A beach in Palm Cove, Queensland, Australia
Along the idyllic shoreline of North Queensland, Palm Cove invites visitors to dine before the crashing waves and setting sun. Just a 17-mile drive from Cairns, this coastal community offers some fantastic oceanfront restaurant options for sampling not only local cuisine but a variety of fare.
Eating in Palm Cove
Stretching along the Coral Sea, the most happening place in Palm Cove is Williams Esplanade, where a leisurely walk under the palms reveals a range of eateries, each with its own unique twist yet a similar and spectacular view. Because the esplanade continues for a great distance — far enough to walk off that meal afterward — the hardest choice will be where to settle in.
Nu Nu Restaurant, for example, features multicultural dishes made with fresh local produce grown in the Cairns Highlands, like wok-fried North Queensland mud crab and house-cured barramundi. Not too far away, Vivo Bar and Grill as well as Bella Baci both specialize in Italian dishes while Apres Beach Bar and Grill serves up a range of surf and turf options.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more exotic, Choc Dee Thai Restaurant offers authentic Thai cuisine. It also happens to be located right in front of Peppers Beach Club & Spa, which has a beautiful candlelit restaurant called Lime & Pepper that serves dishes inspired by tropical flavors in a great atmosphere. During the day, the accommodation’s pool offers a swim-up bar with snacks and cocktails.
Drinking in Palm Cove
If it’s something to drink you’re after, the Surf Club Palm Cove offers drinks at reasonable prices, along with entertainment options like pool and slot machines, which locals refer to as “pokies.” Not far from Williams Esplanade, the Hotel Grand Chancellor Palm Cove is home to V Bar, where cocktails featuring coconut and pineapple are the norm. The hotel bar also has a happy hour and, on the occasional evening, live entertainment.
Just a quick word to the wise: If you’re considering taking an after-dinner-or-drink stroll, stick to the main promenade. Along the water, you will spot warning signs about saltwater crocodiles for good reason. The creatures perch along the water’s edge, enshrouded by the lapping ocean waves. So stay safe, and heed the warning signs.
Learn about other outdoor activities in Palm Cove
- Contributed by Megan Snedden