The Reef Retreat Palm Cove
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The Reef Retreat Palm Cove

The Reef Retreat Palm Cove

No. 9 of 4-Star Select Hotels in Great Barrier Reef
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Highlights
Treehouse
Tropical vibes
Cooking experience
Heated saltwater pool
Ideal location
+4 more
Amenities
All amenities
Property Description
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Cleanliness8.7
Amenities8.7
Location8.7
Service8.7
Surroundings
Attraction: Palm Cove
(700m)
Attraction: Palm Cove Beach
(350m)
Shopping: SHAK Clothing
(240m)
Attraction: Palm Cove Beach Playground
(500m)
Shopping: Beach Catwalk
(430m)
Shopping: Annie's at the Beach Clothing Boutique
(380m)
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1

One-Bedroom Apartment

1 Queen bed
Has window
Room Details
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12

One-Bedroom Suite

2 Single bed or 1 King bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Shower
Tea bags
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15

Family Apartment

Bedroom 1:1 Single bed ● Bedroom 2:1 King bed ● Living Room:1 Sofa bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Electric fan
Microwave
Room Details
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6

Studio Standard SPA Suite

2 Single bed or 1 King bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Tea bags
Electric fan
Room Details
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13

Superior SPA Suite

1 King bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Tea bags
Room Details
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1

One-Bedroom Apartment

1 Queen bed
Has window
Room Details
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11

Studio

1 King bed or 2 Single bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Tea bags
Room Details
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25

Three-Bedroom Townhouse

Bedroom 1:1 King bed ● Bedroom 2:1 King bed ● Bedroom 3:2 Single bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Tea bags
Room Details
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1

Standard Spa Room

1 King bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Tea bags
Electric fan
Shampoo
Room Details
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25

Family Three-Bedroom Apartment

Bedroom 1:2 Single bed ● Bedroom 2:1 Queen bed ● Bedroom 3:1 Queen bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Electric fan
Room Details
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1

Superior Spa Room

1 King bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Balcony
Coffee maker/teapot
Room Details
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12

Two-Bedroom Apartment

1 King bed or 4 Single bed
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Tea bags
Electric fan
Dishwasher
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Average for similar properties in Palm Cove
さーちゃんだよ
August 16, 2026
It takes about 30 minutes by car from Cairns, but Palm Cove Beach is only about a 3-minute walk away. The sound of the waves is so soothing when you're quietly relaxing in your room. This time, I stayed in a room with a jacuzzi, and it really helped relieve my fatigue! There's also a spa with a jacuzzi next to the pool, but it felt great to soak in the hot water! Everything from a frying pan to a clothesline was provided, so I was able to buy ingredients at Earlworth in Cairns and enjoy cooking. There were fewer insects than I expected, which was nice. There's no elevator, so carrying large luggage upstairs might be a bit difficult. Although I checked in after the check-in time, they responded immediately when I called via WhatsApp. I had a calm and comfortable stay. Thank you!
Original TextTranslation provided by Google
Christine T
June 23, 2026
Great location. Right next to the main street and foreshore.Great staff, very helpful. Super clean, roomy studio apartment. Well equipped kitchen. Large bedroom. Balcony with table and chairs. Good outdoor area with BBQ, good seating, nice pool and Spa. Reasonable priced, value for money. Lots of eateries and shops close by. Bus close by to Cairns.
davidcP8101ER
July 20, 2026
We had a deluxe room apartment with a spa. Great pool well heated. Central shared laundry. Great shared BBQ and eating area near pool. Great central location 30m from the esplanade. Our room was ground level but had to go up and down stairs to get to room. No lifts so beware if carrying luggage is an issue. We managed but would reconsider if we knew no ground floor level access. The only resort in Qld we stayed that had not great water pressure surprisingly but annex kitchen and dining area overlooking pool was a really great feature. Just large enough but compact in size. Mattress in our room was quite good. Pool can be noisy with kids if your room is in proximity to pool. Kitchen quite adequate for basic meals.
K M
July 13, 2026
This small resort has lovely paperbark trees and a nice but small pool. The 2 stars are for that. Unfortunately my stay there was ruined. I specifically asked for a quiet room when booking but was given a room on the outside of the small resort next to an intersection where there were cars parking and coming and going, slamming doors, people talking g loudly etc at all hours of the day and night. But what really ruined my stay was the unfriendly abrupt male manager. Some people just shouldn’t work in the hospitality industry! There are also signs everywhere about what you are not allowed to do. Treats people like they are stupid or criminals! I would never stay there again and wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. There are far better places to stay in beautiful Palm Cove!
Scalene C
July 5, 2026
Location was great, however the manager/owner/receptionist was so rude and abrasive! AVOID!! Our holiday was totally ruined by his terrible attitude, couldn’t get out of there fast enough. It seems like he’s running some sort of scam through Airbnb, or at least doesn’t have the slightest concern for the victims. Very suspect.
Steve T
June 1, 2026
Jim and Joanne are great hosts and very leafy location with outdoor pool and spa area. Easy walking distance to beach, restaurants, hotels and bars. Rooms are spacious and excellent with upstairs spa and outside balcony with kitchenette. We received a great RFPA rate for our large group.
AndyNorthampton
November 19, 2025
A gem of a hotel located just back from the front at the delightful Palm Cove. The facility has everything you need as either a base to explore the local eateries or to self cater. Everything is there including hairdryers, ironing facilities and the smart tv will allow you to log in and continue watching your favourite Netflix series. Friendly and helpful staff. Palm Cove is delightful with its golden sand, safe swimming area and beach walks (award winning beach). You can’t go wrong either in Palm Cove or specifically at The Reef Retreat.
Bibhu
May 22, 2026
Place was clean and nice. The host is a poor communicator and bordering rude. No clear directions for an after hour checkin. Didn't pick 10 calls. Had to hunt down their residence to get into the apartment.
Glenn
May 20, 2026
Good size room and great location as everything is close. The staff are great and have good knowledge of the area. Definitely a good base to explore the region and reasonably priced.

