Things to Do in Palm Cove & Cairns
From the Great Barrier Reef to the world's oldest rainforest, world-class dining to hidden swimming holes — what we'd actually send you to do.
Distances are measured from Palm Cove. Cairns is about 25 minutes south.
Free · $ Budget · $$ Moderate · $$$ Premium · $$$$ Splurge
Beaches & Swimming
Crystal-clear waters and pristine sand
Palm Cove Beach
Your backyard paradise — a 1.5km crescent of golden sand fringed by melaleuca trees. Stinger nets in season (Nov–May), calm waters, and spectacular sunrise views. One of Australia's most beautiful beaches. 200m walk All day Free
Local tip
Arrive before 7am for the best sunrise photos. The southern end near the jetty is quietest.
Trinity Beach
A quieter alternative to Palm Cove with a long stretch of sand, patrolled swimming area, and a beachfront park with BBQs and playgrounds. Popular with locals. 5 min drive Half day Free
Local tip
Great for families — the park has shaded playgrounds and free BBQs right on the beach.
Clifton Beach
Between Palm Cove and Trinity Beach, Clifton offers a peaceful stretch of sand backed by tropical gardens. Less crowded and perfect for a quiet morning swim. 3 min drive 2-3 hours Free
Local tip
The northern end has rock pools at low tide — great for kids to explore.
Yorkeys Knob Beach
A wide, flat beach popular for kite surfing and long walks. The marina here is the departure point for some reef tours. Relaxed, local vibe. 10 min drive 2-3 hours Free
Local tip
Visit Half Moon Bay Golf Club for sunset drinks overlooking the marina.
Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas
Worth the scenic 45-minute drive north. A stunning 4-mile stretch of sand with the Daintree mountains as a backdrop. Stinger nets in season. 45 min drive Full day trip Free
Local tip
Combine with a Port Douglas Sunday market visit and lunch on Macrossan Street.
Great Barrier Reef & Ocean
World Heritage-listed marine wonderland
Reef Day Trip — Snorkelling
Multiple operators depart from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal (25 min drive). Visit outer reef pontoons with underwater observatories, snorkelling platforms, and semi-submersibles. See coral gardens, sea turtles, and tropical fish. 25 min to terminal Full day (8am–5pm) $$$$
Local tip
Book Quicksilver, Reef Magic, or Sunlover. Quicksilver from Port Douglas visits Agincourt Reef — arguably the best outer reef site.
Scuba Diving (Certified & Intro)
Introductory dives available for beginners (no certification needed) on most reef day trips. Certified divers can access deeper sites with spectacular wall dives and marine life encounters. 25 min to terminal Full day $$$$
Local tip
Pro Dive Cairns and Deep Sea Divers Den offer excellent intro dive experiences. Book the first dive of the day for best visibility.
Low Isles Sailing Trip
A more intimate reef experience — sail to Low Isles (a coral cay) from Port Douglas. Smaller groups, glass-bottom boat tours, beach walks on the island, and excellent snorkelling in shallow water. 45 min to Port Douglas Full day $$$$
Local tip
Better for families with young children — calmer waters and you can walk on the island. Wavedancer and Sailaway are top operators.
Fitzroy Island Day Trip
A tropical island just 45 minutes from Cairns by fast ferry. Snorkel the fringing reef right off the beach, hike to the lighthouse, kayak, or just relax. More affordable than outer reef trips. 25 min drive + 45 min ferry Full day $$$
Local tip
Bring your own snorkel gear to save on hire. The Nudey Beach walk (30 min) leads to a secluded cove.
Sunset Sailing Cruise
Evening sailing cruises depart from Cairns, with northern-beaches transfers available. Watch the sun set over the Coral Sea with drinks and canapés. Some include reef snorkelling before sunset. Varies 2-3 hours $$$
Local tip
Ocean Spirit sails from Cairns Marlin Marina and runs northern-beaches transfers, Palm Cove included — book the transfer when you book the cruise.
Rainforest & Nature
Ancient Daintree and tropical wilderness
Daintree Rainforest Day Trip
The world's oldest rainforest (180 million years). Cross the Daintree River by cable ferry, walk elevated boardwalks, spot cassowaries, and visit Cape Tribulation where rainforest meets reef. 1.5 hr drive Full day $
Local tip
Self-drive for flexibility. Stop at the Daintree Discovery Centre (boardwalks + tower), Alexandra Lookout, and Myall Beach. Watch for cassowaries on the road!
Kuranda Scenic Railway + Skyrail
Take the historic railway up through 15 tunnels and over bridges with waterfall views. Return via Skyrail Rainforest Cableway — 7.5km of gondola over the canopy with stops at rainforest stations. 20 min to Freshwater Station Half day $$$
Local tip
Go railway UP and Skyrail DOWN for the best experience. Book the Gold Class carriage for the railway — worth the upgrade for the commentary and refreshments.
Kuranda Village
A quirky rainforest village at the top of the range. Browse the original markets (daily), Kuranda Koala Gardens, Birdworld, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and Rainforestation Nature Park. 30 min drive (or via Skyrail/Railway) 3-4 hours $
Local tip
The Heritage Markets are the original and best. Wednesday/Thursday/Friday are quietest. Try the local honey ice cream.
Mossman Gorge
A stunning swimming hole in the Daintree National Park with crystal-clear water flowing over granite boulders. Guided Indigenous cultural walks available through the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walks, run by the Kuku Yalanji people. 1 hr drive Half day $
Local tip
The Dreamtime Walk with Indigenous guides is exceptional — learn about traditional plant use and culture. Swimming is at your own risk (no lifeguards).
