Eight Things to Do On Your Next Visit to Palm Cove

Don’t miss out on some of the exciting adventures in this slice of paradise. Here’s how you can make the most out of your trip to Palm Cove.

The beautiful stretch of land that is Palm Cove is one of the top tourist destinations in Northern Queensland. It’s close to Cairns and Port Douglas, so there are plenty of scenic day trips and tours you can take from the village, too.

Palm Cove’s prime location allows access to two world heritage domains, one aboveground and one underwater. It’s a tropical paradise by any standards and it offers many exciting activities for visitors.

#1. Take Full Advantage of all Palm Cove Beach Experiences

Getting that perfect tan is one of the best things to do in Palm Cove. But don’t think that it’s the only thing the beach offers.

First of all, it’s one of the cleanest beaches in the country. Put swimming on your itinerary, too, because the crystal clear water offers an amazing experience.

Take a picnic with your travel companions and spend the whole day at the beach. The large palm trees can provide you with plenty of shade during peak sun activity hours.

#2. Explore the Daintree National Rainforest

If the air gets too dry for you, the Daintree National Rainforest offers an escape. You can take a cableway day trip and see most of the rainforest from above.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes you up to just above the rainforest canopy for a 360-degree unobstructed view. There’s also the option to go on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which takes you on a dramatic scenic route. You can also stop at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Another way that you can experience the rainforest is on a guided walking tour. You won’t see too much of the vast ancient wilderness, but it will get you an up-close experience.

#3. Take a Wildlife Tour

If you don’t want to get your tan in the morning, consider a wildlife tour. The best by far in the area is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.

This tour takes you to a crocodile farm. It’s a bit outside the village of Palm Cove, but the experience is worth it.

There’s other wildlife at the farm but the crocodiles take center stage. You can even check out hand feeding shows and take a boat cruise around the farm.

Alternatively, you can also visit Cape Tribulation. It’s a bit further north and has mesmerizing beaches. Yet its waters are home to many crocodiles.

While it’s not the safest place to swim, it does give you a chance to get up close and personal with the local wildlife.

#4. Underwater Exploration and Water Activities

When you’ve had enough of the sand and sun, how about going underwater? There’s as much to see below the sea level as there is above.

Palm Cove provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, it’s as easy as renting some gear and booking a seat on a cruise or private boat ride. You can get to the Great Barrier Reef from Palm Cove Beach or the neighboring beaches.

You can go scuba diving and snorkeling and interact with the local marine life. The underwater view is nothing short of spectacular thanks to the crystal-clear waters. It’s one of the top things to do in Palm Cove for tourists of all ages. 

If you don’t want to make the effort, don’t worry. You also have leisurely alternatives, like seeing the corals in a semi-submersible submarine. Even if a scuba dive and the freedom of motion offers a different experience, the submarine experience is something to remember.

At Palm Cove Beach, you can also engage in some water activities. Try your hand at canoeing or take a paddleboarding lesson. There’s even a group lesson that starts early in the morning.

Of course, don’t forget to watch the sun go down. Seeing the sunset while out on the open waters is nothing short of amazing.

#5. Book a Spa Day

Are you looking for some tranquility or rejuvenation? Take a break from the beach and book a spa day. Fortunately, many Palm Cove Resorts offer wellness treatments. Some even have the best offerings in the country.

You may not know this, but lots of tourists go to Palm Cove for the spa experience. That’s why if you have many outdoor adventures planned on your trip, setting a day of relaxation isn’t a bad idea.

You wouldn’t want to get home tired from your vacation, right?

#6. Spend an Afternoon at the Silver Crescent Park

Granted, the Silver Crescent Park is not as beautiful as the rainforest. But it offers a vast space to walk around in, including for pets.

If you’re traveling with your dog, there is a fenced dog run in the park. You can also find paved walking and biking trails to explore.

The park offers a nice opportunity to get some shade, breathe in the fresh air, and escape the winter season’s dryness.

#7. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Among the best things to do in Palm Cove is eating. In fact, most restaurants and cafes have diverse menus. But what’s more important is the locally sourced food. 

Whether dining at a five-star resort restaurant or at a small place on the beach, the local food is just divine. 

Palm Cove restaurant owners take customer satisfaction very seriously. That’s why dining is one of the most pleasurable experiences in the village. Even the cattle come from nearby graziers, so don’t worry about getting frozen food dumped on your plate.

Try some tropical cocktails, too, while you’re at it.

An Amazing Vacation Any Time of the Year

It doesn’t really matter when you visit this idyllic tropical destination. There are so many things to do in Palm Cove year-round.

The stunning surroundings, weather, and unique attractions give the place its incomparable vibe. It’s not hard to find a bargain, either.

Yes, the village is perhaps most famous for its wellness centers and spas. But don’t think that the local resorts don’t cater to more budget-minded visitors too.

There’s really something for everyone to enjoy in Palm Cove.

Northern Queensland is known as the place where the rainforest meets the reef. For Palm Cove, in particular, it’s the meeting point of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

There are not enough words to describe how amazing this tropical village is. So, let’s just say for now that Palm Cove is a popular holiday destination for many travelers around the globe.

