Looking for fun things to do in Palm Cove and Far North Qld? Look no further as we have you covered with the very best!
Don’t miss the chance to go on a trip to the Far North of Queensland. It is no doubt one of the best places to visit in Queensland and best weekend getaways from Brisbane.
We would highly recommend visiting Palm Cove as part of a Cairns to Port Douglas drive!
Best Palm Cove Attractions
Walk the Cairns Esplanade
The Esplanade trail is 2.5km long and is riddled with recreational activities for people to indulge in. If you’re an active person, you should hit the beach volleyballs courts or the Skate Plaza along the trail.
The recreational facilities are free of charge and the trail has markers every 500m, which is a good way to measure your distance from the start.
Image credit: Palm Cove Tourism
Swim in the Lagoon beach
The lagoon beach is situated in the heart of Cairns in the Trinity Harbour front. The lagoon beach is popular with both locals and tourists alike.
The lagoon beach’s crystal and cool waters beckon the people to take a dip, especially in the summer when the temperatures are perfect for swimming. The 4800 square meter salty swimming lagoon is about 5 feet in deep and is surrounded with sandy beach shores.
If you are not a strong swimming, you don’t need to be overly concerned as lifeguards petrol the lagoon to make sure the people stay safe.
Image credit: Cairns Attractions
Visit the Botanical Gardens
The Cairns Botanical Gardens is a must visit in the area as it is considered one of greatest exhibition of tropical plants in the region.
The entire Botanical Gardens comprises of four areas: the Flecker Gardens, Centenary Lakes, Tanks Art Centre and Mt. Whitfield Conservation Park. Entry to the Gardens is free but dogs are not allowed inside the Gardens.
You can have a picnic by one of the lakes in the Centenary Lakes or go birdwatching in the wilderness of the Gardens – 130+ species of birds live there.
Visit the Cape Tribulation look out
The Cape Tribulation look out is one of the must dos in the area. From the lookout you can see miles of beautiful coastline and coral reef. The Cape Tribulation Lookout is will give you splendid views of the mountains, the Cape Trib Beach and even the sea.
Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre
About 10km North from the Daintree River, the Discovery Centre is located in the heart of the forest. The Centre is a must-visit place where you can see the forest at every level, from the ground floor to the upper parts of the canopy.
Here, you can see a lot of Australia’s natural wildlife and plants – you might catch a glimpse of a python sleeping in a giant fern basket or a beautiful orchid in full bloom. The Centre also has films on conservation and wildlife such as crocodiles which are shown in the DVD theatre.
Go white water rafting
The Barron River in Cairns is one of the most amazing places in Australia to go for white water rafting. White water rafting costs around $135, the scenery alone makes it well worth the money.
A bus will pick you up from your accommodation in Palm Cove and take you to the Barron River. On your journey, you’ll encounter the 100 million years old rainforests of the Barron Gorge National Park and the fresh waters of Lake Placid.
Free things to do in Palm Cove
Visit the Beaches
Some of the best beaches in Australia are located in the far north Qld region (other worthwhile beaches to visit in Qld include Yeppoon, Agnes Waters, Rainbow Beach and Bribie Island)
Some of the best beaches in this region include the Port Douglas Beach (also referred as Four Mile Beach) which Is close to the Great Barrier Reef.
Another nice option is the The Green Island Beach with perfect white sand or Palm Cove Beach, also called Queensland’s day spa capital, is considered the most beautiful out of all the beaches in the Cairns region. You can walk along the sand and seek shade under the palm trees lining the beach. Just magic!
Fish from the wharf
The Palm Cove jetty is the fishing hot spot in Palm Cove. If you enjoy fishing, you should pay a visit to the jetty which is basically the “it spot” for fishing in Palm Cove.
It’s best to fish to when the waters are calm and the weather is good. You may score a Spanish Mackerel, catfish, Grunter or Cod.
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
In the heart of Kuranda Village this Butterfly Sanctuary is rated one of the best butterfly sanctuaries in Australia.
Over 1500 tropical butterflies with vivd colours bask the large enclosure. All the butterflies there are native to Australia and can be spotted in the surrounding rainforest.
The Sanctuary is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm all week aside from Christmas days and guided tours begin at 10:15am. See here for more info.
Explore Rusty’s Market
Rusty’s market is a very interesting place to visit if you are in the area – a local marketplace with colourful stalls selling fresh local produce.
You will find a lot of great produce here at seriously good prices including cheeses, local raw seafood, nuts, homemade pasta, chocolate treats, Thai foods, Indian foods, wood oven breads and even organic food.
Aside from food, the market has other interesting items for sale including jewellery, clothes, second-hand books, therapeutic messages, tarot readings etc. Love coffee? Then, be sure to try the freshly brewed coffee in the market – it is seriously good.
