WORLD’S BEST BEACH
ISSUE MAY 2024
PUBLISHER – Australian Tourist Publications (07) 4041 3600
Tourist
DIRECTORS/OWNERS – Trish Blackman & Jackie Honour
ACCOUNTS – Jackie Honour
SALES – Trish Blackman 0418 143 342, James Acklin 0432 511 492 DESIGN – Sue Dwyer Graphic Design
IMAGES – Courtesy of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia and Ross Palm. © All content within this magazine is copyright-protected by Australian Tourist Publications. Australian Tourist Publications acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands represented in this magazine and pay their respects to Elders past, present and emerging. This publication is an initiative of Advance Palm Cove Events Incorporated. Contact Daryl O’Reilly 0478 215 226
From the team at Tropic Estate Agents, welcome to Palm Cove! As the local go-to agency, Matthew and his team are committed to understanding your unique needs and delivering the best results, whether you’re buying, selling or investing.
PALM COVE
If the World’s Best Beach* isn’t enough for you, don’t worry, Palm Cove has much more that its exquisite sandy shores. This quaint little seaside village, nestled on the palm-fringed shoreline of the Coral Sea, ticks all the boxes for today’s traveller. Palm Cove offers a year-round tropical climate, boutique hotels, luxury resorts, award-winning restaurants, soothing day spas, and two World Heritage-listed natural wonders nearby, and it’s only 25 minutes’ drive from Cairns Airport!
Palm Cove has been offering visitors laidback luxury since the 1950s and has lost none of her charm. Chic restaurants and swank hotels share the shoreline with magnificent 500-year-old Melaleuca trees and a gorgeous esplanade famous for its “tunnel” of coconut palms.
Kick your shoes off and refresh your body and soul by connecting with yourself and the natural surroundings. Indulge yourself in town with some retail therapy or great fresh food. Take it easy fishing
or take a trip. Situated half-way between Cairns and Port Douglas, Palm Cove is a great base to explore tropical north Queensland. The world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the world’s oldest rainforest in the Daintree, and the higher ground of the beautiful Atherton Tablelands are all within easy reach.
The calm waters of Palm Cove make it ideal for water sports. Get wet kayaking, kiteboarding or paddleboarding. Or stay high and dry and explore the network of scenic bike trails for healthy, safe family fun.
Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, visit Palm Cove and unwind in this chic coastal resort that has a sleepy seaside village at its heart.
*as voted by Conde Nast Traveller magazine 2024
PALM COVE’S FAMOUS MELALEUCA TREES
• Yirrganydji people used them for medicine, cooking, fire starting, tools, water and shelter.
• Captain Cook’s botanist Joseph Banks accurately estimated them to be 400 years old when visiting in 1770.
• A bounty of $10,000 was placed for each tree damaged during construction of the Ramada Resort in the mid-1980s.
• They are now protected, and strict laws enforce their preservation.
• Their “paper bark” peels in layers to protect the tree from parasitic plants and animals.
Melaleuca Resort, Palm Cove
Melaleuca Resort in beautiful Palm Cove is the perfect beachfront resort to escape the hustle and bustle, unwind, relax and rejuvenate. Set amongst an award-winning, vibrant and lush tropical garden populated with exotic Australian native birdlife, featuring a lagoon style walk-in pool, Melaleuca Resort is directly opposite the beach.
Melaleuca Resort’s clean and comfortable one-bedroom, fully self-contained apartments feature a relaxing lounge, large balcony with spectacular views of the Coral Sea and gardens. Guests call Melaleuca their second home, returning with friends and family to introduce them to Melaleuca’s old-fashioned hospitality and the beauty of Palm Cove.
HISTORY OF PALM COVE
It is believed that the Yirrganydji Aboriginal people were the sole inhabitants of the Palm Cove region, from as far back as 60,000 years ago, until Captain Cook made a brief stop to replenish his water supply at Sweet Creek in 1770. However, it was the landing of the G.E. Dalrymple Northeast Coast Expedition on the shores of Palm Cove in 1873 that led to the most infamous episode in Palm Cove’s history. The expedition’s crew had stopped to access a freshwater lagoon and were immediately prevented from doing so by a large group of Yirrgayndji men brandishing spears. A battle ensued and Dalrymple’s men repelled the Aboriginal men with gunfire.
