PALM COVE
Palm Cove, on Cairns Northern Beaches, is one of the most elegant and distinguished destinations in Far North Queensland. Palm Cove is the place chosen by many to celebrate their wedding or spend their honeymoon. The range of Palm Cove holiday accommodation is outstanding, catering from couples to families, and many of the Palm Cove restaurants are renowned for their world-class quality.
THE BEACHFRONT COMMUNITIES MAKING UP THE 20 KILOMETRE STRETCH OF COASTLINE KNOWN AS THE 'NORTHERN BEACHES' ARE EACH QUITE UNIQUE IN ATMOSPHERE. USE THE LINKS IN THE SIDE COLUMN TO GO TO YOUR CHOSEN DESTINATION.
The Northern Beaches are pleasant, laid back little villages lined with palm trees and plenty of shaded, grassy areas for picnics and BBQs. The tourism boom in the Cairns region hasn't spoilt the authentic Tropical North Queensland charm of these communities, and although the areas are well served by public transport, with local bus company Sunbus running regular services to and from the centre of Cairns, the Northern Beaches are largely overlooked by the masses. In fact, you can still often find a stretch of beach completely to yourself, especially during the week, when many of the residents are at work.
The Northern Beaches have always been a popular getaway for Cairns locals, but in recent years the has area seen the development of a range of tourist accommodation and restaurants, particularly popular with families on vacation. The communities that make up the Cairns Northern Beaches are: Machan's Beach, Holloway's Beach, Yorkey's Knob, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach.
The Cairns City Council installs stinger resistant nets at Palm Cove during the 'stinger season'. Swim only in netted areas, and for more information about marine stingers, please visit our SAFE TRAVEL page.
PALM COVE
Palm Cove is just what the name says. A cove of sandy beach lined with coconut palms, and with splendid views out to Double Island and 'Scout's Hat' Island. Activities in Palm Cove naturally revolve around the beach, where you can partake in water sports, swim or sunbathe. There are netted enclosures in Palm Cove, where you can swim safely and the beaches are patrolled all year round. Horse riding is popular along the beach at sunset. The esplanade has lots of grassy areas and the council provides free barbecues along the beachfront. And for the kids there is a children's playground located close to the netted area. There's a caravan park, and the Palm Cove jetty, which is a popular fishing spot for locals as well as one of the most popular spots for wedding shots. Palm Cove is one of the favourite destinations in Australia for couple celebrating their wedding.
Althoug very popular with tourists from all over the world, Palm Cove has successfully kept its small town atmosphere. And the Palm Cove beach has been awarded with different titles, such as "Far North Queensland's Friendliest Beach", "Queensland's Cleanest Beach" and even "Australia's Cleanest Beach". And according to Australia's "On the Road Magazine", Palm Cove is among the top 10 beaches of Australia.
Nearby tourist attractions include Cairns Tropical Zoo (formerly Wild World), and Outback Opal Mine as well as Paradise Palms and Novotel golf courses. Palm Cove is one of the few areas where you can still see kangaroos in the wild, close to a major city.
Palm Cove has all the basic services of a small town, including a grocery store and a chemist, but it is fast shedding its image of a sleepy little seaside suburb to become an upmarket tourist destination within Australia, with golf courses, over twenty restaurants, and world class spa holiday accommodation. The Esplanade in Palm Cove is lined with resorts and beachfront accommodation ranging from three star to five star.
ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO SEE AND DO - PALM COVE
CAIRNS TROPICAL ZOO
Captain Cook Highway, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4055 3669 / Fax (07) 4059 1160
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www.cairnstropicalzoo.com
Australia's best 'Hands On' wildlife experience!
A visit to the tropical north wouldn't be complete without seeing some of Australia's fantastic wildlife up close. Just 20 minutes north of the city at Palm Cove, Cairns Tropical Zoo has twice daily presentations featuring fabulous free flight birds, giant saltwater crocodiles, stunning snakes, adorable red pandas and so much more - including a mob of tame kangaroos just waiting to be hand fed. Souvenir cuddly koala photos are available for an extra cost. There are numerous opportunities during the day to get close, touch, feel, and make some new animal friends. Why not plan your visit to include breakfast or lunch. "Breakfast Time at the Zoo" commences every day from 8.30am. Whilst enjoying your bacon and eggs or scrumptious Belgian Waffles, enjoy some very up close and personal animal time with one of the zoo's keepers.
CAIRNS NIGHT ZOO
PO Box 214, Clifton Beach
Phone (07) 4055 3669 / Fax (07) 4059 1160
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www.cairnsnightzoo.com
A Great Australian Night Out!
Whatever your age or nationality, Cairns Night Zoo is a 'must do' for any holiday itinerary. Operating 7.00pm to 10.00pm five nights per week, (Monday to Thursday and Saturday nights), this dinner with a difference features a big dose of Aussie hospitality. Dinner includes the famous Australian BBQ, salads, delicious desserts, and complimentary beers, wines, champagne and soft drinks. Enjoy live music provided by the resident musician, then it's off on the spotlighting tour. See crocodiles, koalas, birds, a possum or two, and some surprises. Enjoy Billy Tea & Damper with our Swaggie (an original Australian bushman), and meet some friendly kangaroos before heading back for more entertainment and some 'Hokey Pokey' - that's a dance! This is a night filled with good food, good folk, and good fun!
