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Palm Cove is getting a breezy new resort just steps from the beach

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
The much-loved tropical destination is set to gain a new resident with The Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa.

Picture-perfect Palm Cove is the ultimate beachfront vacation spot, where rainforest meets reef. Loved for its year-round tropical climate and laid-back attitude, this idyllic gateway to the Great Barrier Reef is defined by its golden shoreline dotted with palm trees and its azure waters. Hilton, in partnership with Tyche Asset Management, is set to redefine tropical luxury accommodation in the area with the new Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa. 

Palm Cove jetty
Palm Cove is home to pristine beaches. (Credit: Vince Sofia/Tourism and Events Queensland)

The resort is set to open in October 2026, just 25 minutes north of Cairns Airport and 40 minutes from Port Douglas. It will offer sophisticated coastal accommodation just minutes from the beachside village’s pristine shores and vibrant main drag, William’s Esplanade, which is lined with quaint eateries – including the popular Nu Nu – and boutique shops.

Housed in the former Hotel Grand Chancellor, which has been fully refurbished, guests can expect breezy interiors evocative of the surrounding landscape within spread-out, low-rise buildings. Coastal tones punctuated by colourful contemporary artworks and complemented by light timber joinery and natural textures, will envelop everywhere from the foyer to the guestrooms. Each of the 140 contemporary rooms and suites will feature private balconies overlooking tropical gardens or sparkling pools. 

hilton palm cove cairns resort and spa restaurant
The hotel’s breezy interiors are reflective of the surrounding landscape.

Two outdoor pools, including a lagoon-style pool, are sure to keep little ones happy. While a wellness centre, equipped with floating pods, infrared sauna, steam room, therapy rooms and Japanese head massage, and two distinct bars, including a pool bar serving light tropical bites, will cater to adults in need of relaxation time. Euca Bar Grill, with its flame-led menu, will serve as the hotel’s restaurant, and Sol food truck will round out the offerings.

While it’s always been a popular holiday spot for Queenslanders, recent awards, including “Best Beach in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler, have fueled Palm Cove’s growing appeal with everyone from young families to honeymooners and nature enthusiasts. The Hilton development is a direct response to the region’s thriving tourism market, and is the third Hilton property in the region, following nearby Hilton Cairns and DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns.  

hilton palm cove cairns resort and spa guestroom
Rooms and suites feature calming neutral tones.

And while you might find it hard to pull yourself away from this pretty pocket in Tropical North Queensland, basing yourself in Palm Cove also means you’re within day-trip distance of the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, the Daintree Rainforest.

Details

Address: 10 Coral Coast Drive in Palm Cove 

Opening date: 31 October

Best for: Young families, honeymooners and those looking for the perfect base to discover ancient rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
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Tropical islands, good food & world-class shows: Your eventful guide to a holiday in Townsville

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Townsville is buzzing as the events capital of North Queensland, with a host of festivals, international sporting and arts events on offer.

    Perched between the Coral Sea, the towering pink monolith of Castle Hill, and fringed by ancient rainforest ranges, Townsville North Queensland is a genuine tropical playground.

    Here, find postcard-worthy landscapes all the way from nearby Magnetic Island to inland swimming holes and waterfalls – all dotted with an array of endemic wildlife. Get the heart racing with adrenaline water sports. Soak in a world-class arts scene. And take advantage of a culinary offering that punches well above its weight.

    And, then there’s the fact that Townsville has fast become the destination to an outstanding line-up of events – from live music to top-level sporting contests.

    Whether you have a weekend or weeks, there’s plenty here to fill your tropical getaway.

    Day 1: An eventful day

    Morning

    The Strand in townsville
    Explore The Strand.

    Daily flights offer easy connectivity from all capital cities to Townsville Airport, and within 10 minutes’ drive, you’re in the city centre. Start your stay by recharging with breakfast or coffee at the city’s newest spot, Botaniq Cafe, on the ground floor of the award-winning Bridgewater restaurant on the banks of Ross Creek.