Crystal Cascades
A series of beautiful freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls just 20 minutes from Cairns. A local secret with a short rainforest walk to reach the pools. 35 min drive 2-3 hours Free
Local tip
Arrive early (before 9am) for parking and to have the pools to yourself. Bring water shoes — the rocks can be slippery.
Barron Falls & Lookout
Spectacular waterfall (especially in wet season, Dec–Apr) viewable from a lookout on the Kuranda range road. Skyrail's Barron Falls Station also offers views. 25 min drive 30 min stop Free
Local tip
Most impressive after heavy rain. Combine with a Kuranda visit. The lookout car park is small — go early.
Dining & Drinks
From beachfront fine dining to local favourites
Nu Nu Restaurant
Palm Cove's award-winning fine dining restaurant right on the beach. Modern Australian cuisine with tropical influences, locally sourced seafood, and an exceptional wine list. 300m walk 2-3 hours $$$$
Local tip
Book well in advance, especially for Friday/Saturday dinner. Request a beachfront table at sunset. The degustation menu is outstanding.
Vivo Palm Cove
Relaxed Italian-inspired beachfront dining. Great pizzas, pasta, and cocktails with your feet practically in the sand. Perfect for families and casual evenings. 350m walk 1.5-2 hours $$
Local tip
The wood-fired pizzas are excellent. Try the prawn linguine. No bookings for small parties — arrive by 6pm for a good table.
Cairns Night Markets Food Court
An institution for affordable, authentic Asian cuisine. Choose from dozens of stalls — Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese. Eat at communal tables in the covered market. 25 min drive 1 hour $
Local tip
The laksa and pad thai stalls are legendary. Open nightly from 5pm. Great for a quick, cheap dinner before or after exploring the Cairns Esplanade.
Prawn Star (Cairns)
Eat fresh seafood on a trawler moored at Cairns Marlin Marina. Prawns, oysters, bugs, and fish — all incredibly fresh. BYO wine. Unique atmosphere. 25 min drive 1-1.5 hours $$
Local tip
No bookings — just turn up. Gets busy after 5pm on weekends. BYO wine (no corkage). Cash and card accepted.
Hemingway's Brewery (Cairns)
Craft brewery on the Cairns waterfront with house-brewed beers, excellent pub food, and views over the marina. Try the tasting paddle to sample their range. 25 min drive 2 hours $$
Local tip
The Pitchfork Betty's Pale Ale is their flagship. Great sunset spot. Live music on weekends.
Markets & Shopping
Local produce, arts, and tropical treasures
Palm Cove Markets
Held on the first Sunday of most months (April and September are skipped) along Williams Esplanade. Local arts, crafts, jewellery, tropical plants, homemade preserves, and food stalls. A relaxed morning out. 200m walk 1-2 hours Free
Local tip
Arrive by 8am for the best selection. The handmade jewellery and local honey are popular. Combine with a beach walk.
Rusty's Markets (Cairns)
The region's best fresh produce market — tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood, flowers, and artisan goods. Open Friday–Sunday. A Cairns institution since 1975. 25 min drive 1-2 hours Free
Local tip
Saturday morning is the main event. Try exotic tropical fruits you've never seen before — rambutan, mangosteen, jackfruit. The smoothie stalls are incredible.
Port Douglas Sunday Market
A vibrant market held every Sunday in Anzac Park. Local art, handmade crafts, clothing, food, and live music. Set under shady trees with ocean views. 45 min drive 2-3 hours Free
Local tip
Combine with Four Mile Beach and lunch on Macrossan Street for a perfect Port Douglas day trip.
Cairns Esplanade Markets
Saturday morning markets along the Cairns Esplanade lagoon. Handmade goods, local art, clothing, and food stalls with views of the lagoon and ocean. 25 min drive 1-2 hours Free
Local tip
Walk the esplanade boardwalk after browsing. The lagoon (free public pool) is right there for a swim.
Family Activities
Fun for all ages in tropical North Queensland
Cairns Aquarium
A world-class aquarium showcasing the ecosystems from rainforest to reef. Touch tanks, shark feeding, and over 15,000 animals across 71 exhibits. Air-conditioned — perfect for a rainy day. 25 min drive 2-3 hours $$
Local tip
The shark feeding show at 11am is a highlight. Allow 2-3 hours minimum.
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
See saltwater crocodiles, koalas, cassowaries, snakes, and more. Boat cruise through crocodile lagoon, koala holding photos, and wildlife presentations throughout the day. 15 min drive 3-4 hours $$
Local tip
The boat cruise is the highlight — you'll see crocs up close. The 3pm croc attack show is thrilling. Koala photos are available for an extra fee.
Muddy's Playground (Cairns Esplanade)
A massive free waterpark and playground on the Cairns Esplanade. Water jets, slides, climbing structures, and shaded picnic areas. Right next to the free lagoon pool. 25 min drive 2-3 hours Free
Local tip
Bring swimmers and towels. The lagoon pool is lifeguard-patrolled and free. Combine with the esplanade markets on Saturday.
Palm Cove Rock Pool Exploring
At low tide, rock pools appear at the northern end of Palm Cove beach and at nearby Clifton Beach. Find crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers, and small fish. Free nature adventure for kids. 5 min walk 1-2 hours Free
Local tip
Check tide times — you need a low tide (below 1m). Bring water shoes and a bucket. Best in the morning for calm conditions.
Ready to explore?
Tell us when you're coming and what you'd like to do. We'll help you plan it around your stay.
Book Direct & SaveCurated by the MyStayPal team in Far North Queensland. Distances are measured from Palm Cove. Cairns is about 25 minutes south. Costs are indicative bands, not quotes — confirm current prices and opening hours with the operator. Content last checked August 2026.