New hotels in Palm Cove

We track one hotel confirmed for Palm Cove: Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa, a full refurbishment of an existing beachside property that will mark Hilton's debut in this Tropical North Queensland village, its third hotel in the region after Hilton Cairns and DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns. The opening date has moved from an initial Q1 2026 target to October 2026. Palm Cove itself sits midway between Cairns and Port Douglas, a quiet beachfront alternative to both.

What to do

A weekend in Palm Cove

Spend the day on Palm Cove's beach, the most popular of the Cairns Northern Beaches, with pristine sand, free barbecues and a jetty that's a genuine fishing spot for Spanish mackerel, cod and whiting. Hire a kayak to paddle out to nearby Double Island, or simply walk the beachfront path past the village's boutique shops and cafés before an evening at one of Palm Cove's fine-dining restaurants: the village is known for a dining scene well above its size.

A full week

With more time, Palm Cove is a base for day trips in both directions: the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge sit about 45 minutes north, and Kuranda's rainforest village and skyrail are roughly 30 minutes away. The Great Barrier Reef is reachable on a snorkelling, diving or scenic-flight day trip from operators based in nearby Cairns and Port Douglas, and adventure operators around the village run quad-biking, white-water rafting and horse-riding tours through the surrounding bushland.

Where to stay in Palm Cove

The beachfront village

Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa occupies an existing beachside resort in the heart of the village, midway between Cairns (about 25 minutes south) and Port Douglas (about 40 minutes north). Developed with owner Hotel & Tyche Investments and operator Tyche Asset Management, the 140-room refurbishment will be Hilton's first Palm Cove property once it opens.

Which hotel for your trip

Travellers waiting on Palm Cove's first Hilton

Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa's beachside village setting, once its refurbishment is complete, will put Hilton loyalty benefits and a full-service resort directly on one of the Cairns Northern Beaches' best-regarded stretches of sand: a genuine alternative to basing in Cairns or Port Douglas.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Hilton hotel open in Palm Cove yet?

Not yet. Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa is a confirmed refurbishment targeting an October 2026 opening, Hilton's first property in the village.

How far is Palm Cove from Cairns and Port Douglas?

About 25 minutes from Cairns and 40 minutes from Port Douglas, making it a quieter midpoint base between the two.

Can you access the Great Barrier Reef from Palm Cove?

Yes: reef tour operators based in nearby Cairns and Port Douglas run day trips for snorkelling, diving and scenic flights that pick up from the Palm Cove area.

Is Palm Cove good for a quiet beach stay?

Yes: it's a smaller, more residential village than Cairns or Port Douglas, with a beachfront path, boutique shopping and a dining scene concentrated over a few blocks.

What day trips are possible from Palm Cove?

The Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge (about 45 minutes north) and Kuranda's rainforest village (about 30 minutes) are the two most common half- or full-day trips.