The absolute best accommodation in Palm Cove to try now

Cairns

By Jemma Fletcher

29 May 2025

Your go-to guide on where to find Palm Cove accommodation to suit all budgets.

Craving that instant holiday feeling? Located just 25 minutes north of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, Palm Cove accommodation offers the perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and natural beauty, making it one of Australia’s most sought-after holiday destinations.

Whether you’re after a romantic retreat, a family-friendly resort, or a beachfront escape, this coastal village has it all. Take a peek at some of our favourites below.

NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park

an aerial view of NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park

Settle into your tropical island retreat. (Image: NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park)

Best for: Simple stays and pet-friendly

Popular with families, Palm Cove Holiday Park is a classic accommodation option next to the beach. Pick a caravan or camping site and soak up the sweet simplicity. The park is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friends along too.

Location: 149 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Average price: $

Oasis at Palm Cove Resort

Best for: Tropical garden vibes

For a spacious and private stay while surrounded by two and a half acres of manicured tropical gardens, head to Oasis at Palm Cove Resort. Just a short stroll from the esplanade, there’s a mix of apartment sizes to choose from where you’re free to relax on the poolside deck, use the on-site BBQs, and hit the tennis courts.

Location: 1 McDonald Close, Palm Cove
Average price: $$ 

Melaleuca Resort Palm Cove

the beachfront Melaleuca Resort Palm Cove accommodation

Stay in a self-contained apartment near the beach. (Image: Melaleuca Resort Palm Cove)

Best for: Old-fashioned hospitality

Escape the bustle of the esplanade inside the gates of Melaleuca Resort Palm Cove, where you’ll find one-bedroom self-contained apartments and a vibrant tropical garden featuring a lagoon-style walk-in pool. On-site managers Margaret and Stephen offer a warm and friendly welcome.

Location: 85 – 93 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Average price: $$

The Sebel Palm Cove

Best for: Long or self-sufficient stays

Take in the views of the Coral Sea from your private balcony at The Sebel Palm Cove. Along with a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and family-sized seating areas, this stylish resort has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

Location: Coral Coast Drive, Palm Cove
Average price: $$

Mantra Amphora Palm Cove

the outdoor pool at Mantra Amphora Palm Cove

Bask in tropical vibes at Mantra Amphora Palm Cove.

Best for: Mixed budgets

With apartments to suit every type of traveller, Mantra Amphora is an affordable option for many budgets. When you’re not taking a soak in the heated spa, you’re just a hop, skip and jump from the bustling esplanade.

Location: 49-63 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Average price: $$ – $$$

Drift Palm Cove

a private tub with sea views at Drift Palm Cove accommodation

Wake up to sweeping sea views at Drift Palm Cove. (Image: Supplied)

Best for: Huge lagoon pool

Another idyllic beachfront option is Drift Palm Cove, adorned with tranquil, seaside decor. With a deluxe 1/4 acre lagoon pool, a  12-seater spa and a gymnasium, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Location: Cnr Williams Esplanade & Veivers Rd, Palm Cove

Average price: $$$

Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove

a couple relaxing at the pool, Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove accommodation

Relax at the resort’s rainforest rock pool. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Communal areas for groups

Chic and contemporary spring to mind at Peppers Beach Club — perfect for a relaxing family holiday. Choose between a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, and spend your days relaxing at the resort’s rainforest rock pool, cooling off in the lagoon pool or cooking up a BBQ on the rooftop terrace.

Location: 123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Average price: $$$

The Villas Palm Cove

a plunge pool in front of The Villas Palm Cove accommodation

The self-contained villas have plunge pool access. (Image: The Villas Palm Cove)

Best for: Own plunge pool

Need a little more space? Choose from a collection of spacious open-plan contemporary one-to-four bedroom self-contained villas and apartments — perfect for groups, friends and families of all sizes. Each accommodation at The Villas Palm Cove has its own saltwater plunge pool, as well as a private courtyard decorated with palm trees, Melaleucas and other native plants.

