2025 Palm Cove Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Five days and four nights at Kai Enz Chill to enjoy slow life, you don't have to move hotels to have fun! 🌴🌊🌳 From the Great Barrier Reef to the secret land of the rainforest, it's so great that I can't wait to walk back to Hong Kong! 📍Accommodation Recommendation: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort Address: 122 Lake St, Cairns City Excellent location, a few minutes walk to the waterfront boulevard (52/54 Esplanade, Cairns City QLD 4870 Australia) and the marina (Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St). The pool area is surrounded by coconut trees, the sun shines and waves, super holiday Feel! Breakfast is served in Chinese and Western styles, gluten-free is taken care of, every day to eat happiness overflowing! The staff is friendly and answers all questions. A small number of guests say payment needs to be more transparent, but CP value and comfort are unbeatable! 🐚Day 1|Arrive in Kayenz for a sip of tropical sea salt Get off the plane Check in done, walk to the nearby waterfront trail ~ see the local Bro Shell Lake by the water Chill, run, sunset is so relaxing! For dinner, you must go to the Night Market, find souvenirs and enjoy Australian pancakes, juice, ice cream, and stay overnight! 🚤 Day 2 | Go to the Great Barrier Reef and dive to see coral fish After walking to the Reef Fleet Terminal (1 Spence St) from the hotel, board the boat immediately and go straight to the Great Barrier Reef! The sea water changes from lush green to azure, snorkeling fish Say Hi, glass-bottomed boat to see colorful corals, sunshine sparkling, fantastic! 🌊 Tip: Remember to bring swimsuit, sunscreen, towel ~ boat ticket includes buffet lunch, perfect for foodies! 🌿 Day 3｜Go north to explore the rainforest Mossman Gorge Rent a car and drive yourself along the Captain Cook Highway, along the way you can see endless views of the sugar cane fields and the air is sweet! Mossman Gorge is about 75km from Enz, the drive is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, it is recommended to park at Mossman Gorge Center + take a bus into the rainforest. The sunshine in the forest penetrates the shade of the trees, and the cold stream water is like being sent to another world! 🚗Route Tip: You can take crazy pictures along Palm Cove, Port Douglas, ordinary car to walk! 🚂Day 4|Take the Kuranda mini train and climb to the top of the mountain town Today's local tour focuses on lazy routes, take the Kuranda Scenic Railway to find the scenery - waterfalls, canyons, rainforest beautiful scenery layered! Get off the car and stroll around the market, Butterfly Park, sit on the Cafe terrace and slowly Chill to take pictures ~ On the way back, take the Skyrail Cableway and float back in the sky, the canopy of the trees at dusk is covered with golden light, super beautiful! 🍌Day 5|Banana Village sugarcane field discharge for a day Finally, rent a car for a slow tour, the sugarcane fields on the side of the path sparkle, the air is sweet! The roadside Self-Serve stall invests money to buy fresh bananas and papaya, like a rural supermarket, super Feel! 🚗Enz Car Rental Strategy There are car rental companies at the airport and in the city, it is recommended to book on Trip.com and pick up the car on the ground and return the car in the city. When driving on the left in Australia, keep an eye out for speed limits and red light cameras. Mossman Gorge, Kuranda are a small car to help, gas stations are dense, navigation is stable, driving Easy to laugh! 💡Practical Tips: - Essential sun protection equipment: SPF50, hat, sunglasses - Don't want to drive yourself can Join a day tour, pick-up and drop-off is super convenient! - Seafood lovers recommend: Prawn Star, Ollie’s Italian summary: Five days of free travel in Enz, do not have to move the hotel to enjoy the ocean and rainforest ~ morning Great Barrier Reef diving, afternoon rainforest exploration, sunshine, sea breeze, lush green jungle, swimming pool chill, vacation Feel burst! Australian nature, a must-see in Kai Enz! 😎 #Tripcom TravelSharing #cairns #Australiatravel #cairns #tropicalrainforest #greatbarrierreef #novotelhotels

