Palm Cove: Your Insta-worthy guide to a tropical paradise
Heard of Palm Cove but just thought it was a holiday destination for retirees?
Well, think again. This tropical town is high on the list for lovers looking for a dose of ‘we time’ with more cocktails, acai bowls and beachy-homeware stores than a loved-up couple can squeeze in between sleep-ins and power naps.
Nestled in between Port Douglas and Cairns, this picture-perfect pocket of Tropical North Queensland has the hashtags #luxe, #tropicalescape, and #beachsidebliss written all over it.
So pack your phone, selfie stick, finger grips, drone, camera, Insta-husband/wife and get snapping with this Insta-worthy guide:
The Classic Palms shot

Photo by @mycolourfulworld_ via IG
Make sure no one and I mean NO ONE will forget that you’re currently holidaying in Palm Cove, and keep reminding them every week after that (gotta love #TBT’s), with a never-ending feed of its palm-tree lined esplanade.
I mean who could get sick of seeing those tall, leaning palms…

Photo by @mycolourfulworld_ via IG
Over…

Photo by @dreamingbig__ via IG
and over…

Photo by @riancope via IG
and over again?!
The resort shot

Palm Cove Reef House and Spa | Photo by @mycolourfulworld_ via IG
Welcome to the land of waterfront resorts – each one with a pool more photogenic than the last. Book into Reef House and Spa for a luxe stay that gives off those jet-setting Instagrammer vibes.

Palm Cove Reef House and Spa | Photo by @mycolourfulworld_ via IG
If you’re after tropical resort that doubles as a tranquil spa retreat, then the colonial South Pacific-styled rooms and private spa apartments are sure to have you relaxed and rejuvenated.
Looking for Palm Cove accommodation?
- For designer luxe vibes, check out Alamanda and Pullman Sea Temple Resort and Spa
- For those with little ones in tow, book into the Oasis at Palm Cove
- If you want serious seclusion, head to Palm Cove Tropic Apartments or Imagine Drift Palm Cove
The photographer shot

Photo by @focusfocusfocusfocusfocus via IG
Palm Cove is a landscape-photographer’s dream – whether you’re on the ground, above the ground or under the water.

Photo by @peterkilkellygallery via IG
For the drone drivers, Tropical North Queensland is one of those regions that’s even better viewed from above. Think webs of lush green palm leaves fanning a middleman of pristine white sand before sliding into the blue hues of the Great Barrier Reef – #droolworthy.

Palm Cove Jetty | Photo by @dreamingbig__ via IG
With your feet and camera planted firmly on the ground, check out the Palm Cove jetty (especially at dawn and dusk) and The Esplanade.
The sweet sunset shot

Photo by @adventuresofsophh via IG
You won’t need a ring light here, with these candy coloured hues reflecting subtle warm tones of light that turn everyone and anyone into a summer goddess.
You know you’ll be emanating beach babe vibes when you’re snapping shots at some of Tropical North Queensland’s best beaches.
The adventurous shot

Photo by @les.itinerantes via IG
Make sure your mates back home know you’re having the time of your life by capturing those moments of fun and adventure. If you’re thinking of doing Palm Cove in a van, you’ll be happy to know all the major players have depots in Cairns – just 30 minutes south of this tropical haven.
Park up in the beachfront holiday park, where you can wake up to the sounds of the ocean and a postcard-like view of the paperbark trees.

Photo by @riancope via IG
Jump on a bike for a romantic ride, hop into a kayak and paddle your way towards Double Island, or get behind the wheel and discover the rainforest town of Kuranda.
Palm Cove is at the heart of the action, with Port Douglas to the North, Cairns to the south, and the Atherton Tablelands to the south-west. There’s no excuse for a lack of #activeliving content on your feed when you have a list as long as the Great Barrier Reef of things to do.
Up for an adrenaline activity? Check out these adventure-packed things to do in Cairns.
The foodie shot

Photo by Nu Nu Restaurant via FB
You can’t visit Palm Cove without digging into a tropical fruit spread while sipping on a freshly-squeezed juice. They’re everywhere you go, nagging you with their sweet, citrus scents in a region where local produce is king. You’ll also be happy to know their complementary colours are what flat-lay dreams are made of.
Wondering where to eat? Try Chill Cafe or splurge for some fine-dining at Nu Nu, which was named #13 in the top 100 restaurants in Australia by Delicious magazine.
Instagramming your way across Queensland?
- Check out this Insta-worthy guide to the Gold Coast
- Take on these tips on how to Instagram in Tropical North Queensland
- Up your #travelinspo log with these 18 travel bloggers
- Get your #stalker on and follow these jet-setting Instagrammers
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