Location: 24 Warren Street, Palm Cove
Average price: $$$

Reef Retreat

a saltwater pool at Reef Retreat, Palm Cove accommodation

Reef Retreat features a heated saltwater pool.

Best for: Close to the beach

Located just 50 metres from Palm Cove Beach and restaurants, Reef Retreat is an intimate boutique retreat immersed in a tropical green landscape. Whether you’re after a studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom apartment, each option is thoughtfully designed to give you all the comforts of home.

Location: 10 – 14 Harpa Street, Palm Cove
Average price: $$$ – $$$$

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

two women entering the pool area at Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

Pop into the poolside lagoon bar for a relaxing afternoon. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland/Tourism Palm Cove)

Best for: A luxury escape

If you’re looking for five-star luxury, Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa is the one for you. Here you can order a cocktail at the poolside lagoon bar, indulge in world-class therapies at its on-site Vie Spa and dine at the tropical terrace restaurant Temple of Tastes.

Location: 5 Triton Street, Palm Cove
Average price: $$$$

Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

pool at Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore, Palm Cove accommodation

Laze beside one of the three pools at Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Direct beach access

As the only resort in Tropical North Queensland with direct beach access, it’s never been more convenient to relax than at Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore. When you’ve had your share of sand and waves, laze beside one of the three pools (choose between adults-only or kids-friendly), soak in a treatment at its renowned L. M. Spa or dine at nearby beachfront restaurant, Nu Nu.

Location: 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove
Average price: $$$$

The Reef House Adults Retreat

the pool at The Reef House Adults Retreat, Palm Cove accommodation

Relax in the Japanese-style mineral pool. (Image: The Reef House Adults Retreat)

Best for: A couple’s retreat

For a tranquil stay without kids by the pool, The Reef House situated in the heart of Palm Cove is the ultimate adults-only escape. Enjoy a gin-infused welcome drink on arrival, daily wellness classes, luxury room touches, and its award-winning restaurant and spa.

Location: 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Average price: $$$$$

Now you’ve got your accommodation sorted, here’s every Palm Cove restaurant you need to know about. 

Based in sun-kissed Brisbane, Jemma Fletcher is an accomplished writer, editor and content manager. Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Queensland, as well as over a decade of tourism marketing experience, Jemma now specialises in freelance travel writing and has a soft spot for the beauty of Queensland. Her expertise has been honed through her previous roles as Chief Editor of Queensland.com and WeekendNotes.com and she is the passionate creator of High Cup of Tea, an online directory celebrating Australia's finest high tea experiences. After growing up in the UK (hence her love for tea and scones) and a delightful chapter in Sydney, Jemma loves to explore quaint towns with a rich history. Also high on her weekend list is tasting the local cafe scene, enjoying charming farm stays with her young family and deciding where her next travel adventure will be (half of the fun is in the planning!)

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The ultimate guide to the best accommodation in Cairns

By Jemma Fletcher

02 Jun 2025

Accommodation in Cairns is as diverse as its landscape, so you can afford to be choosy on your next sojourn to Tropical North Queensland.

Ready to plan your next getaway? The laid-back city of Cairns is a fantastic landing pad to leisurely explore the rest of Tropical North Queensland.

If you’d rather be in the heart of the action than tucked away in the coastal suburbs, some of the best accommodation in Cairns can be found right in the city centre, combining comfort with unbeatable access to the region’s top attractions.

Whether you’re looking to bunker down in a luxury, full-service resort where you can lounge around all day in the sunshine or you prefer a simple yet stylish budget-friendly address that’s just a place to lay your head, here are the finest accommodation options in and around Cairns.

Hotels and resorts in Cairns City

There are plenty of hotels and resorts in Cairns to base your adventure from, so you’re truly spoilt for choice, but Cairns Esplanade and its surroundings is an especially popular spot as it’s brimming with world-class dining options and gorgeous harbour views.