If your flight arrives in Cairns in the afternoon, I highly recommend making Palm Cove your first stop. Half a day is more than enough time to immediately feel the energy of nature and switch into vacation mode. After a short rest at your hotel or a quick makeup session, heading to Palm Cove is just the right time—perfect for enjoying the sea view, taking photos, watching the sunset, and having dinner. A taxi ride from the city center to Palm Cove takes about 30 minutes, but Uber is even faster (I used both Didi and Uber for all four days; Didi was indeed cheaper, but I couldn't get a ride at all 😅). Public transportation is also available, though it takes a little longer. However, if you arrive in Cairns early in the afternoon and aren't in a rush, it's also a great option. Seeing the cityscape of an unfamiliar city is incredibly therapeutic and allows you to slow down. For those planning to travel by public transport, remember to check the last return bus in advance, as it seems to depart quite early. Palm Bay has many restaurants, mostly Western-style cafes and bars, and they're probably all pretty similar. If you really want to try the wildly popular "NuNu Restaurant," remember to make a reservation in advance! I went on a weekday walk-in, and although there were many empty tables, the staff said they were all booked, and waiting in line would take about an hour. "Numi Gelato" next door is highly recommended, but it was already closed when I remembered it 😭. Learning from this experience, you can take a taxi and book to Nunu, buy ice cream first, and then walk towards the beach. Cairns | Cairns Travel | Cairns Guide | Cairns Car-Free Travel Guide | Cairns Vacation | Cairns Palm Bay | Cairns Beach Views | Cairns Sunset | Cairns Attractions | Must-Do Activities in Cairns

As 2025 draws to a close, why not plan a unique New Year's Eve celebration to reward yourself for a year of hard work and ignite your hopes and vitality for the new life ahead. Gold Coast: Lay down your beach towel and encounter the romance of fireworks and ocean waves Looking forward to a New Year's Eve that blends fashion trends with Gold Coast charm? Then lay down your beach towel or picnic mat, relax on the beach, and wait for the free community fireworks shows along the Gold Coast. • Surfers Paradise Beach: 8 PM and midnight • Currumbin Park on Broadbeach: 8 PM and midnight • Coolangatta Beach: 9 PM and midnight • Paradise Point Park: 9 PM (entertainment starts at 5 PM) • Robina Town Centre Walk: 8:30 PM (entertainment and food trucks start at 5:30 PM) For a more distinctive ceremonial experience, we recommend the following exclusive Gold Coast New Year's Eve events: • The Star Gold Coast hotel hosts a "New Year's Masquerade Ball" with black and gold dress elements, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious and elegant party atmosphere. • Nineteen at The Star restaurant, inspired by the Gold Coast's golden beaches and sea-sky horizon, offers an exquisite four-course dinner with sunset or moonlight seating, paired with fine wine to toast the new year. • Pearls Bar at Sheraton Mirage Resort celebrates with lively live music and signature cocktails, raising a glass to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. • Burleigh Pavilion outdoor restaurant, set against the backdrop of the coastline, lets you enjoy shimmering skies and stunning sea views. • The "Floating Oasis" Yot Club, popular among trendsetters, offers themed New Year's cuisine and spectacular entertainment aboard a yacht with ever-changing scenery. Brisbane: Modern city vibes and riverside fireworks Celebrators from near and far gather at Brisbane city center, South Bank cultural precinct, and Kangaroo Point riverside to watch the sky light up with dazzling colors, with the Story Bridge brilliantly illuminated. Families can enjoy a family-friendly fireworks party at 8 PM at these locations or wait until midnight for the official New Year's fireworks show. To avoid crowds, head to Howard Smith Wharves, Queen's Wharf, or Riverland for riverside viewing spots. Brisbane New Year's Eve recommendations: • Enjoy international cuisine with panoramic views of the riverside fireworks at Stilts Dining, Queensland's first iconic restaurant built on a bridge. Two fireworks viewing sessions are available on New Year's Eve 2025: a family session at 5:45 PM and an adult session at 9:00 PM. • Lina Rooftop, a stylish rooftop bar, takes the celebration to a "new height," offering a full view of the city's fireworks skyline under the stars, with great food and drinks to the rhythm of the music. • Babylon restaurant, featuring front-row views of the Story Bridge, offers a themed New Year's dinner with four hours of unlimited food and drinks, live electronic music, and more than four hours of fun. • "My Fort" New Year Folk Arts Festival is a uniquely Queensland New Year's event and one of Australia's largest performer gatherings, running from December 27 to January 1, showcasing a rich and impressive musical and cultural New Year's celebration. • The Star Brisbane hotel, located at the landmark Queen's Wharf, thoughtfully prepares for New Year's Eve. Whether it's the exquisite feast at the popular Italian restaurant Cucina Regina or the rooftop bars LiveWire and Cicada Blu "floating" on the Sky Deck, you can enjoy both the Brisbane River fireworks and lively live performances. Cairns: Embrace the New Year amid World Heritage wonders Cairns Esplanade New Year's Eve fireworks Celebrate New Year's Eve in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, enjoying tropical summer breezes and the chance to admire two World Heritage sites—the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforest. Join the following free community celebrations: • Cairns Esplanade in downtown Cairns: free concerts and entertainment from 5 PM, family fireworks at 9 PM, and the official New Year's fireworks at midnight. • Edmonton: dazzling fireworks at Walker Road Sports Precinct at 8:30 PM. • Palm Cove: grand fireworks show at Palm Cove Jetty at 8:30 PM. Other special New Year's venues in Cairns: • The luxurious Crystalbrook hotel on the Esplanade features the acclaimed Rocco rooftop bar, where you can dance to live DJ sets and enjoy spectacular fireworks over the Cairns skyline. • Dine at Flynn's Italian, one of the best fireworks viewing spots, to toast a wonderful year; then continue the celebration at the free-entry Boardwalk Social on New Year's Eve. • Stay at the Pullman Cairns International hotel and enjoy a sumptuous seafood buffet paired with fine wine in a festive atmosphere welcoming 2026. • At the award-winning trendy Salt House restaurant, relax with live music, pop-up bars, and specialty barbecues to start the new year. • Head to the iconic tropical island resort, Emerald Island Resort, to start island time, barefoot on the sand celebrating the New Year. Look forward to a garden cocktail party and a refined four-course themed dinner at Zephyr’s restaurant, toasting at midnight with your loved one. Sunshine Coast: Family fun and coastal splendor On New Year's Eve, the Sunshine Coast transforms from its usual calm and quiet into a symbol of vibrant energy. The romantic Mooloolaba Esplanade will welcome 30,000 visitors from around the world, with a beach fireworks show at 8:30 PM and entertainment continuing until 10 PM. In the southern Sunshine Coast, Caloundra's celebration with its white sandy beaches starts at noon and runs until 10 PM, featuring face painting, live music, carnival rides, and street food—an ideal choice for family outings. The locals' hidden gem, Noosa Beach, will light up fireworks at 10 PM; you can arrive early with your family at the Gympie lookout by the Noosa River to await this unforgettable ceremony. Noosa River, Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast New Year's Eve recommendations: • Book riverside restaurants at Noosa Beach in advance, such as Rickys and Noosa Boathouse, to toast with friends and family while waiting for the fireworks. • Pier 33 restaurant at Mooloolaba Wharf is famous for local seafood, signature cocktails, and excellent views. • For Asian fusion cuisine, try The Tamarind restaurant in Maleny, where live music and great food and drinks make a perfect New Year's Eve pairing. It's time to plan a Queensland New Year's ritual as a gift to yourself for the new year.