Visit Mossman Gorge
Considered a hidden gem of Cairns Region and Far North QLD, the Mossman Gorge is a striking and very clear river located in the South Daintree Rainforest. The forest around the gorge is thought to be one of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world.
Be sure to pack a picnic since the gorge has some lovely shadey areas where you can eat amid nature’s wonders!
Hike the Flagstaff Hill lookout
The Flagstaff lookout is located on the top of the Island Point Road (on the Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail) in the Port Douglas Peninsula is one of the best lookouts in the area.
It’s an easy to walk or hike to the lookout and while on the way, you’ll catch beautiful sights of the Four Mile Beach, mountain roads and rainforests in the area.
Don’t miss a sunset from the lookout – they are truly spectacular.
How pretty is this view?!
Silver Crescent Park
If you are looking for a simple way to spend an afternoon, Silver Crescent Park is a great place to go – it is perfect for taking kids or even walking your dog – it’s very puppy friendly. It is also a lovely spot for a picnic!
The park is located in Cairns Palm Cove and has drinking facilities, fitness equipment, picnic table and picnic shelter, playground for kids to play and pass the time in and nature as far as the eye can see.
Things to do in Palm Cove with Kids
If you are taking kids with you up to far north Qld, here are some Palm Cove activities you can’t miss!
Spend a day on Fitzroy Island
Fitzroy Island is a good place to visit if you want to be more in touch with nature and your adventurous side! The untouched rainforests on the island are incredible.
On the island you can partake in many physical activities and sports including diving, snorkelling, hiking to the highest point of the island, sea kayaking or even jumping on the giant ocean trampoline (the kids will love this!)
You can stay on this island or do a day trip. More info here.
Kuranda Heritage Railway
One of the most iconic and cool activities in the area is the Kuranda Heritage Railway.
Rated as one of the best train journeys in Australia and the world, on the train you travel through the amazing heritage-listed rainforest in Kuranda. The kids (and adults alike) will enjoy the fun ride!
Kuranda Bird World
If you are taking your kids to far north Qld, you can’t miss the Kuranda Bird World.
The Bird World is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm and it contains the biggest collection of free flying birds in Australia. The Bird World has lakes, waterfall, ponds and local flora to give the birds a semblance of their natural habitat.
Over 45 species of local birds are present there like parrots, Regent Bowerbirds, macaws, rainbow lorikeets, cockatoos, galahs and even cassowary. You can hand feed the birds and some birds might even come to rest on your shoulder.
Gelocchio for Ice cream
Open from 10:00am to 11:00pm, this ice cream joint is the best in Cairns!
The owner of the shop is Italian and the ice cream tastes like gelato straight from Italy. There are many flavours aall amde with natural ingredients so much healthier than factory produce ice cream. You can top off your sorbet with nuts for a nutty crunch and chocolate sauce.
Visit Paronella Park
Paronella Park is one of the most beautiful parks near Cairns with with 75,00 tropical trees and plants. It is about 120km from Cairns (so a little drive) but it is well worth it!
There, you can see old buildings – made when the park was first opened – and other sights at the park. You should take the night tours they offer – they’re even better than the day ones.
One of the best day trips from Palm Cove.
Visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Definitely one of the most iconic things to do in Queensland include seeing a croc show! If you are not exploring Maleny and surrounds (Home to Steve Irwin and Australia Zoo) you might want to visit Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.
Open from 8:30am to 5:00pm, this wildlife park is open all week and it’s the place to be if you want to see some crocodiles in Cairns. Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures was made on a 10-hectare site and you can explore the place without any guide. To see the crocodiles, you’ll have to drop by the Crocodile Lagoon.
The park also have the rare cassowaries which are native to Australia.
Go Crocodile spotting on the Daintree River
Another way to see a crocodile is via tour on the Daintree River.
Daintree River doesn’t have just any crocodiles but saltwater crocodiles which are seriously big and the River has around 70 of them. Seeing a saltwater crocodile is no easy feat because they are highly territorial and on the summit of the food chain in the forest. You can go on a cruise to the River to spot them but don’t do anything to provoke them if you want to stay safe.
Romantic things to do in Palm Cove
Kayak to Double Island
One of the most fun, romantic things to do in cairns include taking a kayak to Double Island.
Kayaking to Double Island is only half the fun. When you reach the island, you can enjoy a deserted beach paradise with your partner!
Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef
Your holiday to Palm Cove won’t be complete without a tour to the Great Barrier Reef – one of the most beautiful reefs in the world! Many believe the GBR is dying so the time to visit is NOW!
SkyRail Rainforest Cableway
Want to see Australia’s rainforest by gliding above the canopy? Then, take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to make your dream a reality. Be sure to take visit the lookouts at Red Peak and the Barron Gorge.
Visit the Crystal Cascades
Crystal cascades are formed due to an isolated swimming pool deep in the forest and a series of little waterfalls flow out from the pool into bigger pools.
