Best Things to Do in Palm Cove: A Perfect Tropical Holiday

Taking a holiday to Palm Cove in Queensland, Australia? If you want to know the best things to do in Palm Cove (and the best activities nearby), this guide has all the information you need to plan your perfect holiday. 

Palm Cove, in Far North Queensland, Australia, is a tiny beachfront village that’s big on charm. Visiting Palm Cove is an absolute treat. 

In Palm Cove, beautiful Williams Esplanade, lined with melaleuca trees, skirts the edge of the beach, just across the street from boutique hotels, incredible restaurants, and fantastic shops. 

My family and I love staying in Palm Cove, and it is one of our favorite holiday destinations of everywhere we’ve ever visited.

This tropical paradise offers so many adventurous and relaxing things to do, and is the perfect base for exploring the area. I highly recommend Palm Cove as one of the best tourist destinations in Australia. I’m going to tell you all the best things to do in Palm Cove, where to stay, and what to do near Palm Cove.

Why is Palm Cove Special?

Palm Cove is perfect for vacationers who want to really relax and enjoy themselves. It’s a tiny slice of paradise where you can escape crowds and enjoy the good life. 

It’s definitely a tourist destination, but it’s not so well-known or over-developed that it feels like you’re late to the party. 

Palm Cove is tucked between the magnificent ocean and towering rainforests. In Palm Cove, you’ll find white sandy beaches, delicious food, and a chill vibe.

Palm Cove is the perfect spot between the better-known and more crowded destinations: Port Douglas and Cairns. 

Palm Cove is known as the spa capital of Australia, and visitors have many opportunities to pamper themselves. There’s also upscale shops and gourmet restaurants.

But don’t worry, Palm Cove isn’t too expensive or intimidating. Palm Cove is simply the best destination for a tropical beach holiday. 

Here’s all you need to know about visiting Palm Cove and why this little village is a must-visit destination in Far North Queensland. 

Where is Palm Cove, Queensland

Palm Cove is located on the coast of Far North Queensland, on the east coast of Australia, right off the Captain Cook Highway. 

This charming village is located between Cairns and Port Douglas. You’ll reach Palm Cove after driving about 30 minutes north of Cairns. And then, if you drive another 40 minutes north, you’ll reach Port Douglas. 

How to get to Palm Cove

Driving to Palm Cove

The easiest way to get to Palm Cove is to fly to Cairns and then hire a car. 

Shuttle Service to Palm Cove

You can also take a shuttle from the Cairns Airport to Palm Cove.

Best things to do in Palm Cove

There are loads of fun things to do in Palm Cove. From water sports to relaxing spa treatments, you’ll find plenty to do in Palm Cove.

Here are my favorite Palm Cove attractions, to help you make the most of your time in this special beach town. 

Just enjoy Palm Cove beach

Palm Cove Beach is relatively narrow. The soft sandy beach is lined with a thin strip of grass and towering palm trees that sway over a walking and biking path. The palm trees create a screen so the Palm Cove business district seems hidden away. 

If you like walking along the beach, you’re in the right place. You can stroll along the beach for quite a while. If you walk south from Palm Cove, you’ll come to Clifton Beach and then Kewarra Beach.

If you fancy a swim in the Coral Sea, swim between the red and yellow flags. And between October and June, swim in the netted area. The nets are designed to keep out Irukandiji and box jellyfish, the poisonous marine stingers. 

The slope to the water is gentle, but you don’t have to be far out to not have footing. 

At low tide, Palm Cove has a wide flat area, perfect for a game of Frisbee. 

If you’d rather relax on the beach with a good book, you can do that too. The sound of the waves, ocean views, and fresh breeze make Palm Cove Beach a great spot to get lost in a Jane Harper novel!

No matter what you choose to do on the beach at Palm Cove, you’ll enjoy the beautiful beach and its lovely views. 

Go Sea Kayaking From Palm Cove

Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️ (246 Reviews) | ⏱️ 4 hours | 😎 Book Now

Take a sea kayaking tour from Palm Cove. Our Palm Cove sea kayak tour was one of my kids’ favorite experiences from our entire family sabbatical. 

We paddled out to Double Island, where we saw sea turtles, had a snack, and snorkeled in a protected cove.

The water between Double Island and Palm Cove can be choppy, and the wind can be really powerful. But with this tour you will have awesome guides who know the water and weather conditions really well.

I felt completely safe with our guides, but I would not have felt confident enough to make the trip without them. Like everyone else giving this tour 5 star reviews, I loved this tour!

Stay active in Palm Cove

While in Palm Cove, if you fancy more time on the water, you can stand-up paddle boards, jet skis, and kayaks.

You can also rent bikes and bike along the esplanade. Ride down to Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach for a beautiful afternoon excursion.

Go fishing

Fish off the Palm Cove jetty. Come prepared, and you can grill at one of the public barbeques located under the palm trees near the beach. 

Shop

The Palm Cove shops are a perfect mix of souvenir shops and upscale shops with quality goods. So you can grab a T-shirt to remember this trip, or you can buy top-quality pants, tops, or dresses that will see you through many other holidays. 