Crystalbrook Flynn

a girl standing beside the pool at Crystalbrook Flynn

Relax poolside at Crystalbrook Flynn.

Best for: Fun and flair

Just one of the three Crystalbrook Collection properties, Flynn is a five-star boutique bolthole that continues to raise the bar on the Cairns accommodation scene.

Here you can relax poolside in one of the cabanas, dine on elevated classics at gastropub Boardwalk Social, enjoy a sundowner with friends at the super suave Whiskey and Wine bar, or kick back and relax after a day spent exploring the region and gorge on your room’s harbour, ocean or city views.

Location: 85 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$

Crystalbrook Riley

a suite bathroom with a tub at Crystalbrook Riley

Sink into your suite’s bathtub at Crystalbrook Riley.

Best for: Stylish sustainability

Another member of the Crystalbrook Collection is Riley, where understated luxury is the name of the game here in its spacious, elegantly appointed rooms — most of which have balconies.

When it comes to food and drink, there are three options: a rooftop bar serving Moroccan-inspired treats and panoramic views (Rocco), a modern Southeast Asian fusion experience (Paper Crane), and a delightful tropical rum bar and seafood kitchen (Calypso Club).

Guests can bliss out at the onsite day spa, swim in the huge lagoon-style pool or man-made beach or hire an eco bike to explore the city.

Location: 131 – 141 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$$

Mantra Esplanade Cairns

a balcony with views of the Cairns esplanade, Mantra Esplanade Cairns

This stylish stay is a great base near Cairns Esplanade.

Best for: Your choice of hotel room or an apartment

Located near the yacht harbour and offering plenty of onsite facilities including a lagoon-style pool, fully equipped gym, whirlpool spa and restaurant, Mantra Esplanade Cairns is the perfect base for those tropical north day trips.

Location: 101 – 105 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$

Oaks Cairns Hotel

the rooftop Oak & Vine restaurant at Oaks Cairns Hotel

Take in the beauty of the Coral Sea at the rooftop Oak & Vine restaurant. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Simple luxury with rooftop drinks

If you don’t care for extra trimmings, such as a pool or on-site parking, yet don’t want to sacrifice style when it comes to room design, Oaks Cairns Hotel is the solution. And if you don’t have the budget (or inclination) to stretch to a spacious suite or views, then you can opt for the internal hotel rooms. While they may be smaller than your average, the streamlined design and amenities on offer are just the same as the property’s deluxe options.

The rooftop bar and restaurant — Oak & Vine Cairns — has fast become a local hangout thanks to its stellar panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, taking in the Coral Sea and the neighbouring hills draped in greenery.

Location: 59 – 63 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Best for: Modern facilities

With three resort swimming pools, two tennis courts, tropical surroundings and a guaranteed private balcony to enjoy at Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns, it’s easy to spend your days relaxing here. Make sure to grab a cocktail or two at the resort bar.

Location: 209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns City

Average price: $$$

Pullman Cairns International

a couple walking inside Pullman Cairns International

Settle into the stylish rooms at Pullman Cairns International. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Large rooms

Offering the perfect combination of comfort and convenience in the city, Pullman Cairns International reflects the architectural style and grandeur of the city centre’s rich past and has the largest hotel rooms in Cairns at over 40 square metres.

Our pick is the light-filled Deluxe Harbour View King room with a soothing neutral palette and stunning views over Cairns harbour, where you can watch the boats return from a day of adventuring on the Great Barrier Reef. Take some time to enjoy a relaxing treatment at Vie Spa and dine on the best local seafood at Coco’s Kitchen + Bar.

Location: 17 Abbott St, Cairns City

Average price: $$$$

Pullman Reef Hotel Casino

cocktails at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, best accommodation in Cairns

Sip cocktails while enjoying live music at Pullman Reef Hotel Casino.

