6 Best Things To Do In Palm Cove, Australia - Updated 2024

things to do in palm cove australia
Adrian Chew
Adrian Chew 
Updated
| 4 min read

Palm Cove is located in Far North Queensland, Australia. This beach community is about a 25 minute drive from Cairns Airport. Tourists or first timers can also reach Palm Cove by bus, as regular bus services are available, bringing visitors to Palm Cove from Cairn and vice versa. Its name is unique and is named after the palm trees that line the beach. Palm Cove is a unique, quiet, and relaxing tropical village by the sea. It is the ultimate tropical destination and a romantic paradise. Refresh your soul with the many relaxing spas therapies in this paradise heaven. Its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef makes it an ideal destination for many travelers. Palm Cove is the location of many renowned resorts and hotels. What are you waiting for, head there now.

1. Boat tours (from USD 188.0)

Last but not least, immerse yourself in the world-famous wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on a cruise, one of the best things to do close to Palm Cove. Travel aboard a luxury catamaran and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. You will have the opportunity to join either an organized group for snorkelling or you can take to the water independently. Besides that, you can also join a glass-bottom boat tour. There are several cruises available for you to choose from.

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Great Barrier Reef Low Isles Sailing Cruise from Palm Cove

Duration: 10 hours

18 reviews

2. Go scuba diving (from USD 207.0)

Due to its close proximity to the renowned Great Barrier Reef, scuba diving is gaining popularity in this area. Embark on a full-day tour to this pristine coral wonderland of Low Isles on the Great Barrier Reef. The jump-off point from Palm Cove is an ideal spot to explore the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. The highlights of this tour are boarding a catamaran until you reach Low Isles. Apart from that, you can enjoy the scenery from the sun deck and sip a cocktail. At Low Isles, a sea shuttle will take you to the beaches. Once you arrive there, you can jump into the clear waters and snorkel around or join a tour guided by a marine biologist. Or, why not explore the reef from a glass-bottom boat, so you don’t get wet! Although scuba diving is not for everyone, it’s a worthwhile experience to get a glimpse of marine life. Check out Marlem Dive School or join a scuba diving tour.

Marlem Dive School

Address: Palm Cove, 4879 Cairns, Australia

E-mail: marlemdiveschool@yahoo.com.au

Facebook: Marlem Dive School

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Palm Cove to Michaelmas Cay: Scuba Dive and Snorkel Day Cruise

Duration: 9 hours

2 reviews

3. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Croc Lagoon Calm @ Hartley's
Source: Photo by Flickr user Michael Zimmer used under CC BY-SA 2.0

It’s a wonderful experience whenever you go on a tour. Tours around Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures are even more exhilarating, and you may need to be prepared to overcome your fear. It is one of the most challenging things to do around Palm Cove. The crocodiles at this farm are not the type you normally see in the zoo. The farm is situated 25 minutes south of Port Douglas and 40 minutes north of Cairns. Clifton Beach is 17 minutes away (18.3 km/11.4 mi). The newly opened eco-farm is the best place to see crocodiles and other wildlife. Visitors can experience the wonder of hand-feeding crocodiles at Hartley’s Crocodile Farm. If you do not want to miss the live hand feeding, hop on the boat cruise at 10.30 am and you will be in time to witness the feeding at 11 am. This is the main highlight of this attraction. Get your camera ready for taking numerous photos and videos. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is a must-visit destination if you are around this area.

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

Address: Captain Cook Hwy, Palm Cove, Queensland 4879, Australia

Opening Hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)

Website: Crocodile Adventures

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4. Raa & The Temple

Posted by Raa & The Temple on Saturday, 10 October 2015

At first glance, you may think it is a temple but it is not. Surprisingly, this is a souvenir shop. To get here, walk along the esplanade and you will find this quaint gift shop in Palm Cove. The store is a two-minute walk from Palm Cove Beach. It is tucked in a cosy corner, located upstairs in Palm Cove above the post office. Raa & The Temple is an interesting shop selling everything from local arts and crafts, clothing, beachwear jewellery, homeware, and other beautiful gift ideas. Consider purchasing some local artwork as a souvenir before you head home.

Raa & The Temple

Address: 117 William Esplanade Cairns, QLD, Australia 4879

Opening Hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 2pm (closed on Mon)

Website: Raa & The Temple

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5. Palm Cove Beach

Palm trees at Palm Cove Beach, Queensland
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kgbo used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Enjoy the sunset and walk along one of Australia’s beautiful beaches. Believe it or not, Palm Cove Beach has won numerous awards for the past few years, including an award for the cleanest beach. This beautiful place in Queensland is a seven-minute walk from Tom McDonald Park. Take a walk along the beach and you will get to see the crystal clear waters and a majestic view. This strip of shore includes Clifton Beach, Trinity Beach, and Kewarra Beach. It is a paradise with white sand, a wonderful esplanade with palms on one side, and restaurants, hotels, and shops on the other. The lovely village atmosphere, palm trees, and white sand make it a magical place to unwind. Experience the fun with the many sports available along the coastline such as waterskiing, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and boat cruises.

Palm Cove Beach

Address: 111 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove QLD 4879, Australia

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6. Try canoeing or kayaking

Posted by Palm Cove Watersports on Monday, February 15, 2021

Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? Come and join a canoeing or kayaking tour from Palm Cove and paddle out to Double Island from there. There are mangroves, coral reefs, and even a cave to explore. You might have close encounters with dolphins, whales, small rays, and turtles. This activity, which is one of the fun things to do near Palm Cove, is perfect for all ages and skill levels and is a really incredible experience. The entire tour normally lasts approximately three hours. Check out Palm Cove Watersports, which is located on Williams Esplanade and is a six-minute walk from Palm Cove Beach.

Palm Cove Watersports

Address: 149 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove QLD 4879, Australia

Website: Palm Cove Watersports

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

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A holiday destination for all

Palm cove
Source: Photo by user skyseeker used under CC BY 2.0

Palm Cove appeals to tourist all over the world as a holiday destination for its first class accommodations, stunning surroundings, and year round glorious tropical weather. Many travelers choose to come here because of the charming town’s laid back vibe. The white sand beaches lined with palm trees gives this town a natural beauty. The many accommodation options in Palm Cove, both luxurious and budget, have a similar theme of relaxing seaside holiday. A trip to Palm Cove is all about relaxation and exploring the stunning Great Barrier Reef.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Adrian, originally hailing from the small town of Muar in Johor, Malaysia, was born and raised there. Following his parents' marriage, he made the transition to Kuala Lumpur and now resides in...Read more

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