The earliest documented landowner in the area was the Church of England under the stewardship of Archdeacon Campbell. It is assumed that Campbell, with a keen interest in agronomics, planted the iconic palm trees that still line the beachfront today. A 200-acre land purchase from Campbell in 1918 was made by Albert Veivers and family, who referred to the area as Double Island or Palm Beach. The Veivers family attempted to raise
livestock on the land, however crocodile attacks on the stock led to the plan being abandoned.
During World War II Palm Cove was used as a training base for the Australian armed forces and, as a result, naval mines were washing up onto the beaches into the 1950s. This generated a lot of publicity for the area and, combined with Palm Cove’s outstanding beauty, led to an increase in visitors and settlers. A Progress Association was formed, and the name of Palm Cove was chosen. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that the name was officially declared.
The 1980s realised Palm Cove’s potential as a tourist destination leading to several international hotel chains becoming established and a boom in visitors and investment.
In 2024 the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller Magazine voted Palm Cove the World’s Best Beach. Today it is internationally recognised as a laid-back tropical beachside village with luxury resorts, world-class day spas and awardwinning restaurants.
FISHING
Before Palm Cove became a worldrenowned resort village and was voted the World’s Best Beach by Conde
• All inclusive Fishing Gear Packs
• Stinger Suits
• Kayak Tours departing from Trinity Beach
Nast Traveller, it was a celebrated fishing location, and still is! The narrow channel between Double Island and the cove is legendary for migratory species leaving the cooler southern waters for the warm tropical north, especially School Mackerel.
And the best spot to catch fish in one of the best fishing spots in the world is the Palm Cove Jetty. Besides mackerel, anglers bring in barramundi, trevally, stripeys, yellowtail and shark.
Hire complete fishing packs. Delivered to your hotel or pick up at Palm Cove. Book online or call 0431 441 590 pedrosfishinghire.com.au
Other good fishing spots can be found on the rocks near the jetty, Buchans Point for estuary species and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Jump aboard a fishing charter or if you want to do it yourself, unwind with Pedro’s Hire and Tours. Pedro’s provide all-inclusive fishing packs, pick-up or delivered to your door. They also have awesome kayak tours, on downwind runs from Trinity Beach, for a safe and special ocean experience.
SHOPPING
A holiday isn’t quite the same without some retail therapy and Palm Cove’s village atmosphere lets you enjoy shopping the way it used to be – no crowds, no chain stores and friendly, personalised service.
Wander along the Esplanade and check out chic boutiques with their unique array of resort wear. Visit an art gallery, take a Sunday stroll through the markets, or take home a creative, high-quality gift or souvenir.
Kaboo Haircutters and Beauty, a few minutes from Palm Cove in the Clifton Village Shopping Centre, is your onestop shop for hair and beauty services. Their friendly, experienced team welcomes everyone to their spacious and luxurious salon. Offering colours and style cuts for women, men, toddlers, and kids, they’ll have your whole family looking their best!
Just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean you should compromise on health, and Botanical Chemist is there to help. Visit their community pharmacy
for health advice, a huge range of sun protection products, and all you need for self-care when you’re far from home.
Where health meets heart
Need a shop that specialises in swimwear for the mature woman, provides expert guidance, and has an extensive selection? If so, dive into the complete range of “clever” swimwear at Annie’s at the Beach Boutique. Their knowledgeable staff understand
swimwear and are there to help you find that perfect piece.
Annie’s at the Beach specialises in swimwear, clever clothing, and resort pieces. They carry a myriad of beachwear styles for ladies, men, and children. With unparalleled designs from Australian and European
Cool, natural fabrics for men and women. Clever swimwear for every body. Shoes that your feet will thank you for. Exciting accessories and gift lines.