GARY'S SAFARIS
12 Wilson Street, Mossman
Phone (07) 4098 2699
Gary's Safaris offer you the chance to get off the beaten track. Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, Cooktown, Bloomfield Track and Daintree National Park are some of the places visited. Transfers from Palm Cove available.
HARTLEY'S CROCODILE ADVENTURES
Captain Cook Highway, Wangetti
Phone (07) 4055 3576 / Fax (07) 4059 1017
Hartley's is famous for its exciting and educational wildlife presentations including crocodile shows, wetland wildlife, snake show, cassowary feeding, koala feeding and more. Open 8:30am – 5:00pm.
JUNGARA GALLERY PALM COVE
Palm Cove Shopping Village, 111 Williams Esplanade
Phone (07) 4059 0999 / Fax (07)4059 0799
The sister Gallery to Cairns oldest Aboriginal Art Gallery and only authentic supplier of the finest quality Indigenous investment arts and crafts in Far North Queensland. Proudly supporting local artists and craftspeople.
PALM COVE WATERSPORTS
Cnr Williams Esplanade and Cedar Road, Palm Cove
Mobile 0402 861 011 / Fax (07) 4058 0274
Palm Cove Watersports often have with amazing encounters with dolphins, turtles and other marine life while paddling around Double Island. Parasailing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, big banana rides, tube rides, windsurfing, rocket rides and much more.
ACCOMMODATION - PALM COVE
There is no shortage of holiday accommodation in Palm Cove. You can find nearly any style of accommodation for your vacations in this beautiful part of Far North Queensland, from beachfront hotels and resorts to family friendly holiday apartments and villas, even a caravan park for those looking for budget Palm Cove accommodation. For a comprehensive list of all the accommodation options in Palm Cove, please visit our PALM COVE HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION section.
DINING - PALM COVE
As you would expect, Palm Cove has no shortage of dining options to suit everyone's taste and if you know where to look, even to fit a moderate budget. It's advisable to book ahead any Palm Cove restaurant, as the more well known places do fill up quickly during the busy seasons.
NEPTUNES ON THE COVE
95 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove (MAP)
Phone (07) 4055 3734 / Fax(07) 4059 1022
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www.sarayi.com.au/restaurant_palm_cove.html
World famous seafood specials!
fully licensed Neptune's on the Cove Restaurant offers an a-la-carte waterfront experience. Fine dining in a casual setting with a superb modern European with a twist of Asia menu tossed with breezes and a smile make your dining experience very special. Features of the restaurant include handmade leadlight windows which depict all our native wildlife. Mosaics and marble bar, glass, tiles imported direct from Italy.
Fresh seafood delivered daily from local trawlers.
Neptunes' legendary seafood feast for two consisting of: mud crabs, Moreton bay bugs, king prawns, reef fish, oysters, smoked salmon, mussels, tropical fruits, jasmine rice and salad.
NU NU RESTAURANT
123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove (MAP)
Phone (07) 4059 1880 / Fax (07) 4059 1884
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www.nunu.com.au
Sophisticated, contemporary dining experience.
Nestled among the ancient, giant malaleucas along Palm Cove's majestic shoreline, Nu Nu restaurant continues to produce some of the region's most outstanding and exhuberant food. Award winning and nationally acclaimed, Nu Nu is the quintessential tropical experience. With exquisite and spectacular views of the Coral Sea and its unique, outdoor wall-less setting, Nu Nu provides an unparalelled experience. Nu Nu contemporary menu reflects the tropical and luscious environment of Northern Queensland. Predominantly Asian and Mediterranean inspired, the food is both elegant and sophisticated. The extensive and imaginative wine list showcases some of the best wines from both Australia and abroad and has been carefully crafted to both compliment and enhance the dining experience.
CASMAR
Crn Harpa St & Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove (MAP)
Phone (07) 4055 3734 / Fax(07) 4059 1022
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www.casmar.com.au
Multi-award winning restaurant!
Just a few steps above the rest, multi award winning Casmar restaurant offers uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea and Double Island with Palm Cove's only balcony dining. Casmar's award winning team will set the mood with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. Two well-travelled chefs head up the kitchen creating a dining experience to remember. Specializing in seafood and modern Australian cuisine the chefs source the best local ingredients to tantalize the taste buds. Casmar restaurant is available for lunch or dinner for any special occasion and has live music every week, with local artists performing.
AURORA CAFÉ RESTAURANT
Mango Lagoon Resort & Well Spa, 81-85 Cedar Road, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4055 3400 / Fax (07) 4057 6838
Enjoy a selection of contemporary foods and fine wines at Aurora Cafe' Restaurant specialising in flavours of the pacific rim and also offering fabulous macrobiotic and organic specialties, Including 1 to 7 day detox menu.
