Explore Palm Cove

Yes, we offer a FREE booking service for all of the experiences that are available in the greater Cairns and Tropical North Queensland region. We have extensive knowledge of what is available and are happy to advise on what represents the best opportunities and value for money according to your budget.

The internet provides a wealth of information on tours that are available but there is nothing that beats local knowledge and experience to assist you to make decisions about tour options. We are happy to give advice by phone or email in advance of your stay about tours.

The temperature of the Coral Sea off Palm Cove has a small fluctuation rate year round of approximately 4-5 degrees. In December and January the temperature is around 28-29C and in July it can dip to around 24C but never-the-less swimming in the Ocean is available year around to visitors to Palm Cove.

Tropical North Queensland is home to both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles and occasionally they can be seen in the vicinity of ocean beaches.  Signposting warning of their presence can also be seen.

Attacks by crocodiles upon humans are extremely rare and even more rarely in the vicinity of ocean beaches.  It is important to remember that crocodiles are ‘ambush predators’ that like to lay in-wait for their prey.  They do not like to expend a lot of energy in movement.  Visitors to the region should feel safe from crocodiles on beaches but heed warnings from life guards where and when they are issued.

Most importantly to avoid the risk of encountering a crocodile visitors to the region should never personally or allow children or family members to wade in creeks and estuary’s that flow into the ocean or wade amongst mangroves.  Nor should anyone swim from a beach at night.  Visitors should also not use inflatable dinghies or other inflatable water toys on rivers that flow into the ocean. Enjoying the solitude of some of Queensland’s remote and pristine beaches is attractive but does bring with it the risk of encountering the regions more risky forms of fauna.

In such circumstances enjoy the beach, the scenery and the seascape from the beach and save having a swim until you are in a location that is patrolled or where the presence of more recreational swimmers promises an established environment which is safe for a refreshing dip in the water!

Palm Cove beach does not have a lot of big surf breaking on the beach and is therefore quite safe for swimming for people of all ages.  During the summer months between November and the end of April safety nets are installed on the beaches of North Queensland as we experience Box-Jellyfish in the waters along the coast.

These jellyfish generally inhabit the shallow waters along the beaches and river mouths and are not found out on the Reefs. Netted swimming enclosures are provided along most major beaches to allow swimming from the beaches during these months and they are patrolled and checked regularly by lifeguards. This type of jellyfish is not only found in the waters off our region they are throughout the tropical Indo Pacific, including Bali & Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines etc. Further information can be found on the following link:

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/

Another type of stinging jellyfish that you may become aware of is the Irukandji. Again this type of jellyfish is not only found in the ocean waters around Cairns and the Whitsundays as most people think, they are found worldwide in such places as Hawaii, Florida, The Caribbean, South Africa, India, Japan, Fiji even the UK, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth please see map and information on this on this link:

http://www.stingeradvisor.com/distribution.htm

Evidence is growing that Irukandji stings are just as common overseas and possibly more so than in tropical Australia however the issue is better researched, recognised and reported in Australia unlike other popular tropical destinations.

The incidence of stings in the Cairns region are few.  The difference in our region to some parts of the world is that we take a responsible approach and warn people of the existence of these creatures in our waters at certain times of the year and advocate taking precautions to minimise any risk of being stung. In the unlikely event of being stung we have highly trained staff on hand and excellent medical facilities available.

During the months of our High Season between May and the end of October the nets are taken down and guests and holiday makers can swim recreationally on any portion of open beaches.  Surf Life Saving Australia maintains a presence on beaches year round and in High Season whilst there are no nets the beaches are patrolled and recreational swimming is encouraged to take place between specially marked areas denoted by red and yellow flags.

From our Reception it is no more than 50 meters to get your feet wet in the Coral Sea and beautiful Palm Cove Beach.

Our cooler months are between May and September where daytime temperatures are around 25C dipping overnight to around 16-18C. During the summer months from October –April we enjoy tropical weather that is generally hot and humid with temperatures around 32C during the day and 25C at night.

We can expect tropical downpours of rain at this time of year and the usual pattern is heavy rain overnight followed by sunny days and occasional showers. With sea temperatures rising it is a wonderful time to snorkel and dive on the Great Barrier Reef as the ocean is generally calmer, it is also a great time to visit the Rainforest and waterfalls which are spectacular at this time.

Palm Cove is ideally situated midway between Cairns and Port Douglas, just 20 minutes from Cairns Airport and 30 mins from Cairns CBD providing a perfect haven with the best of both worlds on our doorstep.  The location is ideal for all travellers from singles & couples, families, small to medium groups, Wedding Couples and their guests and Honeymooners. Palm Cove is the perfect base to explore the Great Barrier Reef with easy access to both Cairns and Port Douglas Marinas and the variety of Reef experiences that are available.

The Tablelands are also easily accessible for day trips from Palm Cove allowing guests to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the unique Cairns Tableland/Hinterland with its beautiful waterfalls, lakes and scenic densely forested hills.  Heading north from Palm Cove guests can explore the Mossman Gorge, Daintree River National Park and Cape Tribulation on either a self-drive excursion or with one of the many structured tours which pick-up and drop off at the front door of your hotel.

Importantly, the Palm Cove Esplanade is approximately 1 kilometre long which makes dining at one of the numerous eateries and cafes at any time of day a pleasure as almost all are enjoying beautiful views over the Coral Sea and are within easy walking distance from The Reef Retreat.