Services & Amenities

Property Policies

Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: 14:00–17:30
Check-out: 08:00–10:00

Front desk hours: [Mon-Fri]08:00–17:30

If you will arrive outside of check-in hours, contact the property in advance

Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome at this property.
Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.

Cots and Extra Beds
Extra bed and cot policies may vary according to room type. Please refer to the room type details for more information.

Pets
Pets are not allowed

Service animals
Service animals are allowed

Age Requirements
The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old

Paying at the hotel

Property Description

Local hotel name: The Reef Retreat Palm Cove
  • Opened: 1997
  • Renovated: 2010
  • Number of Rooms: 52
Phone:+61-7-40591744
Email:sales@reefretreat.com.au
With a stay at The Reef Retreat in Cairns (Palm Cove), you'll be a 1-minute drive from Palm Cove Beach and 13 minutes from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station. This aparthotel is 7.6 mi (12.2 km) from James Cook University.
Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including an outdoor pool and a hot tub. Additional amenities at this aparthotel include complimentary wireless internet access, babysitting (surcharge), and tour/ticket assistance.
Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
Make yourself at home in one of the 32 air-conditioned rooms featuring microwaves and Smart televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include ceiling fans and irons/ironing boards, and housekeeping is provided weekly.

You might be wondering

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Reef Retreat Palm Cove?

Check-in at The Reef Retreat Palm Cove starts at 14:00-17:30, and check-out is at 10:00.

Does The Reef Retreat Palm Cove have a pool?

Yes, The Reef Retreat Palm Cove has a swimming pool for guests.

Are pets allowed at The Reef Retreat Palm Cove?

No, pets aren’t allowed at The Reef Retreat Palm Cove.

Does The Reef Retreat Palm Cove serve breakfast?

No, The Reef Retreat Palm Cove doesn’t serve breakfast.

How much does it cost to stay at The Reef Retreat Palm Cove?

Room rates at The Reef Retreat Palm Cove vary based on dates, hotel policy, and other factors. Enter your travel dates to check current prices.

How do I get to The Reef Retreat Palm Cove from the nearest airport?

The closest airport is Cairns Airport, which is about 23 mins from hotel by car (21.5 km) away.

What’s the cancellation policy at The Reef Retreat Palm Cove?

The cancellation policy at The Reef Retreat Palm Cove depends on your room type and booking terms.

About This Property

Nearest AirportCairns Intl. Airport
Distance to Airport21.51KM
Nearest Train StationFreshwater
Distance to Train Station20.61KM
Hotel Star Rating4