Peppers Beach Club, 123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove. Phone 0475 888 009 www.palmcoveboutiques.com.au
outfitters, using the latest innovations in fabric and garment technology, their clever swimwear is made to suit every size and shape, for the perfect fit. Annie’s creative, quality designs are not found in chain stores.
Choose from pieces that reflect the finesse and elegance of European
styling or established Australian brands that know and understand shape, stretch, quality and print placement.
With their meticulous attention to detail, Annie’s team will have you stepping out in style and ready for your beachside holiday. Pop into Annie’s and prepare to shine!
Much more than a surf shop
A celebration of the latest beach and street fashion, Beach Catwalk stocks an extensive range of brands you will love.
Opposite NuNu Restaurant, 2-22 Veivers Road, Palm Cove. Phone 0497 888 780 Palmcoveboutiques.com.au
distinctive and discerning tastes of mature women. Their team believe it’s not just about clothing, it’s about expressing your unique personality and embracing your individuality. Your journey to timeless elegance begins at Lydia’s Boutique. Visit Ian Stephens Fine Art Gallery where all paintings are inspired by the pristine, lush environment and the flora and fauna of tropical north
Queensland. Ian’s superb originals, created using acrylics on quality canvas, can be customised to suit your space, and framed or rolled for shipping worldwide.
Island Boho, located upstairs in the Palm Cove Shopping Village, has
all your retail therapy cures. They stock a great range of the latest in ladies’, men’s and kids’ fashion and accessories. Drop by and select from a great range of clothing, homewares, gifts and jewellery, and a little something for you!
DAY SPAS
Holidays are incomplete without a little “you-time” and Palm Cove’s first-class day spas know what it takes to soothe the body and soul. Select from a dizzying array of treatments at these local spas,
leaving you feeling pampered and pleasured.
Fall in love with Palm Cove Retreat Day Spa’s luxurious treatments including Body Therapies, Massage, Advanced Anti-Ageing Facials, Body Scrubs, Body
Relax, unwind and b e pamp ere d, in b eautiful Palm Cove with its white sandy b each and co ol o cean bre eze
Located at the Mantra Amphora Hotel - we pride ourselves on delivering high-end treatments in a warm and caring environment.
With locally hand-crafted Vichy tables, couples retreat, and serenity lounge; Palm Cove Retreat Day Spa welcomes you to relax in our beachside paradise.
Our luxurious treatments, Massage, Advanced Anti-Ageing facials, Body Exfoliation, Body Wraps, Manicures, Pedicures, Organic Facials, and Hot Stones Massage will leave you relaxed and de-stressed.
Locally owned and operated.
We lo ok forward to welcoming you to our spa
Amphora R e c eption t. 4059 0254 e. info@palmc ove dayspa.c om.au
Ma ke a b o o ki n g onl i n e : ww w p al m c ov e d a ysp a. c o m .a u
Wraps, Manicures, Pedicures, Organic Facials, and Hot Stones Massage, leaving you relaxed and de-stressed, with amazing proven results.
Re-harmonise mind, body and spirit at Paradise Day Spas NQ, inside the
elegant Peppers Beach Club & Spa on Williams Esplanade. With beautiful treatment rooms and a handmade Vichy table and relaxation room, they have everything to help you unwind and relax.
Paradise Day Spas NQ
Come and visit our spa within Peppers Beach Club, Palm Cove for some pampering and relaxation.
Specialising in Holistic Treatments with a range of massages to suit, whether it's relaxation, deep tissue massage or hot stone. Beautiful full body exfoliations, wraps and Vichy treatments, as well as facials using the French born product brand Thalgo.