You’ll have to see it for yourself to understand why. 

And to give you a preview, here’s our list of the top 10 things to do in Palm Cove.

1. Visit the Great Barrier Reef

The number one spot to explore on your Palm Cove trip is also one of the world’s natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef. 

Due to the many available tours, it’s best to learn more about each type beforehand. You can choose from a Pontoon Reef trip, snorkeling, scuba diving, island day trips, and so much more. 

At the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll be exploring the Earth’s largest coral reef chain with more than 2,900 reefs and 900 islands over a total area of 132,800+ square miles – or at least part of it anyway.

2. Get on the Kuranda Scenic Railway

Dedicate a whole day to the scenic railway tour across the UNESCO heritage-listed Kuranda rainforest. You’ll find yourself immersed in a forest ride that’s filled with awe-inspiring sights, bridges, and tunnels. 

You can also hop on a train ride to Kuranda Village in the middle of the rainforest. If you get hungry, there are mouthwatering culinary specialties for you to try out, after which you can continue on through scenic markets and pathways. 

3. Take a Ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Yet another scenic skyrail takes you across Barron National Park, which is the other UNESCO World Heritage Site in the area. 

Enjoy the sight of the powerful waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and numerous mountains and gorges at one of Queensland’s most famous parks. 

Dominating the park is the Barron River, which winds around some 37 miles across the Atherton Tablelands before entering the Barron Gorge and the Coral Sea. If you visit during the wet season, you might catch some spectacular floodwater at Barron Falls. 

The best view can be had at the Din Din lookout. 

4. Enjoy the Delicacies in the Restaurants

Looking for the area’s culinary standouts? 

The great news is that there are plenty of top-notch beachfront restaurants in Palm Cove. Some of the most renowned include Nu Nu, which serves local seafood, and Vivo, which has some of the most delicious panna cottas on the coast. 

There are also plenty of bars like the Rising Sun and 27 Degrees that are great for a casual dinner or a relaxing sunset cocktail after a long day at the beach. What better way to enjoy the sunset than sipping a glass of a refreshing beverage at the beachfront while discussing your adventures for the following day?

5. Go On a Cairns Hot Air Balloon Flight

Visiting Cairns from Palm Cove will only take around 30 minutes by car and will make for a day packed with exciting activities. One such adventure is taking a hot air balloon flight over the Atherton Tablelands and examining the tropical landscape of Queensland’s far north. 

This 40-minute flight offers a stunning view of the blue reef on one side and the rainforest on another. If you can’t drive yourself there, know that many tour agencies organize hotel pickups and returns. 

You’ll get to experience a sunset like never before during the air balloon flight. 

6. Immerse in a Fitzroy Island Adventure

Looking for exciting family things to do in Palm Cove? 

Take the kids out for a snorkeling lesson at the nearby Fitzroy Island. Explore the adjacent rainforest walking trails or get on the ocean trampoline. This largely untouched island was once part of mainland Australia and is now a protected national park. 

Its many interesting tours include a ride on a glass-bottom boat, hikes on rainforest tracks, seeing breathtaking scenery, swimming tours, rainforest walks, and much more. You can book either a full day or a half-day tour with the many local operators. 

7. Visit Hartley’s Crocodile Farm

Located just 15 minutes north of Palm Cove, this exciting crocodile farm is your best bet for seeing crocodiles and other local wildlife in Australia’s tropical region. 

Be prepared to travel the 2100-meter worth of boardwalks that run through woodlands and end at the natural habitat of tropical birds, insects, and other fauna. 

There’s plenty of lagoons and pools and even boat cruises for you to see the crocodiles and koalas during feeding time. If you’re looking for really fun kid-friendly things to do in Palm Cove, check out the entertaining wildlife shows on offer. 

8. Take a Night Wildlife Tour

Interested in exploring Australia’s exotic wildlife? 

An Atherton Tablelands tour is your chance to see some of the animals in their natural habitat. Along with kangaroos and lizards, be ready to have your mind blown away by the rainforest landscapes amidst the many trails, waterfalls, and mountains. 

The tours start in the day and continue past sunset until you see the elusive platypus. And if you’re up for making new friends, there are afternoon tea get-togethers at Lake Barrine and country restaurant dinners. 

9. Have a Romantic Rainforest Dinner

A candlelight dinner under the trees of one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Sounds romantic enough, isn’t it?

This is precisely one of the best experiences you’ll have if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Palm Cove. 

Surprise your better half with a lovely wine & dine named Flames of the Forest (located in Port Douglas). In addition to the fancy dinner and surroundings, there’s also music to round off the magical atmosphere.

There’s no better way to experience Aboriginal culture and gastronomy than at this unforgettable late-night getaway. 

10. Spend a Day at the Spa 

You wouldn’t be doing the Spa Capital of Australia justice without treating yourself to one. Palm Cove alone plays host to six world-renowned spas. 

The next time you go down Williams Avenue while in town, consider the opportunity to rejuvenate at a Palm Cove spa. 