📅 Itinerary Day 1: 🚃8:30 Kuranda Scenic Railway (Book in advance) 📍Kuranda Village 🚌Kuranda-Rain Round-Trip Bus (Book in advance) 📍Rainforestation (Koala Cuddle Photo Shoot🐨) 🚌Kuranda-Rain Round-Trip Bus (Book in advance) 🚌Kuranda Village Shuttle Bus to Cairns City (No reservations required, ⚠️Infrequent service) 📍Cairns Central (Shopping🛍️) 🍴Hello Harry🍔 📍Night Market 📍woolworths Day 2: 📍Hartley's Crocodile Adventures🐊 (Book in advance) 📍Palm Cove🌴 🍴Garage Palm cove 🚌Shuttle bus to Cairns city (no reservation required) Shopping in the city🛍️ 🍴Grand Hotel Cairns🥩 Day 3: 📍Rusty's Market 📍Woolworths 🏨Pacific Hotel Cairns #Australia #AustraliaTrip #AustraliaTourism #AustraliaCairns #australia #australiatrip #cairns

#TravelTactics #CairnsTrip #Australia In the center of Cairns, you can enjoy cafes and souvenir shops, and splash around in the pool for free at Esplanade Lagoon! Swimming while watching the ocean is also great 😆 At night, head to the night market, which has a food court and souvenir shops! There are many Japanese staff members, so you can shop with confidence even if you're not confident in your English. I also recommend the Palm Cove area! The ocean is so beautiful, you can relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, or have a cafe lunch while watching the ocean! The tropical scenery will get you excited ♪

Second time travel to Cairns, stayed in Palm Cove area where is a beautiful and a relaxing town! This accommodation is well designed with palm trees 🌴🌴🌴and plants🌿🌿🌿. There is a communal, unheated swimming pool, most of the room has the pool view🖼 Our apartment is on the upper level, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen. There are essential electrical appliances in the kitchen included microwave oven. there is washing machine and washing lines for our clothes wash~ There is no reception desk, message them by SMS but they are pretty responsive, also very helpful when we need attention for our room. Good accommodation for family with a baby! 👶 #familytravel #travel #palmcove #palmtreeparadise #swimmingpool