You can also shop the Palm Cove markets on the first Sunday of every month (except September), from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market stalls are located along Williams Esplanade and feature local, sustainable, high-quality, handmade products. You can support a local artisan and find the perfect souvenir!

Have a delicious meal 

There are so many fantastic restaurants along the esplanade, where you can dine while listening to the roar of the surf. You’ll have many great choices, as dining is one of the top things to do in Palm Cove.

Arrive early to snap up one of the outdoor tables for breakfast or lunch. You’ll have trouble deciding who makes the best coffee, but enjoy visiting Espresso & Co, 27 degrees, Coffee Haven, Underground, and the Beach Hut. Honestly, we don’t think you’ll go wrong at any of the coffee shops or cafes in Palm Cove!

Some of the most popular restaurants are Vivo Palm Cove, Chill at Portofino, NuNu Restaurant, and the Reef House. (Reservations are recommended for dinner.) After dinner, get dessert to go at Numi Ice Cream and stroll along the Palm Cove esplanade. Bring a wrap or light jacket, as the nights are cool, even in the summer months, thanks to the ocean breeze.

Get married or honeymoon

Palm Cove is a popular wedding destination….so if you want to elope, Palm Cove might be the destination for you!

If you’re just married, Palm Cove is an ideal honeymoon location. It’s a perfect romantic destination. 

Is Palm Cove better for solo travelers, couples, or families?

Honestly, Palm Cove is great for everyone! 

It’s extremely safe and welcoming. There are plenty of activities to do with other people, or you can can enjoy the beautiful area on your own, so Palm Cove is perfect for solo travelers. 

Because Palm Cove feels like a tropical oasis, where you’re escaping the rest of the world, couples looking for a romantic getaway should look no farther than Palm Cove. 

If you’re traveling with your family, like we did, Palm Cove is an excellent choice. There is so much for kids to do, including a playground for younger children. My kids favorite things about Palm Cove were sea kayaking, gelato every night, and walking around the town. 

Palm Cove is a wonderful spot for anyone looking for a sophisticated, charming, upmarket vacation destination. There are plenty of amazing activities to do in Palm Cove and in the region, so there truly is something for everyone to do.

Where to stay in Palm Cove

Overall best Hotel in Palm Cove

The Peppers Beach Club & Spa is right on the beach. You’ll find a beautiful spa and fitness center, three swimming pools, and a tennis court. Choose between guest rooms or suites; they all have a balcony or terrace, so you’ll have a lovely view either way.

Most Romantic Hotel in Palm Cove

Stay at the Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa. Relax with a variety of health and beauty spa treatments, then enjoy your room’s private balcony, terrace, or private plunge pool.

Best budget hotel in Palm Cove

The Mantra Amphora Resort boasts hotel rooms or self contained apartments. There’s a lagoon-style swimming pool, and rooms have pool, garden, or ocean views.

Best Hotel for Families in Palm Cove, Far North Queensland

At the Sarayi Boutique Hotel, families can get a one bedroom apartment with a queen bed and a sofa bed. Cribs are available upon request. The hotel has a pool and welcomes children.

Best time to go to Palm Cove

Palm Cove is wonderful at any time of year. You might want to visit during one of these special events.

Palm Cove Reef Feast

Reef Feast celebrates local specialties made with fresh regional produce. Enjoy delicious food, live music, and shopping. Check the Reef Feast website for dates.

Palm Cove Markets

Sponsored by Rotary, the Palm Cove Markets promote high-quality locally made art, goods, food, and crafts. From April to December, Palm Cove markets are the first Sunday of the month.

What to do near Palm Cove

Palm Cove is a great place to stay on your visit to Tropical North Queensland. Not only can you enjoy the charm and serenity of Palm Cove, you can base yourself in Palm Cove, then take any number of day trips around the region. There are so many amazing things to do, you’ll be challenged to do them all before your holiday ends.

Go to the Great Barrier Reef

One of the world’s most amazing natural attractions, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the wonders of the natural world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Great Barrier Reef is the absolute best place to see marine life, snorkel among coral, or go scuba diving.

Palm Cove is an easy 30 minute drive to Cairns, the port from which most Great Barrier Reef tours depart. There are any number of cruises to the Great Barrier Reef. You might want to take a helicopter to the reef if you’re concerned about getting seasick. Taking a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a key reason many visitors head to the Cairns region. (Here’s what to pack if you go.)

Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise

Rating: 4. 5 out of 5 ⭐️ | Tour Length: 8 hours ⏱️ | Book Now 🐠

This day-long cruise with Reef Magic is the exact tour I choose for my family. The highlights included the presentation by the marine biologist and the snorkeling.

You can also choose to book a scenic helicopter ride while you’re out on the Great Barrier Reef. You can also go scuba diving on an introductory course or an advanced course if you’re already a certified diver. (These options appear as you click through to finalize your reservation)

This tour was yet another amazing adventure during our time in the Palm Cove area.

Cruise to Green Island

Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️ | Tour Length: 8 hours ⏱️ | Book Now 🐠

The Ocean Free Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise lets you experience the Great Barrier Reef without braving the ocean. The boat ride is only about 45 minutes each way. You can choose a full or half-day tour.