It’s a beautiful and scenic sight where you can have a picnic or BBQ amoung nature. You can walk to the summit of the cascades or around the pool to discover the plants and wildlife there.
Visit the local markets
Palm Cove has local markets where you can buy cheap crafts or just visit for sightseeing.
Some good markets are Palm Cove Market which has 120+ stalls and handmade items like clothes and jewellery are sold there, Cairns Mud Markets and Cairns Night Markets have locally produced items and other crafts. The Port Douglas Market is also a good option which is open each Sunday and has a great atmoshphere.
Visit Macrossan Street Port Douglas
A thriving hive of hubbub and activity, Macrossan Street at Port Douglas is a great place to visit for couples who love to shop as it is filled with clothing boutiques which sell anything from bathers to flip flops. There are also lots of great restaurants along the street to enjoy when you tire of shopping.
From the street, you can also easily visit Four Miles Beach.
Best Restaurants in Palm Cove Qld
Temple of Tastes Restaurant – A true temple of tastes inspired by Southeast Asian Cuisine, this restaurant crafts dishes that truly satisfy the taste buds and is organic. This fine dining establishment is located at the Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and its enclosed with beautiful tropical gardens and bamboo lanterns provide soft vibes to the venue.
You should try their sesame crusted beef tataki as a starter, followed by fried Daintree River whole baby barramundi as a main dish – it’s a game changer.
Vivo Palm Cove – A popular beachfront restaurant, Vivo offers its guest delicious breakfast meals like toast with homemade preserves, organic fruit toast or tropical fruits salad.
They also serve award-winning lunch and dinner options. It’s right across the beach so you can take in the idyllic views of sandy beach and the azure waters from the restaurant’s veranda. Vivo also has cocktails and you can dine-in or even take takeaways and Vivo is open every day from 6:30am to 9:00pm.
Beach Almond Beach House – Beach Almond Beach House is a licensed Asian seafood restaurant which uses locally caught marine life to whip up delectable dishes. They serve Southeast Asian dishes like black pepper butter prawns, curries, char-grilled seafood, green papaya salad, Singaporean chilli crab and even tropical lobster with mild chilli, turmeric and coconut. It consistently gets stellar guest reviews.
O’Donnells Irish Bar & Grill – This Irish pub serves tasty food at a good prices – look out for their happy hour specials! The pub also caters to special diets like vegan and gluten free. Some of the best dishes include calamari, chicken parmigiana, Barra and chips. The pub’s deck is a splendid place to watch a full moon rise out from the murky ocean waters.
One of the delicious deserts served at the Beach Almond
Where to stay in Palm Cove Qld
Peppers Beach Club & Spa – It’s a luxury gateway that gives its guest beautiful rooms, fantastic leisure facilities and even a spa pool. Peppers Beach Club & Spa also provides it guest with in-house movies and free Wi-Fi.
You can choose suits which are fitted kitchen and all suits or rooms have a balcony that faces the ocean. It has three swimming pools, a fitness centre to stay in tip-top shape and even a beachside restaurant.
Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore – Located near the Coral Reef, Alamanda Palm Cove has a hot tub, a day spa and three swimming pools and each room has a balcony that overlooks the ocean and gives stunning views.
The apartments also have air conditioner, kitchen, microwave, dishwasher, laundry facilities, DVD player and TV. This place also has BBQ facilities and the bar has a variety of cocktails, beers and wines. It’s close to Daintree Rainforest so you can visit it during your stay.
The Reef House – MGallery by Sofitel – Regarded as one of the best hotels in Palm Cove, the Reef House has a peaceful tropical garden, two spas, three swimming pool to cool off from the heat and Honesty Bar, where you can get Brigadiers punch on the house in the evening. All the rooms are luxury accommodations and each room is decorated differently but not all rooms have hot tubs and verandas facing the ocean.
Hotel Grand Chancellor Palm Cove – Located in 3 hectares plus gardens, this resort has massage services, games room and beauty and hair salon along with 3 swimming pool, an on-site restaurant and a bar. It’s really close to the beach so you can go for a run to the beach. The resort offers rooms or suites with contemporary styles and every unit has a balcony or an outdoor terrace. You can dine out or in the alfresco dining the resort offers and the resort is located in a village in Palm Cove.
Oasis at Palm Cove – Also, one of the best hotels is Pam Cove, the Oasis is a real oasis complete with BBQ area and even tennis court that is full-size. Oasis is neighbours with the Great Barrier Reef so you can go exploring at your leisure and close to good shops, galleries and restaurants. The rooms at the Oasis are decorated in island style and have a full kitchen, dining area or lounge and front and back balconies as well. It also has a lagoon style pool for its guests to cool off from the heat and a spa to get pampered up and relax.
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