Best for: Exciting entertainment

Another Pullman sibling in Cairns is the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, boasting thrilling entertainment. With four restaurants on site (including the award-winning Tamarind restaurant), as well as gaming action, live music, sports viewing, events and more, this hotel provides the ultimate night out with friends.

Location: 35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns City

Average price: $$$$

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

a woman relaxing on the balcony with a glass in hand, Shangri-La The Marina, best accommodation in Cairns

Soak up waterfront views with a drink in hand. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Exceptional service and seascape view

The grand old dame of Cairns, the Shangri-La, has been part of the local cityscape for the last two decades, but following a total revamp, the look and feel of the rooms are now uber-contemporary and fresh in design.

With views of Trinity Bay, modern furnishings and lashings of natural light, the Deluxe Sea View Room is our pick of the guestrooms. But each one boasts a balcony, some with views of the city, some with views of the hotel’s tropical gardens, and others with views of the marina or Coral Sea.

Shangri-La The Marina has all the trappings you might come to expect from this high-end hotel brand (think pillow menus, white Egyptian cotton linens, a business centre, a gym, a pool and poolside bar and a casual dining restaurant) and it occupies some prime real estate on the Cairns marina too.

Location: Pier Point Rd, Cairns City

Average price: $$$$

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

a couple inside their room at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

The family-friendly Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort comes with a balcony. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best for: Cairns’ only swim-up pool bar

Within easy reach of the esplanade, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is especially popular with families due to its lagoon-style pool and sandy beach, large suites and kids’ activity program. Older guests will love the swim-up bar at MOKU Beach Club surrounded by swaying palms.

Location: 122 Lake Street, Cairns City

Average price: $$$

Caravan parks and camping in Cairns

For those searching for affordable accommodation in Cairns alongside a wide range of on-site activities, caravans and campsites are an excellent solution, especially for families.

BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort

the accommodation at BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort

The caravan park is set among swaying palm trees and tropical gardens. (Image: BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort)

Best for: Family accommodation

Only a short 7-minute drive from Cairns town centre, the multi-award-winning caravan park BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort is a peaceful oasis set among beautifully landscaped grounds.

The park offers a wide variety of accommodation options, including spacious condos and villas, cabins, ensuite sites, and powered and unpowered sites. Enjoy a range of facilities on-site, such as its mini water park, tennis court, mini golf, basketball court, adventure playground, restaurant and plenty of other fun-filled activities for the whole family.

Location: 23/51 Anderson Rd, Cairns

Average price: $$

Tasman Holiday Parks — Cool Waters Holiday Park

Tasman Holiday Parks — Cool Waters Holiday Park from above

The mountainside retreat is a peaceful oasis for families. (Image: Tasman Holiday Parks)

Best for: Pet-friendly accommodation

Cool Waters Holiday Park is a welcome retreat from the city bustle. From open-plan cabins and picturesque caravan and camping sites with a backdrop of mountains and rainforest trees bordering the creek, it’s a lovely little spot in a natural setting for all ages — and your furry friends too.

In particular, the Daintree Cabin is situated next to the swimming pool for easy access. When you’re not taking a dip or bathing in the adjoining spa, look out for turtles and platypus in the sparkling freshwater creek.

Location: 2/14 Shale St, Brinsmead

Average price: $$$

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

the cabins at Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park offers budget-friendly cabins.

Best for: Close to the city centre

Another wonderful option close to the city centre is Cairns Sunland Leisure Park, offering various types of budget-priced self-catered villas and cabin accommodations. You’ll find a large resort-style swimming pool, a fully equipped camp kitchen, and free barbeques for the guests to use. You can even hop on the local bus directly outside, taking you to Cairns Esplanade.

Location: 49-61 Little Pease St, Manoora

Average price: $

NRMA Cairns Holiday Park

Best for: A variety of accommodation options

Just a five-minute drive from Cairns City is NRMA Cairns Holiday Park, perfect for families looking for affordable facilities or caravan owners searching for the ideal site. Choose from an ensuite studio, cabin or powered/unpowered site to start your adventure.

