Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
desirable
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 500 m
Frequently asked questions
Palm Cove Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +26.5°C, warms up to +29.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Palm Cove Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Palm Cove Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Palm Cove Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 500 metres.
Palm Cove Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in April. It ends in October. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Palm Cove Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — high. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Palm Cove Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: box jellyfish, Irukandji, crocodiles, sharks. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Palm Cove Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, kids playground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Palm Cove Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Palm Cove Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Nu Nu Restaurant, Vivo Bar & Grill, The Reef House Restaurant. Cuisines available: Modern Australian, Italian, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Palm Cove Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Headwear, Insect repellent, Cash.
Palm Cove Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to swim is the dry season from April to October, when lifeguards are on duty and the stinger net is installed. Early morning before 9:00 the beach is quietest and coolest.
Palm Cove Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swim only in the protected stinger net during the season. Swimming in open water from November to April is prohibited due to jellyfish. Dogs on the beach must be kept on a leash.
Palm Cove Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Palm Cove Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic holiday with restaurants on the sand and spa treatments. Suitable for families with children thanks to the stinger net and shallow water. Not suitable for lovers of secluded wild beaches.
Palm Cove Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The beach is one of the most photographed in Queensland thanks to palm trees growing right on the sand and restaurants overlooking the Coral Sea. It has a protected stinger net installed since 2003.
Palm Cove Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: 1.5 km of picturesque white sand beach, Protected stinger net for safe swimming, Restaurants and cafes right on the sand, Well-developed infrastructure: toilets, showers, BBQs, Scenic palms and paperbark trees, Spa centres and boutique hotels, Views of the Coral Sea and Double Island. Cons: Swimming restricted due to jellyfish and crocodiles, Water is murky in the wet season, Crowded in high season, Limited parking along the esplanade, High prices in restaurants and hotels, The beach is narrow, the slope is steep, Mosquitoes and sandflies in the evening.
Palm Cove Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Palm Cove Jetty, Double Island, Palm Cove Spas, Palm Cove Markets. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Palm Cove Beach: how do I get to the city of Cairns?
The beach is located near the city of Cairns. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Cairns.