What’s on in Palm Cove
Monday
Water Aerobics with Mel 9am Oceans
Edge pool $10 per session
O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill
Happy Hours 4–6pm and 8–10pm
Rattle N Hum Happy Hours 5–7pm
O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill
Trivia Night – 7–9pm
Tuesday
O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill Happy Hours 4–6pm and 8–10pm
Rattle N Hum Happy Hours 5–7pm
Wednesday
Water Aerobics with Mel 9am at Oceans Edge Pool $10 per session
O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill
Mega Raffle 5–6pm. Live Music 6–8pm
Rattle N Hum Happy Hours 5–7pm
Thursday
O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill Happy Hours 4–6pm and 8–10pm
Palm Cove Surf Club – Membership Draw, Jag the Joker and Raffles from 5pm
Rattle N Hum Happy Hours 5–7pm
Palm Cove Tavern Trivia Night – 6pm
Friday
O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill
Happy Hours 4–6pm and 8–10pm
Rattle N Hum
Kaboo Haircutters and Beauty. Your one-stop hair and beauty services salon. Our friendly, experienced team welcomes everyone in our spacious and luxurious salon.
Style cuts and colours for women, men, kids, and toddlers
We carry Goldwell and KMS hair care products, Dermalogica skin care products and use the latest GHD styling tools
Open Tuesday to Saturday (late appointments available Thursday and Saturday) Shop 10 Clifton Village Shopping Centre, Clifton Beach Ph 07 4059 2759 Book online www.kaboohaircutters.com.au
Live Music at Surf Club 6pm, O’Donnells 6pm and Rattle N Hum 6.30pm
Saturday
Free Falun Dafa Meditation Session opposite 27 Degrees Cafe 8.30am
Rattle N Hum Happy Hours 5–7pm
Palm Cove Surf Club 2pm Live Music
O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill Karoake with Rick 7pm
Sunday
Rattle N Hum – Live Music 3 pm
O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill Live Music 3pm
Markets 1st Sunday of Month from April –December (Except September)
Espresso & Co is a locally-owned cafe specialising in making the very best coffee in Palm Cove. Serving breakfast, lunch and coffee daily. Open 6:00am – 2:30pm daily. Ph 4055 3021 115-117 Williams, Esplanade, Palm Cove espressoandco.com.au
WEDNESDAYS 5–6PM
O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill Happy Hours 4–6pm and 8–10pm
ADVANCE PALM COVE
MAJOR SPONSORS
TOURS & ADVENTURES
It’s tempting to spend your days lounging by the pool, sun baking on the beach or sipping cocktails in a beachside bar during your Palm Cove holiday. But then you would be missing out on all the exciting tours and adventures that the region has to offer.
Enter a world without boundaries at Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett, only
minutes from Palm Cove, offering exciting experiences for the whole family. Join in on the excitement or spectate in the rainforest bar and cafe. Skypark is home to Australia’s only Bungy, Giant Swing, Cairns’ highest viewing platform, and Walk the Plank challenge at 140m above sea level. Free transfers available. Book now!
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett
Birdworld Kuranda
Kuranda Koala Gardens
Australian Butterfly Sanctuary
Rainforestation Nature Park
To Port Douglas Daintree and Cape Trib
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
For the ultimate day trips from Palm Cove book with Tropic Wings’ tours! Get up close and personal with the Kuranda rainforest at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Rainforestation Nature Park. Or take off with Tropic Wings on an unforgettable day to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, the wilderness of Mossman Gorge and Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas.
Cairns Aquarium is the city’s foremost visitor attraction, allowing guests of all ages a guaranteed interaction with thousands of fish and aquatic animals, without getting wet! Explore nine tropical ecosystems and 70 exhibits showcasing an underwater world filled with unique and rare species, more than 15,000 fish, reptiles and rays, crustaceans and coral gardens.
Birdworld Kuranda and Kuranda Koala Gardens are two world-class wildlife attractions. Birdworld replicates the natural rainforest habitat for over 350 birds. Enjoy handfeeding and great photo opportunities. Koala Gardens is home to an amazing array of Aussie animals and one of the few places where you can hold a koala for a souvenir photo.
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is one of the longest running, most popular tourist attractions in north Queensland and their world-famous Crocodile Attack Show is as popular as ever. In 2002, Hartley’s moved 500m to their current site, delivering authentic crocodile experiences in a new, sustainable eco-attraction.