Location: 12-30 Little St, Manunda

Average price: $

Airbnb and self-contained accommodation in Cairns

For more spacious accommodation options that offer far more flexibility with cooking and sleeping arrangements, or if you’re planning on staying for a while, get to know some of the dreamiest self-contained apartments and Airbnb’s in Cairns to call home.

Waters Edge Cairns Luxury Apartments

the pool at Waters Edge Cairns Luxury Apartments

Find a swim-out deck with direct pool access. (Image: Waters Edge Cairns Luxury Apartments)

Best for: 5-star self-contained apartments

A stay at Waters Edge Luxury Cairns Apartments is a luxury lifestyle experience. Each apartment has its own unique and distinctive style, with a gourmet kitchen, a large living-dining area, and spacious bedrooms. Want a private dip? Choose the Waters Edge – Swim Out Apartment or for a large balcony facing the esplanade, go for the Waters Edge – 2 Bedroom Oceanfront Apartment.

Location: 155 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$$

Mantra Trilogy

Best for: Large groups and families

Take your pick of one, two and three-bedroom apartments at Mantra Trilogy and take advantage of the beautiful resort pool on site, as well as a fully equipped gym, BBQ facilities and an on-site supermarket.

Location: 101/105 Esplanade, Cairns City

Average price: $$$

Bay Village Tropical Retreat

the accommodation at Bay Village Tropical Retreat, best accommodation in Cairns

This boutique-style resort features modern and spacious apartments.

Best for: A touch of Bali

Looking for a touch of Bali in Cairns? Located just a short stroll from the esplanade, Bay Village Tropical Retreat is a Balinese boutique-style resort with one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. As well as two pools in the complex, you’ll also find the award-winning in-house Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant serving authentic Balinese cuisine.

Location: Corner Lake & Gatton Streets, Cairns

Average price: $$

Cairns City Palms

Best for: Attentive and friendly service

A 20-minute walk from the city centre, Cairns City Palms offers family-run self-contained apartments. With one or two-bedroom options to choose from, a fully-equipped kitchen, and all the small comforts you need, you’ll feel right at home. Best of all, freshly made scones with jam and whipped cream are served daily in the communal lounge for in-house guests to enjoy with their preferred morning beverage.

Location: 199-205 Sheridan St, Cairns North

Average price: $$

Cairns Beach Resort

a look inside one of the rooms at Cairns Beach Resort

Stay in style and enjoy modern comforts at Cairns Beach Resort.

Best for: Closest beachfront accommodation to the city

Set next to the sand and sea of Holloways Beach, Cairns Beach Resort provides a quiet and relaxed stay and is the closest beachfront accommodation to the city. With either sea view or garden views, the apartments are spacious and have a separate living/dining area, as well as a kitchen, laundry, and bathroom.

Location: 129-135 Oleander St, Holloways Beach

Average price: $$$

City Terraces

Best for: Locally produced products

If an eco-certified apartment in the heart of the city is your criteria, look no further than City Terraces. With a variety of one and two-bedroom units to choose from, all guests are welcome to use the large swimming pool, gardens and communal BBQ area.

Location: 63-65 McLeod Street, Cairns City

Average price: $$$

Sky High

the city skyline as seen from the window at Sky High, best accommodation in Cairns

Wake up to uninterrupted views of the city skyline. (Image: Sky High)

Best for: City skyline view and private hot tub

You never know what you’ll discover in an Airbnb property, but Cairns has plenty. One of our favourites is Sky High, where you’ll be greeted by views of Cairns City the moment you walk through the door. Equipped with a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and two bedrooms, the main attraction is your very own hot tub on your private balcony.

Location: Bayview Heights

Average price: $$$

All that lounging around got you peckish? Check out the best restaurants in Cairns to dine at right now.