    Start exploring on a breezy walk along the 2.5-kilometre foreshore of The Strand. Here, a waterfront path stretches all the way to the headland of Jezzine Barracks parklands. Admire more than 35 sculptures and artworks, as well as stunning views from the top of the park. Further along, Queens Gardens, established in 1870, offers a cool retreat and is Townsville’s oldest botanic garden.

    Stroll Gregory Street, off The Strand, for boutiques, homeware stores, cafes and restaurants, or follow a self-guided street art walking trail through the city centre, stopping to admire colourful works by big-name artists including Queenslander Fintan Magee.

    Afternoon

    concert in front of castle hill townsville events
    Time your trip for one of many Townsville events.

    For a casual lunch, stop in at Balabite for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired street food. Build your own pita with a choice of fillings, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon in preparation for one of Townsville’s big events.

    Whether it’s a concert from a big-name international band – think Foo Fighters or Guns ‘n’ Roses – or a night cheering on the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup, there’s plenty to entertain you.

    Time your visit for events like the Townsville Folk Festival (June 12-14), Supercars Townsville 500 (July 10-12), Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week (August 27-September 2), North Australian Festival of Arts (September 25 – October 11) or see the Wallabies in the Rugby World Cup (coming in 2027).

    Day 2: Island dreaming

    Morning

    Pilgrim Sailing magnetic island
    Take a lunchtime sailing trip with Pilgrim Sailing.

    Fuel up with breakfast at Cbar on The Strand, looking out to your destination for the day: Magnetic Island (or ‘Maggie’ to the locals). Catch a quick ferry to spend the day exploring walking trails through national park, choosing from 23 beaches and trying a hand at the island’s water sports.

    The Forts Walk is the best place to see wild koalas in Australia, and you’re likely to find friendly wallabies at the Nelly or Geoffrey Bay headlands. Try guided snorkelling with Aquascene Magnetic Island or Pleasure Divers, or take a land-based tour with MI Ride Discovery Tours to the secluded west coast of the island.

    Pilgrim Magnetic Island offers four-hour lunchtime sailing trips aboard a 58-foot luxury yacht, dropping in to some of Magnetic Island’s remote bays for snorkelling or swimming and including gourmet grazing platters, drinks and ocean views.

    Afternoon

    picnic bay on magnetic island
    Head to Picnic Bay for delicious dining.

    Refuel after a morning of adventure. Seasalt Arcade at Picnic Bay has several good options. Savour craft brews and Latin tapas at Maggie Island Brewery, opt for bagels and light bites at Lava Lava cafe or fine dining at Restaurant Elsie.

    Now, it’s time to choose your own adventure. Stay the whole day on Maggie, or return to Townsville, where there’s plenty more to discover.

    Head to The Docks at Flinders Street Wharves for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or join Poseidon Adventures for water sport adventures.

    Evening

    Ardo's Rooftop townsville
    End your day watching the sunset from Ardo’s Rooftop.

    However your day looked, end it with cocktails and canapes at Townsville’s Ardo Rooftop. Find something more substantial at the hotel’s elegant but casual Chef-hatted Japanese restaurant Terasu, where each dish is a work of art.

    Day 3: Natural delights

    Morning

    couple holiding hands at the top of castle hill in townsville
    Join the locals for an early walk to the peak of Castle Hill. (Credit: My Colourful World)

    Join the local early morning pilgrimage to hike up Castle Hill for the best 360-degree views in town, before heading to breakfast at Spirited Goat for gourmet treats and locally brewed coffee.

    A trip to Townsville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the outer Great Barrier Reef. For those with time, Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive runs full-day trips to the Museum of Underwater Art for snorkellers and divers to admire the reef’s stunning collection of submerged sculptures on John Brewer Reef, about two hours by boat from Townsville.

    Afternoon

    Shorehouse restaurant townsville
    Stop into the award-winning Shorehouse.

    Round off your Townsville getaway with lunch at Shorehouse, awarded Best Restaurant in the North Queensland People’s Choice Awards every year since 2023. Dine on the deck to catch the breeze and sample modern Asian cuisine as you watch the world go.

    Keen for something more to extend your stay? There are always more adventures –new, familiar and with a twist – in the events capital of the North.

    Plan your eventful visit to Townsville North Queensland at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au.