Go All-in in Palm Cove

Whether you have in mind a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Palm Cove has got you covered. Bask in the world’s most astonishing natural sights, taste the local seafood dishes, enjoy the scenic sky rail rides, and do it all within driving distance.

You’ll never regret going on a trip here.

Seven Things to Do On Your Next Visit to Palm Cove

Don’t miss out on some of the exciting adventures in this slice of paradise. Here’s how you can make the most out of your trip to Palm Cove.

The beautiful stretch of land that is Palm Cove is one of the top tourist destinations in Northern Queensland. It’s close to Cairns and Port Douglas, so there are plenty of scenic day trips and tours you can take from the village, too.

Palm Cove’s prime location allows access to two world heritage domains, one aboveground and one underwater. It’s a tropical paradise by any standards and it offers many exciting activities for visitors.

1. Take Full Advantage of all Palm Cove Beach Experiences

Getting that perfect tan is one of the best things to do in Palm Cove. But don’t think that it’s the only thing the beach offers.

First of all, it’s one of the cleanest beaches in the country. Put swimming on your itinerary, too, because the crystal clear water offers an amazing experience.

Take a picnic with your travel companions and spend the whole day at the beach. The large palm trees can provide you with plenty of shade during peak sun activity hours.

2. Explore the Daintree National Rainforest

If the air gets too dry for you, the Daintree National Rainforest offers an escape. You can take a cableway day trip and see most of the rainforest from above.

The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes you up to just above the rainforest canopy for a 360-degree unobstructed view. There’s also the option to go on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which takes you on a dramatic scenic route. You can also stop at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary.

Another way that you can experience the rainforest is on a guided walking tour. You won’t see too much of the vast ancient wilderness, but it will get you an up-close experience.

3. Take a Wildlife Tour

If you don’t want to get your tan in the morning, consider a wildlife tour. The best by far in the area is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures.

This tour takes you to a crocodile farm. It’s a bit outside the village of Palm Cove, but the experience is worth it.

There’s other wildlife at the farm but the crocodiles take center stage. You can even check out hand feeding shows and take a boat cruise around the farm.

Alternatively, you can also visit Cape Tribulation. It’s a bit further north and has mesmerizing beaches. Yet its waters are home to many crocodiles.

While it’s not the safest place to swim, it does give you a chance to get up close and personal with the local wildlife.

4. Underwater Exploration and Water Activities

When you’ve had enough of the sand and sun, how about going underwater? There’s as much to see below the sea level as there is above.

Palm Cove provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, it’s as easy as renting some gear and booking a seat on a cruise or private boat ride. You can get to the Great Barrier Reef from Palm Cove Beach or the neighboring beaches.

You can go scuba diving and snorkeling and interact with the local marine life. The underwater view is nothing short of spectacular thanks to the crystal-clear waters. It’s one of the top things to do in Palm Cove for tourists of all ages. 

If you don’t want to make the effort, don’t worry. You also have leisurely alternatives, like seeing the corals in a semi-submersible submarine. Even if a scuba dive and the freedom of motion offers a different experience, the submarine experience is something to remember.

At Palm Cove Beach, you can also engage in some water activities. Try your hand at canoeing or take a paddleboarding lesson. There’s even a group lesson that starts early in the morning.

Of course, don’t forget to watch the sun go down. Seeing the sunset while out on the open waters is nothing short of amazing.

5. Book a Spa Day

Are you looking for some tranquility or rejuvenation? Take a break from the beach and book a spa day. Fortunately, many Palm Cove Resorts offer wellness treatments. Some even have the best offerings in the country.

You may not know this, but lots of tourists go to Palm Cove for the spa experience. That’s why if you have many outdoor adventures planned on your trip, setting a day of relaxation isn’t a bad idea.

You wouldn’t want to get home tired from your vacation, right?

6. Spend an Afternoon at the Silver Crescent Park

Granted, the Silver Crescent Park is not as beautiful as the rainforest. But it offers a vast space to walk around in, including for pets.

If you’re traveling with your dog, there is a fenced dog run in the park. You can also find paved walking and biking trails to explore.

The park offers a nice opportunity to get some shade, breathe in the fresh air, and escape the winter season’s dryness.

7. Enjoy the Local Cuisine

Among the best things to do in Palm Cove is eating. In fact, most restaurants and cafes have diverse menus. But what’s more important is the locally sourced food. 

Whether dining at a five-star resort restaurant or at a small place on the beach, the local food is just divine. 

Palm Cove restaurant owners take customer satisfaction very seriously. That’s why dining is one of the most pleasurable experiences in the village. Even the cattle come from nearby graziers, so don’t worry about getting frozen food dumped on your plate.

Try some tropical cocktails, too, while you’re at it.

An Amazing Vacation Any Time of the Year

It doesn’t really matter when you visit this idyllic tropical destination. There are so many things to do in Palm Cove year-round.

The stunning surroundings, weather, and unique attractions give the place its incomparable vibe. It’s not hard to find a bargain, either.

Yes, the village is perhaps most famous for its wellness centers and spas. But don’t think that the local resorts don’t cater to more budget-minded visitors too.

There’s really something for everyone to enjoy in Palm Cove.