The absolute best accommodation in Palm Cove to try now

Jemma FletcherBy Jemma Fletcher
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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: $

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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: $$ 

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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: $$

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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: $$

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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: $$ – $$$

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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: $$$

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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: $$$

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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: $$$

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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: $$$ – $$$$

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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: $$$$

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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: $$$$

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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: $$$$$

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

Jemma Fletcher
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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6 reasons why Townsville is the new events capital of Queensland

    Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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    Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

    Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.

    The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.

    1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

    24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

    While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.

    Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.

    In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.

    performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)
    Catch live music and more.

    2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500

    11-13 July, 2025

    Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.

    Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo  – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.

    crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events
    See supercars take over Townsville.

    3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music

    25 July – 2 Aug 2025

    Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events,  The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.

    The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.

    lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events
    Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

    4. SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week

    28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025

    Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.

    Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.

    SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
    Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)

    5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition

    23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025

    Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.

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    Wedgwood teacup
    See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)

    6. Wallabies v Argentina

    6 September

    Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.

    The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.

    aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville
    See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

    Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au .