We always speak fondly of Palm Cove as it was such a wonderful holiday experience. The little beachside community is just 25 minutes north of the city of Cairns or 35 minutes south of the holiday town of Port Douglas. This tropical gem can be seen as a hub to visit both, but as you’ll see below, it’s also an ideal place for families to enjoy (some quality R&R) and leave feeling refreshed and energized.
1. Esplanade Walk or Bike Ride
Take in the fresh air and enjoy a stroll or a bike ride along the shady tree-lined path or through the village. The Williams Esplanade walk will take you around 20 minutes and was something we looked forward to each day.
Palm Cove Sunrise – Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland
2. Spa Treatment
If you manage to arrange some adult time and want a way to relax, indulge at one of the many day spas that are along Williams Esplanade or in the Village of Palm Cove. With so many options to choose from why not be pampered more than once!
3. Palm Cove Restaurants / Cafes
There is an abundance of Restaurants and Cafe options suitable for all tastes and budgets. Many boasting picture postcard views over the Coral Sea and offering and an array of cuisines for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
Our top two family-friendly dining options:
The Surf Club Palm Cove – The relaxed vibe, generous portions, quick service, alfresco dining was a perfect family-friendly option.
Chill Cafe – Rated #1 (at present) on Tripadvisor for a good reason. Their beachfront position is great for holidaymakers to enjoy the tropical weather while eating delicious food. A little hint, their special “thick shakes” are amazing!
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4. Boutique Shopping
Enjoy some retail therapy, tropical style, with a visit to the privately owned fashion outlets, opal shops, and art galleries.
5. The Beach
The tropical weather, soft white sand, and glistening waters make the beach look extremely inviting. Between November and May, it is important to swim inside the enclosure and follow the signs as stingers and crocodiles are found in Far North QLD. As our visit was in April, we did not swim at the beach, but it was still enjoyed. We got up early (easy to do with a toddler) and took in the sunrise over the ocean, enjoyed a book under a coconut palm and searched for seashells in the sand.
Searching for shells on Palm Cove Beach
6. Beach Hire
Enjoy the water from on top by hiring Kayaks; Catamarans; Paddle wheel bikes and Jet skis.
7. Fishing
Follow the pristine golden beach curves towards the northern end of the village stopping at the long jetty or cast your rod right off the beach.
8. The playground with a view
There are not many enclosed playgrounds where you can watch the waves lapping the beach while the kids play on the swings, slides, and diggers. We became very familiar with this playground as it was something we normally walked past each day and of course there is NO such thing as walking past a playground.
9. BBQ on the Beach
Make use of the many public BBQ’s scattered along the esplanade hidden under palm trees and tropical ferns.
10. Relax at your Resort
Palm Cove has a large number of accommodation styles, such as 3-5 star Resorts, Hotels, Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes. Many you’ll find on the esplanade overlooking the pristine beach with a rainforest backdrop.
Palm Cove Beach – Courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland
Palm Cove Weather
Palm Cove Average Monthly Maximum & Minimum Temperatures
| Temperatures | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Av Max C | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| Av Min C | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 22 |
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What would you enjoy from the above list?