The rainforest is calling your name and Cairns Adventure Group is ready to take you there. They set out every single day on adventurous journeys of discovery; rafting, tubing, swimming and exploring rainforest landscapes or jet boating, cruising, fishing and wildlife watching in the waters of Trinity Inlet.
Experience the tropics at your own pace with Tropical North Car Rentals. Locally owned and operated, their modern, fully equipped fleet comes with unlimited kilometres and no hidden fees. With decades of local experience, they’re dedicated to making your stay as easy and relaxed as possible.
ACCOMMODATION
Memorable accommodation makes for an unforgettable travel experience and Palm Cove has the place for you. And because Palm Cove is a small coastal village, all accommodation is within a short stroll of one of the most picturesque beaches in the world.
Palm Cove’s lavish hotel resorts pamper guests with world-class amenities, soothing day spas, fine restaurants, and private pools. Or, for those seeking something more intimate, boutique homestays provide your home away from home in a tropical paradise.
Visit Palm Cove and make your accommodation a key part of your beachside destination, because you’re destined to return.
The Reef House, current winner of Australia’s Best Five Star Luxury Accommodation, provides an adultsonly, bespoke, relaxation escape, and personalised service, by the Coral Sea. Enjoy inclusive packages and activities curated for rest, relaxation
and rejuvenation dedicated to their house guests, in their boutique hotel and spa.
Only Relaxation Escapes
unforgettable experience.
our All Included Complimentary
Inclusions and Experiences
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa is an upscale hotel providing privacy, seclusion, luxury, and direct access to the beach. This five-star, boutique resort is nestled around three spectacular swimming pools and two spas, and includes a worldclass restaurant, Temple of Taste.
Experience this 5-star resort featuring studio rooms to three bedroom apartments, two restaurants and a spa, all located within the lush grounds on the southern end of the beach in beautiful Palm Cove
Escape to Vie Spa Palm Cove and leave feeling restored, revived and inspired.
Ignite your senses at Temple of Tastes and Experience the tantalising flavours and textures inspired by Southeast Asia or enjoy relaxed poolside dining at Lagoon Bar.
5 Triton Street, Palm Cove T. 4059 9600 pullmanpalmcove.com.au
Historic Sweet Creek Cottage has been lovingly restored into an elegant, spacious, 5-star beachside home, suitable for up to six guests. Enjoy exceptional amenities and all the comforts of home in a peaceful, relaxing, and friendly setting.
only a short walk from Palm Cove
With modern amenities, a heated pool and plenty of entertainment for the kids, Sweet Creek Cottage promises to be a truly memorable holiday experience for the entire family.
Melaleuca Resort is set amongst an award-winning, lush tropical garden featuring a lagoon-style walk-in pool, right across from the beach. Guests call Melaleuca their second home, returning year after year for old-fashioned hospitality and the beauty of Palm Cove.
Directly opposite the beach, Mantra Amphora is the perfect spot for a tropical holiday. Their rooms are a great affordable option for a romantic getaway, for families, or for larger groups. Let the kids float around the pool while you let your stress float away.
Discover Mantra Amphora, Palm Cove
Embrace beachfront bliss with our hotel rooms and apartments. Dive into our central lagoon pool amidst tranquil beach views. Your tropical escape awaits!
Mantra Amphora
49-63 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove
Phone: 07 4059 8100 amphora.res@mantra.com.au mantra.com.au
WINE, DINE & RELAX
Food and drink are a central part of the travel experience, and Palm Cove delivers. Famous for its innovative culinary scene, this seaside hamlet does indeed have world-class dining.
But if you’re looking for fish and chips on the Esplanade, a cosy cafe, family-friendly pub classics, beachside bars, or a seaside al fresco meal, Palm Cove serves that up too.
Welcome to Cabana Bar, where libations meet ambience, and every sip is a celebration! Drop in for sunset drinks, a catch-up with friends, or enjoy the fruits of your labour after a cocktail masterclass.
