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12 of the most memorable things to do in Palm Cove

Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Jemma Fletcher Jemma Fletcher
Discover the beaches, dining, wellness and outdoor adventures that make Palm Cove unforgettable.

Just a 30-minute drive north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a pretty pocket of Tropical North Queensland where palm-fringed beaches, award-winning day spas and waterfront dining set the pace. But this laid-back village offers more than just sea and sand. Whether you’re visiting for the day or settling in for a longer escape, here are the best things to do in Palm Cove.

In short

If you only do one thing in Palm Cove, spend a morning strolling Williams Esplanade before settling in for breakfast overlooking Palm Cove Beach. The palm-fringed foreshore perfectly captures the laid-back charm of the village, with boutique shopping, cafés, luxury resorts and one of Tropical North Queensland’s most beautiful beaches all within a few minutes’ walk.

1. Stroll along Williams Esplanade

Palm Cove beach
Palm Cove Beach is just a few steps away from Williams Esplanade. (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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, a hat and a good pair of walking shoes and you’re good to go. Take a stroll or hire a bike to see it for yourself, then settle in for breakfast at Espresso & Co, perched at its timber breakfast bar with uninterrupted views of Palm Cove Beach.

Good to know: Williams Esplanade is at its most magical just after sunrise, when the cafés are opening, the beach is quiet and the Melaleuca trees cast long shadows across the foreshore.

2. Visit Palm Cove Beach

Palm Cove beach from above
What’s a visit to Palm Cove without visiting its hero beach? (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Palm Cove Beach ticks all the boxes – it’s uncrowded, has a swimming net and is 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. It’s also one of the best places in the village to watch the sunrise with a coffee in hand.

3. Walk the Wangetti Trail

Ellis Beach, Palm Cove
Find palm trees along the tranquil coastal stretch of Ellis Beach. (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

One of Tropical North Queensland’s newest walking trails, the Wangetti Trail is already making a name for itself as one of Australia’s most scenic coastal walks. The first section links Palm Cove with Ellis Beach, weaving through rainforest, across elevated boardwalks and past spectacular lookouts over the Coral Sea. Whether you tackle the full trail or simply walk a section, it’s a brilliant way to experience Palm Cove’s natural beauty beyond the beach.

Good to know: Start early to beat the heat, bring plenty of water and keep an eye out for sea eagles, butterflies and the occasional wallaby along the way.

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4. Head to a day spa

The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove
A rejuvenating stay awaits at The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove. (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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 Reef House Spa, you’ll feel relaxed in no time.

Good to know: Book ahead during school holidays and the dry season, when Palm Cove’s most popular day spas can fill up quickly.

5. Enjoy a taste of the tropics

NuNu's restaurant outdoor area
Enjoy beachfront dining at Nu Nu. (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Palm Cove punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. Book a table at beachfront favourite Nu Nu Restaurant for modern Australian dishes showcasing Tropical North Queensland produce, settle in for long lunches overlooking the Coral Sea or wander the esplanade to discover everything from Thai and Greek to casual cafés and gelaterias.

6. Find a treasure at the Palm Cove Markets

Palm Cove Markets
The iconic market takes over the beachfront esplanade. (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

With a focus on sustainable and locally made 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.

Good to know: Held on the first Sunday of every month, 8am–2pm. Free entry.

7. Browse the local shops

Looking to take a piece of Palm Cove home with you? Shopping here is an activity all by itself. Meander around the cluster 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 at for a colourful cocktail, it’s a shopping experience you wish you could have every weekend.

8. Walk to Palm Cove Jetty

Palm Cove Jetty from above
Go fishing at Palm Cove Jetty. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Stretching out into the Coral Sea, the Palm Cove Jetty is one of the village’s best spots for sweeping coastal views. Take a stroll to the end for a postcard-worthy photo, particularly at sunrise or sunset, or bring a fishing rod and cast a line for species such as Spanish mackerel, cod, whiting and flathead. Need gear? Pedro’s Fishing Hire has everything you need to get started.

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9. Kayak with turtles

One of the best ways to experience Palm Cove’s coastline is from the water. Join a guided kayak tour to paddle across the calm waters off Palm Cove, keeping an eye out for green and hawksbill turtles, colourful fish and other marine life along the way. You’ll glide past the fringing reef and enjoy spectacular views back to the palm-lined beach, with a stop at Double Island adding to the adventure. Suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, it’s a memorable half-day experience for anyone wanting to see Palm Cove from a different perspective.

Good to know: Morning tours usually offer the calmest conditions and the best chance of spotting turtles.

10. Join a beachside yoga class

towering palm trees at Alamanda Resort
Partake in sunrise beach yoga under the shade of palm trees. (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

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 experience level.

11. Enjoy the beachfront playground

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

12. Find your perfect stay

balcony view at Drift Palm Cove
Unwind at Drift Palm Cove. (Credit: Supplied)

Palm Cove is home to everything from luxury beachfront resorts and adults-only retreats to family-friendly apartments and boutique hideaways. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a wellness weekend or a tropical family holiday, there’s accommodation to suit every style and budget. Browse our guide to the best accommodation in Palm Cove to find your perfect base.

Planning a trip to Palm Cove? Check out more of our recommendations here:

The best accommodation in Palm Cove | The best restaurants in Palm Cove | The best accommodation in Palm Cove

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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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Wine, dine and vintage gems: 8 things you didn’t know about Toowoomba

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    There’s more to Australia’s Garden City than meets the eye.

    With Victorian-era and traditional Queenslander buildings, an abundance of manicured gardens and the famous Carnival of Flowers painting the streets in vibrant colours each spring, Toowoomba is one of the most charming regional cities in Queensland Country.