APRES BEACH BAR AND GRILL
Apres Beach Bar and Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving a wide variety of food at very reasonable prices - which is often difficult to find in trendy Palm Cove.
CAFE DE LEMA
Shop 13, Palm Cove Shopping Village, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4055 3690
Cafe De Lema is a quirky alfresco cafe overlooking the ocean in Palm Cove.
COCKY'S AT THE COVE
Shop 3, 117 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4059 1691
Cocky's has been around for many years and is a Palm Cove favourite for icecreams, milkshakes, or light meals.
COLONIES AT THE COVE
Paradise Village
117 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4055 3058 / Fax (07) 4059 1559
Colonies serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and are fully licensed or BYO (bring your own). The menu at this Palm Cove restaurants is modern Australian cuisine influenced by the flavours of the Mediterranean.
CHOC DEE THAI RESTAURANT
123 William Esplanade , Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4059 2533 / Fax (07) 4059 2544
Premier Palm Cove Thai Restaurant serving all the typical Thai favourites. Dine-in and takeaway.
COVE'S BEACHSIDE CAFE
Shop 13, Paradise Village Resort, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4055 3041
FAR HORIZONS RESTAURANT
Angsana Resort, 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4055 3000
Award winning restaurant with a guitarist in the cocktail bar Friday and Saturday nights. Sometimes sets up tables on the lawn among the palm trees beside the beach
IL FORNO RESTAURANT
Shop 7, Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4059 1666
SPICE MARKET
Novotel Palm Cove Resort, Coral Coast Drive, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4059 1234
Novotel Palm Cove's signature restaurant. Voted in top 200 restaurants, Australian Gourmet Traveller 2003.
SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
135 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4059 1244 / Fax (07) 4059 1362
The Palm Cove Surf Life Saving Club one of the oldest established Surf Life Saving Clubs in Australia. The food at the Surf Life Saving Club in Palm Cove is delicious and the prices are very affordable.
THE SEBEL REEF HOUSE
99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4055 3633
The Sebel Reef House is been regarded as one of Cairns' finest restaurants.
VIVO BAR AND GRILL
49 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4059 0944
Vivo Bar and Grill Restaurant was awarded in 2005 the Catering award for the best Italian Restaurant in North Queensland.
PETE'S PLACE
73 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Phone (07) 4055 3088
GETTING TO PALM COVE
If you are thinking of joining a tour, bear in mind that most of the tour companies will pick you up from your accommodation in the Northern Beaches and will drop you off at the end of the day. However, if you want to have the freedom of driving your own car, please visit our CAIRNS CAR HIRE page, where we will offer you the best deal available on a rental car or campervan in the whole city of Cairns and surrounds. Could you ask for more? .
CORAL REEF COACHES
35 Front Street, Mossman
Phone (07) 4098 2800 / Fax (07) 4098 1064
Tollfree 1300 781 404
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www.coralreefcoaches.com
Connecting Tropical North Queensland!
Coral Reef Coaches provides daily transfers between Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas and Mossman, as well as airport transfers from Cairns to the Northern Beaches, including Palm Cove, Port Douglas and Mossman. They are also available for charters and group bookings. Coral Reef Coaches is a locally owned company, providing an efficient, reliable service to all of their passengers with helpful, friendly staff in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles. The staff are personally committed to working together and continually improving their quality of service to meet the requirements of their customers. For more information about Coral Reef Coaches schedule and limousine hire service, please visit their website.
SKYSAFARI
Phone (07) 4099 3666 / Fax (07) 4099 1669
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www.skysafari.com.au
More details coming soon...
Experience the exclusivity of this little cobble stoned town right on the beach with an array of diverse and inviting restaurants for your indulgence. To offer a unique element to their experience we have multiple landing locations to pick up and drop off guests for their Air Tours or Scenic Flights. Simply soar past and take in the spectacular view or land on the beach for a romantic lunch on that special day.
Sunbus is the local bus company servicing Cairns city, suburbs and Northern Beaches. They run a dozen or so different routes around the city and operate a 'Hail and Ride' system. Sunbus runs a route from Cairns to Palm Cove, stopping at Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach and Clifton Beach along the way. If you are looking for a cheaper option, Sunbus offer 24 hour and weekly zone tickets, cheaper than the return ticket. You can find a Sunbus route map, prices and timetables of their services on their website.
The local taxi company is Black and White taxis. Taxi fares in Queensland are regulated by the government, and a trip from the airport to Palm Cove should be no more than approximately $52. But hey, book your Palm Cove holiday accommodation or CAIRNS RENTAL CAR through Cairns Unlimited, and that's fifty two bucks we could save you! While you're in town, phone 131 008 to book a taxi.
SUN PALM EXPRESS
Phone (07) 4087 2900
Sun Palm Express runs a number of services every day from Cairns to all points north as far as Cape Tribulation, picking up and setting down at all accommodation houses, hotels, air, bus, train and shipping terminals.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
In case of
emergency only , dial
000 . In all other cases, phone the local service :
Ambulance 131 233
Hospital (07) 4050 6333
Police (07) 4030 7000