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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spend your Sunday shopping at Palm Cove Markets. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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