12 Memorable Things To Do In Palm Cove

Looking for things to do in Palm Cove? Here are 12 ideas.

A pretty pocket in Tropical North Queensland, Palm Cove is the ultimate relaxed beachfront, but this town offers more than just sea and sand. Whether you’re visiting for a day, or you plan to spend the whole week here, be warned — it’ll be hard to pull yourself away from this slice of paradise.

1. Visit Palm Cove Beach

Of course, what’s a visit to Palm Cove without visiting its hero beach? Warm and inviting all year round, this stretch of sand has won many awards as Australia’s cleanest beach over the years.

Palm Cove Beach also packs a triple trifecta punch — it’s uncrowded, it has a swimming net, and it’s regularly patrolled by lifeguards. Got your pooch in tow? Find an area of beach reserved for dog walking on the northern side of the jetty.

Couple in Palm Cove on Palm Beach — What’s a visit to Palm Cove without visiting its hero beach? (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

2. Stroll along Williams Esplanade

What’s beautifully convenient about Palm Cove is that the village is centred around Williams Esplanade, a stunning stretch of coastline fringed with Melaleuca trees, cafes, boutiques, and alluring beach nooks to explore. All you need are sunnies and a hat, and you’re good to go. Take a stroll or hire a bike to see it for yourself — and make sure to grab some calamari and chips to go from Lucky Fish .

Williams Esplanade Palm Cove — Palm Cove is centred around Williams Esplanade. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

3. Head to a day spa

Palm Cove is a mecca for wellness lovers. Home to some of the country’s best luxury hotels, this coastal village is renowned for its abundance of award-winning spas. Whether you fancy a wellness probiotic facial at Vie Spa , a mango and coconut body wrap at L.M Spa , or a salt crystal exfoliation at The Reef House , there’s no shortage of day spas to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

an open book with a cup of tea in the pool area at L.M Spa, Palm Cove — Enjoy a cup of tea with a book in hand by the pool at L.M Spa. (Image: Rhiannon Taylor)

4. Enjoy a taste of the tropics

From high-end alfresco dining to cosy homemade fare using the best of North Queensland’s produce, you can absolutely eat your way around Palm Cove’s many cafes and restaurants. From modern Australian and Thai to Greek, Mexican, or Southeast Asian flavours, you’ll find a mix of cuisines to choose from, alongside beautiful views overlooking the beach.

NuNu Restaurant Palm Cove — Enjoy beachfront dining at Nu Nu. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

5. Browse the local shops

Looking to take a piece of Palm Cove home with you? Shopping here is an activity all by itself. Calmly meander around the splatter of boutiques, gift stores, and souvenir shops along Williams Esplanade or explore the Ian Stephens Fine Art Gallery . With a sea breeze in your ear and bars along the way to stop in for a colourful cocktail, it’s a shopping experience you’ll wish you could have every weekend.

6. Find a treasure at the Palm Cove Markets

With a focus on sustainable, local, quality handmade products, the Palm Cove Markets have a reputation for being one of Tropical North Queensland’s best community markets. With over 130 stalls stretched across Williams Esplanade and entertainment alongside beachside scenery, it’s a market experience, unlike anything you’re used to at home. Held on the first Sunday of every month.

7. Cast a line at the jetty

As you’ll discover at Palm Cove’s restaurants, the seafood here is exceptional and you can get involved too. The Palm Cove Jetty is a great fishing spot, with plenty of Spanish mackerel, cod, whiting, and flathead to be caught. Check out Pedro’s Fishing Hire for everything you need to get stuck in.

an overhead shot of Palm Cove Jetty — Go fishing at Palm Cove Jetty. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

8. Kayak around Double Island

Just a 10-minute boat ride from Palm Cove Jetty, Double Island is a hidden treasure. This privately owned 19-hectare island has a small resort you can stay at, but if you prefer a quick peek, Pacific Water Sports offers half-day tours. Join the Sunrise Kayak Turtle Tour to paddle over to Double Island Reef to greet green and hawksbill sea turtles, before pulling up on Double Island itself to explore it further.

an aerial view of Double Island, Palm Cove — Explore the rich tropical landscapes surrounding Double Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

9. Join a beach yoga class

Want to move, breathe, and relax next to the ocean? Whether you’re a tourist or local, you can do all that with Hartig Yoga under the palm trees outside of the Alamanda Resort . From gentle yoga and sunrise beach yoga to vinyasa yoga that strings a series of poses together seamlessly, there’s a class to suit every level no matter what your experience is.

a woman practicing yoga on Palm Cove Beach — Find some quiet time and practice yoga on the beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

10. Stretch your legs on the Palm Cove Jetty Lookout Walk

To break away from the esplanade, walk to the end of the Palm Cove Jetty to see an entirely different view of Palm Cove and to get the perfect holiday snap. For a little extra sparkle, head there at sunrise or sunset.

people on a boat paddling at dusk, Pal Cove — Paddle through Palm Cove to witness incredible sunset or sunrise views. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

11. Let the kids play

Families with young kids will be interested to hear that there’s an enclosed beach playground on the foreshore, perfect for little legs to burn some energy. Grab a takeaway coffee from the cafes opposite and settle in for some scenic fun.

Palm Cove Family — There’s an enclosed beach playground on the foreshore. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

12. Have your dream wedding

Did you know Palm Cove is one of Australia’s premier wedding locations? With the quiet beaches and picturesque seafront, it’s a beautiful place to say your vows – and you’re spoilt for choice on reception locations.

a wedding reception setup at Nu Nu Restaurant, Palm Cove — Pick Nu Nu Restaurant for your dreamy beach wedding. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Nu Nu Restaurant is a particularly popular spot, and we can see why. Imagine dining with your nearest and dearest along a banquet table under swaying palm trees and fairy lights, set to an ocean soundtrack. Bliss.

a couple dining under palm trees at Nu Nu Restaurant, Palm Cove — Wed and dine under the shade of palm trees at Nu Nu Restaurant. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Fallen in love and want to stay longer? Get to know the absolute best accommodation in Palm Cove.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

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12 memorable things to do in Palm Cove