Things to do in Palm Cove, Queensland – free guide

The best things to do in Palm Cove, Queensland, are spa sessions, Double Island kayaking trips and Great Barrier Reef tours to Upolu Cay.

Palm Cove, Queensland, is a northern suburb of Cairns. But it has become a destination in its own right, and one with its eyes firmly on the luxury market.

In theory, Palm Cove is a charming seaside village with an esplanade lined by 500-year-old melaleuca trees. In practice, it’s a plush resort town, known for higher end accommodation and – particularly – its spas.

Palm Cove accommodation

The upmarket Palm Cove accommodation with spas includes Peppers Beach Club, the Pullman Palm Cove Temple Spa Resort, Alamanda Palm Cove and the Reef House.

If you want pampering, you’re in the right place. There are also several good Palm Cove restaurants, with Nu Nu Palm Cove regarded as one of the best regional restaurants in Australia.

DON’T MISS OUT! 6 Palm Cove experiences worth booking in advance

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda – with Palm Cove transfers.
Kayaking with turtles around Double Island.
Atherton Tableland rainforest and waterfalls day tour.
Sunrise stand-up paddleboarding lesson.
Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest day tour.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures trip, leaving from Palm Cove.

Things to do in Palm Cove, Queensland: Swimming at Palm Cove Beach

Palm Cove Beach, Queensland. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

There are, however, a few things to do in Palm Cove beyond the spa treatments. Most of these involve Palm Cove Beach. There are swimming nets in the middle of the Esplanade, which you should definitely stick to between October and June – the stinger season. However, these nets aren’t absolutely guaranteed to keep marine stingers out – particularly Irukandji.

Are there crocodiles in Palm Cove, Queensland?

Crocodiles have also been known to get inside the stinger nets. This is very much crocodile territory, although it is an active removal zone. If crocodiles are seen – and a lot of businesses in Palm Cove have a vested interest in keeping an eye out for them – traps are set and the crocs are removed as quickly as possible.

Because it takes time for a croc to move in and establish its territory, generally the beach is safe. The South Palm Cove Estuary, however, is murkier, and crocodiles have been known to take up residence there. Do not even think about swimming in the South Palm Cove Estuary.

Things to do in Palm Cove, Queensland: Double Island kayak tours

Despite the potential nasties in the water, water sports are a big thing in Palm Cove. Pacific Watersports offers kiteboarding lessons, as well as paddleboarding tours down Freshwater Creek and half day kayaking tours. These Palm Cove kayak tours head out towards Double Island and Haycock Reef in search of the plentiful turtles that live in the area. They also stop at Double Island for a swim.

Palm Cove Watersports also runs Double Island kayaking tours, which include a snorkelling session. The company also offers kayak rentals for those who’d prefer to explore unguided.

Great Barrier Reef tours from Palm Cove, Queensland

Perhaps the best thing to do in Palm Cove, however, is another of Palm Cove Watersports’ offerings. The company offers small boat Great Barrier Reef tours to Upolu Cay, a nearby sand island. From the island, you can jump into the water and snorkel to your heart’s content.

Most tours from Palm Cove actually depart from Cairns or Port Douglas, however – it’s just that a transfer from Palm Cove is built in. The drive from Palm Cove to Cairns takes about 26 minutes.

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