    While its beauty alone is reason enough to visit, there are lesser-known sides to Toowoomba that locals love most, from its burgeoning culinary scene to its artistic flair. Located just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane (or a direct flight from Sydney), it’s all too easy to discover on a long weekend away.

    1. There’s an awesome local arts scene

    tour group walking in front of toowoomba street art
    Find incredible works of art around Toowoomba’s streets. (Credit: Nathan McNeil)

    Australia’s second largest inland city is a flourishing arts and culture hub waiting to be discovered. Over 100 vibrant street art murals and graffiti works decorate the city, and they’re best viewed along Bank Lane and Searles Walk.

    Regional Queensland’s oldest public art gallery can also be found in Toowoomba – it’s home to 20th-century Australian works created by Queensland artists and those connected to the Toowoomba region.

    2. It has world-class farm-to-table dining

    rosalie house aerial toowoomba secrets
    Stop into Rosalie House to wine and dine.

    As a regional city, Toowoomba has direct access to incredibly fresh produce that’s shaping its culinary scene. At sunset, head to the verandah at Rosalie House Cellar Door Restaurant for a grazing-style dining experience and to discover Queensland’s underrated wine scene. Indulge in dishes such as Warilba lamb rump and roasted pumpkin with ginger-roasted potatoes and lime yoghurt, paired with their delicious cool-climate wines.

    For a more relaxed affair, sweet tooths should make a beeline for award-winning The Baker’s Duck. Be sure to try their cult favourite strawberry cheesecake danish; you’ll learn why 35,000 of these treats are sold annually.

    3. Small bars are doing big work

    table spread at Uno Más small bar in toowoomba secrets
    Pop into small bars like Uno Más.

    Toowoomba doesn’t disappoint with fantastic pubs, but discerning drinkers can take happy hour to the next level at one of the city’s impressive small bars. Savour Spanish-style bites paired with a thoughtful line-up of wines at the newly opened Uno Más Tapas & Wine Bar. On Thursdays, head to Cork & Lever to tap your feet to live music over creative cocktails made with their all-Australian gin collection. And enjoy elevated toasties and premium drops at the cosy Press’d Coffee & Wine. Or try newly opened The Book Pour.

    4. There’s no shortage of fabulous stays

    Bunnyconnellen
    Chill out in beautiful surrounds at Bunnyconnellen. (Credit: Salt Media)

    Whether you prefer the buzz of the city centre or retreating to the hinterland, there are stylish stays aplenty to settle into in this idyllic corner of the world. Apartment-style living can be found at Quest Toowoomba; partly housed in a heritage church building in the city, it’s a comfortable and convenient base. And at The Arbour Boutique Apartments, spacious rooms are injected with old-world charm.

    In the hinterland, enjoy bucolic bliss at the boutique Bunnyconnellen, where an 1880s farmhouse and self-contained cottage are backdropped by rolling hills. And at the secluded Ravensbourne Escape, one-bedroom studios, two-bedroom chalets and three-bedroom holiday homes overlook Ravensbourne National Park and the Brisbane and Lockyer Valleys.

    5. It’s a nature-lovers paradise

    extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain
    Tackle Table Top Mountain. (Credit: Ariana Potamianakis)

    Toowoomba is hugged by national parks, making it a haven for nature lovers. On its doorstep you’ll find the extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain, where keen hikers can tackle the challenging two-kilometre return trail which rewards them with 360° views of the Lockyer Valley and surrounds.

    For a more gentle experience, Ravensbourne National Park offers peaceful walking trails within lush rainforest. It’s a top spot for bird watching as there are over 110 bird species that call the area home, including the paradise riflebird. Crows Nest National Park is home to platypus and koalas, and its refreshing natural swimming spots, like Kauyoo Pool, are a great place to beat the heat.

    6. Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after

    Toowoomba’s cool and calm energy lends itself to a wellness-focused getaway. Slated to open in August 2026, soak in the serenity at Vikasati Toowoomba, a bathhouse oasis with outdoor hot and cold magnesium pools, ice baths and Finnish saunas. Rest and recharge at City Cave Toowoomba, which offers float therapy, infrared sauna and massage services, or visit Kalm Springs for LED therapy, cryotherapy and float therapy.

    7. It’s preserved its 19th-century charm

    inside Queensland Museum Cobb + Co
    Learn all about the history of Cobb+Co.

    History buffs can step back in time at Toowoomba’s fascinating cultural and historical museums.

    Explore 50,000 years of Darling Downs and Toowoomba history at the Queensland Museum Cobb+Co; it’s known for its impressive National Carriage Collection of 47 restored horse-drawn vehicles, which were put to use for Queensland’s urban expansion. Visitors can also try their hand at blacksmithing or leadlighting in heritage workshops, refuelling with traditional scones at the onsite cafe.

    Train enthusiasts can celebrate the golden era of rail travel on a heritage steam locomotive thanks to the volunteer-driven, community-led organisation DownsSteam Toowoomba. Vintage train rides range from a two-hour journey between Toowoomba Station and DownsSteam Railway Museum to an overnight adventure from Toowoomba to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt

    8. There are vintage gems waiting to be found

    Whether it’s to pick up a unique piece for your home or a one-of-a-kind accessory for a loved one, you’re guaranteed to find something special in one of Toowoomba’s antique and vintage stores. Range Antiques sells everything from furniture, rugs and lamps to fine porcelain, jewellery and art, while Toowoomba Antiques & Collectables is a treasure trove of Art Deco, farmhouse, retro and mid-century modern pieces.

    Start planning your weekender of a lifetime in Queensland Country region at queenslandcountrytourism.com.au.

    12 Memorable Things To Do In Palm Cove | Australian Traveller