A Green Island cruse is a great choice for families with young children who might need a shorter day trip. Also, younger children will find it easier to snorkel from an island than out on the reef.

If you’d rather not go through ocean waters to the Great Barrier Reef, cruise to Green Island.

Visit Kuranda

Rating: 4. 5 out of 5 ⭐️ | Tour Length: 8 hours ⏱️ | Book Now 🐨

Visit Kuranda, an artsy community located in the rainforest, up in mountains. You’ll travel via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a vintage train that winds through the mountains.

As you travel, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the tropical rainforest. This tour allows you to skip the lines and enjoy Gold Class service. (You’ll definitely want to make reservations in advance, because tickets are limited.)

While you’re in Kuranda, visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Kuranda Koala Gardens, or Birdworld Kuranda.

Check out the many art and craft galleries. You an also take a Kuranda riverboat tour. The river cruises on the Barron River are a great opportunity to see wildlife and learn more about the rainforest.

See the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge

Visit the Daintree, the world’s oldest rainforest. Enjoy breathtaking views, nearly deserted beaches, and all-natural ice cream from the Daintree Ice Cream Company.

Don’t miss the Daintree Discovery Centre, where you can learn all about the rainforest, its inhabitants, and the effects of climate change. 

Stop at the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to learn about the stories, culture, and traditions of the Kuku Yalanji people who have lived in the Daintree Rainforest for thousands of years.

Take a guided tour in the woods to learn more about local customs and the wonders of this natural environment.

Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️ | Tour Length: 12 hours ⏱️ | Book Now 🐊

You can do this as a self-drive tour, but if you’d rather take in the views than navigate narrow winding roads, you can book this tour: the Daintree National Park Day Tour, which includes Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge.

The tour includes a knowledgeable tour guide, hotel pickup, and lunch.

Visit the Atherton Tablelands

Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️ | Tour Length: 10-12 hours ⏱️ | Book Now ☀️

Take the Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Tour from Cairns. Explore the natural beauty of the Atherton Tablelands, an area known for its waterfalls and hikes. On this tour, you’ll explore three waterfalls–Josephine Falls, Millaa Millaa Falls, and Dinner Falls.

You’ll have time to swim in Lake Eacham, see a volcanic crater, and visit the Cathedral Fig Tree. Snacks and lunch are included in the tour.

Visit Mareeba

Drive over to Mareeba to visit coffee plantations and the Granite Gorge Nature Park. Don’t miss the Mareeba Heritage Museum!

Stop in at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 ⭐️ | Tour Length: 5 hours ⏱️ | Book Now 🐊

At Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure Park, you can learn about crocodiles, cassowaries, various snakes, koalas, and other animals native to Australia.

There are exhibits, shows, walking trails, boat rides, and more. The tour departs from Palm Cove.

Take a Helicopter Tour

Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐️ | Tour Length: 45 minutes ⏱️ | Book Now 🐠

See it all: take the Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest Helicopter Tour. To really appreciate the majesty of the region, take a helicopter tour of the Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef.

Only from the air can you really grasp the enormity of this area. The tour includes views of Barron Gorge, Stoney Creek Falls, Green Island, and Palm Cove.

Go to Cairns

You might choose to stay in Palm Cove because it’s so charming, but there’s a lot to do in Cairns, just a 30 minute drive away.

Visit the Cairns Aquarium to learn more about fish, coral, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Tour the Cairns Botanic Gardens on a photography tour to see the creatures of the gardens up close. At the Botanic Garden, you’ll also learn how Australian’s First Nations People used native plants.

Visit the Cairns Museum to learn about the history of the area.

Stop in at Rusty’s Markets for a bit of shopping.

And finally, just enjoy strolling along the Cairns esplanade.

Is Palm Cove dangerous?

The town of Palm Cove isn’t dangerous at all. However, as in most places in Australia, there are some things to watch out for. 

From October to June, it’s stinger season. Poisonous jellyfish, known as marine stingers are found in the waters off the coast of Far North Queensland, including in the ocean off Palm Cove. At this time, if you want to swim, only swim in the netted areas or wear a stinger suit. 

The Palm Cove area is the natural habitat of the saltwater crocodile. Take note of the Crocodile warning signs and be very vigilant in those areas. Palm Cove is part of an Active Removal Zone, meaning that if a crocodile is found on Palm Cove Beach, it will be captured and relocated. 

September to April is breeding season for crocodiles. They are more active during these months, so take extra care to avoid areas where they’re likely to be found.

FAQs about Palm Cove

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Palm Cove

I hope you are as excited about Palm Cove as I am! I really do believe this seaside village is the perfect place to visit for a vacation.

I’ll leave you with this travel tip for Palm Cove: even though Palm Cove may look and feel like a sleepy village, so many people know about this beautiful place, you must make reservations in advance. Whether you’re booking tours, a rental car or a shuttle, or a hotel, don’t leave it to the last minute. Palm Cover reservations do fill up, and you don’t want to miss staying in this delightful town or any of amazing things you can do here and nearby!