For goodness’ sake, refuel and refresh at 27 Degrees Palm Cove with their Allpress espresso, acai bowls, dairy-free smoothies, raw treats, and cold-pressed juices. Dine in or grab and go lunches.
For goodness’ sake
Refuel and refresh at 27 Degrees
Palm Cove with their highly rated Allpress espresso, açai bowls, nourish bowls, fresh baguettes, dairy-free smoothies and raw treats.
Shop 1 French Street
Palm Cove 0401 391 698
Nothing speaks to a seaside holiday meal quite like a takeaway down the beach. Pete’s Place has been serving locally-caught fish and chips, juicy burgers, and fabulous fresh fruit juices to visitors and locals for many years.
The Palm Cove Tavern is all about embracing the laidback North Queensland lifestyle. Kick back and enjoy exceptional food and drink in the sprawling beer garden, including your favourite Aussie classics, with a tropical twist.
Pete’s Place
Enjoy fresh fish and chips right across the road from the beach.
All day breakfast served in our outdoor seating area along with fresh juices, burgers and paninis.
73 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove. Phone 4055 3088.
The Cairns Surf Club Palm Cove is where the locals eat. So, whether you’re after lunch or dinner, are visiting from around the corner or the other side of the world, they look forward to seeing you!
Specialty Meats Smithfield, only 12
SURF CLUB PALM COVE
minutes from Palm Cove, has been providing high-quality service and premium cuts for more than 30 years. They have a superb array, including delicious ready-to-go meals, game meats, home-made beef pies and 100% grass-fed MSA-graded beef.
Always something happening at the Surfy..
• Open Monday – Sunday from 11am, all-day dining
• Gaming, bistro, bar and functions
• Air-conditioned restaurant bar and function room
• Outdoor deck overlooking the beach
• Live music every Saturday
• Check our website for daily dining specials
Specialty Meats Smithfield
Your premier family-owned butcher in tropical north Queensland. They o er a superb array of top-quality meats, tasty ready-to-go meals, home-made beef pies, game meats and all the food you need for the family barbeque, including seasonings and rubs.
Only 12 minutes from Palm Cove, Specialty Meats Smith eld provide premium cuts, including their 100% grass-fed beef, MSA graded for quality. Specialty Meats Smith eld is a go-to destination for discerning food enthusiasts seeking top-notch meats.
Shop 55, Smith eld Shopping Centre, Smith eld
Open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday closed Phone (07) 4038 1341
Nothing beats the authentic taste of Il Forno Pizzeria. Taste a genuine slice of Italian food and enjoy the flavours and ingredients refined and developed over centuries in this authentic, licensed pizzeria in the heart of Palm Cove.
Rattle n Hum is a bustling bar and grill, where the meals are big, delicious, and great value for money and the staff vibrant and friendly. Enjoy lunch, dinner or just a drink, in a cosy, relaxed, familyfriendly atmosphere.
A little piece of Italy in the heart of Palm Cove
When you simply don’t feel like cooking, welcome to Preston Fresh Seafood, only 15 minutes from Palm Cove. A familyowned institution, they specialise in all things seafood and create delicious, homemade takeaway meals.
Just minutes from Palm Cove sits the iconic Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, the perfect, pet-friendly place to sit back and relax. Enjoy quality, value-for-money dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Every moment spent at Ellis Beach feels like a holiday.
Experience a bit of Irish craic in paradise at O’Donnells Irish Bar and Grill. Enjoy a traditional Irish welcome, warm atmosphere, a delicious and varied menu, and excellent live music in a spectacular beach setting.
Find yourself being carried off to another place, another time, at El Grekos Greek Taverna. Enjoy the unique, relaxed
atmosphere and great traditional Greek food amongst swaying palms, sandy beaches, sunshine, and sea breezes.
Coco Mojo, Clifton Beach celebrates global street food in a tropical setting. Their spacious al fresco patio is the perfect place to enjoy their good-mood food. Their must-try signature cocktails add fun and a lively atmosphere to create an unforgettable experience.