Marvel at the lush forest from above with a Skyrail cablecar journey. Catch the train back down and enjoy views of the gorgeous landscape along the way.
Double Island, Ellis Beach, Queensland © James Vodicka
Kayak to pretty Double Island
The exclusive Double Island, located directly in front of the beach at Palm Cove, is a favoured retreat for Hollywood names such as Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Keanu Reeves, but you, too, can day-trip there in a kayak and enjoy a morning or afternoon of snorkelling, beachcombing and picnicking for a fraction of the accommodation price. Kayaking to Double Island is an experience favoured by locals so there are a few tour operators to choose from, such as the family-owned Pacific Watersports and Palm Cove Watersports. Look out for blue spotted lagoon rays, mangrove rays, eagle rays, shovel nose sharks and an assortment of fish and crabs.
Reef Feast, Palm Cove, Queensland © Posh Photography
Head to Reef Fest
The annual Reef Feast festival, which takes place in October, is one of Far North Queensland’s premier community events. It's a celebration of the region's cuisine, produce, live music, culture and lifestyle. Sit down for beachfront dining experiences, where you'll indulge in some of the freshest seafood you can imagine.
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