Located about a 30-minute drive or an hour by bus from central Cairns, Palm Cove, with its beautiful white sand beaches and palm tree-lined streets, is a beach resort offering a laid-back resort atmosphere. 🌴 Surrounded by the ocean and gentle waves, you can enjoy a leisurely meal or coffee at one of the beachside cafes or restaurants. Morning strolls, sunset viewing on the beach, or evening sunset walks are also recommended, offering a relaxing time while feeling the sea breeze. While the ocean water isn't particularly crystal clear, swimming is permitted. However, swimming areas are restricted due to jellyfish and crocodiles. Spas and boutique hotels dot the town, offering a relaxing stay. Active travelers can also enjoy nature. Parking is available, making rental cars convenient. Palm tree-lined streets and relaxing moments. Palm Cove is a relaxing resort town worth visiting during your stay in Cairns. ✨ #SummerCampaign

Palm Cove, about 30 minutes by car from Cairns, is a resort area with a beautiful beach lined with palm trees and a laid-back atmosphere. 🌴✨ Unlike the bustling Cairns, it had a calm atmosphere and I was able to spend a relaxing time there. 🌊 There are stylish cafes and restaurants along the beach, where you can enjoy breakfast and lunch while listening to the sound of the waves. 🥑🥐 It's especially great to relax at a restaurant with a terrace! Drinking coffee while looking at the sea was exceptional. ☕✨ The beach itself is shallow, making it perfect for swimming. 🏊♂️ However, be careful as there are times when jellyfish appear. ⚠️ There are also luxury resorts nearby, and many people enjoy spas and yoga, making it the perfect place to spend some relaxing time. 🌿💆♀️ If you want to enjoy a quiet resort atmosphere around Cairns, Palm Cove is a recommended spot! #Australia #tripOverseas travel

Nestled in the heart of Palm Cove's charming village, Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore is your slice of heaven with a side of ocean breeze. 🌊 Wake up to a delectable breakfast at NuNu, where fresh fruit and juices meet sizzling eggs and bacon. It's a five-star start to your day! Dive into relaxation with not one, but three pools to choose from! 🏊‍♂️ Whether it's the adults-only sanctuary by the beach, the heated kiddie pool with a jacuzzi, or the main pool for all, you're spoiled for choice. And when it's time to retreat, the spacious rooms with plush beds and a pillow menu ensure a dreamy night's sleep. 💤 Feast your eyes on the stunning beachfront views from your apartment, and let the sea breezes lull you into serenity. 🌅 The attentive staff are always on the ball, ensuring your stay is nothing short of perfect. Ready for a tropical timeout? Alamanda Palm Cove is calling your name! 📞 📍 1 Veivers Rd, Palm Cove, Queensland, 4879, Australia

Jet-setters and comfort-seekers, listen up! 📣 Nestled in the heart of Palm Cove, the Elysium Private Apartments at Beach Club & Spa is your ticket to paradise. 🏝️ Imagine waking up to a symphony of waves, in a room that's the lovechild of modern chic and tropical bliss. 🌺 These apartments aren't just a place to crash – they're a full-on experience. 🎉 With top-tier amenities, you'll feel like royalty without lifting a finger. 🤴👸 From plush bedding that hugs you to sleep, to a spa that melts away the real world, it's indulgence at every turn. 💆‍♀️💤 Foodies, get ready to have your taste buds serenaded at their on-site dining haven. 🍽️ And when you're done, step outside and let the lush landscapes and azure waters be the cherry on top of your stay. 🌅 Ready for the ultimate getaway? Find this slice of heaven at 📍 123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, Queensland. Your dream vacay awaits! ✈️🍹

The Reef House Adults Retreat 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, Queensland, 4879, Australia Ready for an Aussie escape that screams sophistication and tranquility? 🏖️ Nestled in the heart of Palm Cove, The Reef House is your go-to for an adults-only oasis. Imagine waking up to the serene sounds of the ocean, with a view that's nothing short of postcard-perfect. 🌊 Rooms here aren't just rooms; they're havens of elegance, boasting top-notch amenities that promise to pamper your senses. Think crisp linen, plush pillows, and a vibe that whispers 'luxury' with every breeze. 🛌✨ But wait, there's more! Dive into relaxation at the on-site spa or lounge by the pool with a cocktail in hand. 🍸 The service? Impeccable. The experience? Unforgettable. It's not just a stay – it's The Reef House promise of pure bliss. 🌟 #PalmCove #PalmCoveHotel #PalmCoveTravel

Palm Cove north of Cairns. Quiet beach front town.