Palm Cove (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Palm Cove?
What makes it 91% Couple-Friendly: Palm-lined shore, fine oceanfront restaurants and award-winning spas give couples classic romance, and sunset kayak tours add adventure. Few clubs, so evenings stay quiet and intimate.
![Our trip to Palm Cove ❤️ [vlog]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FhSoHtcEBWY/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Short drive from Cairns: Palm Cove is a 20-minute drive north of Cairns airport.
- Quiet beachfront setting: Palm trees line a wide shore for uninterrupted sea views.
Challenges:
- Limited public transport: Rent a car or arrange a shuttle to reach the cove.
- Seasonal marine stingers: Stinger jellyfish appear Nov–May; only swim in netted areas.
What is Palm Cove?
- A coastal resort village and suburb on Queensland’s Coral Sea coast, 27 km north of Cairns
- A 2 km stretch of palm-lined beach fronting the Great Barrier Reef’s inner and outer reef systems
- A tropical environment where the shoreline meets the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest
What is so special about Palm Cove for couple trip?
- Palm-lined beach walks at sunrise and sunset
- Couples kayak tours to nearby islands before dawn
- Beachfront spa treatments with ocean views
- Sand-side fine dining on fresh seafood
- Local markets for artisan crafts and foods
Recommended visit duration: 0.5-1 day
Why 0.5-1 day visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can stroll the beach, enjoy a spa treatment, and dine at sunset in this time.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Palm Cove
Palm Cove Beach Walk:
Stroll the 2 km palm-lined shore at sunrise or sunset.
Tip: Aim for sunrise to avoid crowds and catch soft morning light.
Sunrise Kayak to Double Island:
Paddle out before dawn and watch the sun rise over Haycock Reef.
Tip: Book the 6 am tour to spot rays and crabs along the island’s edge.
Couples Spa at The Reef House:
Relax with a beachfront couples massage or facial.
Tip: Reserve treatments from AU$120 per person and ask for a private cabana.
Dinner at NU NU Beach Restaurant:
Share modern Asian-Pacific seafood plates right on the sand.
Tip: Request a table by the water and try the fresh reef fish specials.
Palm Cove Markets:
Browse local art, crafts, and food stalls on the first Sunday monthly.
Tip: Arrive early for best parking and bring cash for artisan finds.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Palm Cove
- Book activities early: Reserve spa and kayak tours weeks in advance during peak season.
- Sunrise visits: Plan beach walks and kayaking at dawn for calmer water and cooler temps.
- Combine dining and stroll: Walk north along the esplanade after breakfast at a beachfront cafe.
When is the best time to visit Palm Cove (Great Barrier Reef Area, Australia)?
From November to May, swim only inside stinger-net enclosures and carry insect repellent during the wet season (December–March).
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Sunrise kayak tour (AU$70 pp) | AUD 140 |
| Couples spa session (AU$120 pp) | AUD 240 |
| Dinner at NU NU (mains AU$30 pp) | AUD 60 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 440 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Palm Cove
Address: Palm Cove QLD 4879, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Palm Cove (Great Barrier Reef Area)?
About Palm Cove
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇦🇺 Australia, couple trip
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities