Dreaming of Palm Trees in Palm Cove

A Travel Guide on Where to Eat and Sleep in Palm Cove, Queensland

If you’re looking for a relaxing oasis in Queensland, we found the small seaside village of Palm Cove quite delightful.

Palm Cove, 27 kilometres north of Cairns, is named after the long stretch of palm trees that line the beach here in Northeastern Australia. Many tourists opt to stay in either Cairns or Port Douglas (both bustling locations) when visiting the Great Barrier Reef, but we found Palm Cove the perfect tranquil spot. We simply strolled along the beach, sunbathed at our hotel and enjoyed eating and drinking along the Esplanade during our weekend stay. That’s all we needed.

However, kayaks or windsurfers were available to rent if we had wanted to be more active.

Sunrise in Palm Cove

Not wanting to miss a single sunrise, we woke up early on both Saturday and Sunday. All we had to do was stroll across the street, less than 50 meters, and we were on the beach. I was surprised by how many people were up early exercising or taking photos like us. Trying to capture that perfect sunrise moment through the palm trees seemed to be a popular activity.

Where to Sleep in Palm Cove

Luckily, we had a Hotels.com free night to redeem, so we only paid 288aud (about $200usd) for two nights at the luxurious The Reef House. This boutique hotel was definitely one of the fancier ones we’ve stayed at in awhile and the price was just right too. The Reef House has two pools, and it’s best to arrive early in the morning (by 10 a.m.) if you want one of the lounge chairs.

The hotel offered a poolside honor bar by day and a staffed bartender after 5 p.m. when free punch and snacks were served. This was a fun way to chat with some of the other guests. Plus, who turns down a free drink? Not us!

Palm Cove offers a variety of accommodations from local apartment rentals and small motels to a spacious campground and caravan park.

Where to Eat in Palm Cove

Despite being a small town, you’re spoilt for choice on where to eat in Palm Cove. We enjoyed one the best meals at The Reef House Restaurant, which has been regarded as one of Cairns' top restaurants. Reservations are definitely recommended. I loved the restaurant’s signature dish of crispy skin Barramundi with a Thai red curry, Asian salad and rice! We also tried the local dish of Moreton Bay Bug (basically a small lobster) for the first time because of it’s strange name. Not bad.

We had two other dinners at Vivo Bar and Grill, which has an international menu with Asian influences and delicious cocktails, and a simple, homemade Italian pizza and salad at Il Forno, which seemed very family friendly.

For a casual, diner-like experience for breakfast or lunch, we sat outside at Pete’s Place. The menu here offers eggs, toast and bacon for breakfast and the likes of BLT sandwiches or fish and chips for lunch. For a more typical Aussie brekkie, head down the street to Cocky’s for poached eggs with avocado, pancakes or Eggs Benedict.

Would you like to stay in Palm Cove?