Palm Cove Guide: Beach, Esplanade and Where to Stay

Palm Cove is a small, upmarket beach village about 25 minutes north of Cairns Airport. It's a good base if you want a relaxed beach stay close to the airport, and a popular stop on the way to Port Douglas.

The beach and esplanade

Williams Esplanade runs right along the beach, shaded by giant old paperbark (melaleuca) trees. One side is the sand; the other is lined with cafés, restaurants, day spas and resorts. It's the kind of place you can stay all week without a car.

Swimming

The beach is patrolled, and in stinger season (roughly November to May) a stinger net is set up in the swimming area. Always swim between the flags and inside the net. Like everywhere in Far North Queensland, take croc warning signs seriously.

Things to do

• Walk to the jetty at the northern end for fishing and sunset views.
• Kayak or stand-up paddleboard when the water is calm.
• Go for long breakfasts and dinners along the esplanade.
• Take day trips to Kuranda, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and Port Douglas, all within an hour.

Palm Cove or Port Douglas?

• Palm Cove: Closer to the airport (about 25 minutes), smaller and quieter, with everything along one strip.
• Port Douglas: Closer to the Daintree, Mossman Gorge and Low Isles, with more restaurants and a livelier main street. About an hour from the airport.

Many visitors split their stay: a few nights in Palm Cove, then on to Port Douglas.

Getting there

We run private transfers from Cairns Airport to Palm Cove, and between Palm Cove and Port Douglas. See Palm Cove to Port Douglas or view prices.

Keep reading

• Port Douglas with Kids: A Family Guide
• 10 Best Things to Do in Port Douglas
• What to Pack for Port Douglas: A Practical List