Destination style The secrets of Queensland’s Palm Cove
WE EXPLORE AUSTRALIA’S MOST EXCITING DESIGN AND STYLE DESTINATIONS
Nestled between rainforests and reefs, and just 30 minutes drive north of Cairns, time slows in this glamorous seaside village. Earning its name from the trees that fringe its coastline, Palm Cove is home to beachfront luxury resorts, gourmet dining, stylish stores and an array of natural wonders. Year-round tropical weather makes it an ideal winter escape, too.
eat
1. Vivo
Kickstart your day at Vivo bar and grill, with breakfast served in a bungalow overlooking the Coral Sea. As for lunch and dinner, seasonal fare blended with Asian and Mediterranean flavours, paired with a drop from Vivo’s impressive wine cellar, is the go. Don’t forget their in-house art gallery, either, which showcases works by local artists.
Visit: 49 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove.
Bookmark: vivo.com.au.
2. Nu Nu
From the divine waterfront setting to the modern interiors and dishes inspired by the region’s landscape, you’re in for a treat at Nu Nu restaurant. Helmed by head chef Nick Holloway of Master Chef fame, this gourmet spot features locally sourced produce.
Their lacy pancakes are legendary.
Visit: 1 Veivers Road, Palm Cove.
Bookmark: nunu.com.au.
SHOP
3. Ian Stephens Village Gallery
On the main esplanade, this shoppable art gallery brims with original paintings and prints. Artist Ian Stephens moved here from Melbourne in 1992 to fulfil his dream of living in the tropics and capturing its flora, fauna and natural landscapes in his breathtaking paintings. Pick up a print on canvas to bring holiday vibes to your interiors back home.
Visit: 139 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove.
Bookmark: villagegallerypalmcove.com.
4. TROPICAL STYLE
MELISSA BERTA OPENED THIS BOUTIQUE AND LIFESTYLE STORE IN 2016 AFTER RELOCATING FROM SYDNEY. COASTAL-INSPIRED HOMEWARES SUCH AS BEADED CHANDELIERS AND PINEAPPLE DOOR HOOKS SIT ALONGSIDE MELISSA’S HAND-MADE JEWELLERY, BOHEMIAN FASHION AND MORE. VISIT: SHOP 5, 123 WILLIAMS ESPLANADE, PALM COVE. BOOKMARK: TROPICALSTYLE.COM.AU.
STAY
5. Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa
If you’re searching for international glamour in an Australian paradise – and, let’s face it, who can blame you? – look no further. While this opulent resort is surrounded by awesome natural beauty, there’s really no need to leave the hotel. With three lavish swimming pools, its own award-winning day spa and a fine-dining restaurant, Temple Of Tastes, this all-in-one accommodation is a lesson in laidback luxury.
Visit: 5 Triton Street, Palm Cove.
Bookmark: pullmanpalmcove.com.au.
6. The Reef House
One of the first properties built in Palm Cove, in 1958, this boutique hotel’s history is reflected through its colonial design, South Pacific decor and traditions. Sorbet is passed around the pool at 3pm, and at twilight, guests enjoy canapes and a glass of tropical punch in the Brigadier’s lounge.
Visit: 99 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove.
Bookmark: reefhouse.com.au.
EXPLORE
7. Daintree Rainforest
It stretches 1200 square kilometres, so set aside a full day to appreciate its beauty. Take a tour by Back Country Bliss and embark on a guided hike, also learning about Indigenous heritage through a traditional smoking ceremony.
Bookmark: backcountrybliss.com.au.
8. Great Barrier Reef
Adventurous travellers can snorkel or scuba dive, while the not-so-game can enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour instead. Book a day trip with Sunlover Reef Cruises, which also offers overnight stays. Note: Box jellyfish visit between November and May, so wear a lycra suit in stinger season.
Bookmark: sunlover.com.au. >
“EXPLORING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF TOPS MANY BUCKET LISTS, SO MAKE THE MOST OF PALM COVE’S PROXIMITY TO THIS GLORIOUS WONDER” ~ KATRINA O’BRIEN, HB ACTING EDITOR
9. COCONUT WALK
LOCATED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF WILLIAMS ESPLANADE, BUT A WORLD AWAY FROM THAT RELATIVE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE, PALM COVE’S ICONIC WALK ALLOWS YOU TO MEANDER THROUGH A GROVE OF COCONUT PALMS AND GAZE ACROSS THE GLASSY WATERS OF THE CORAL SEA. TRY IT AT SUNRISE AND THANK US LATER. (BUT KEEP AN EYE GLANCING UPWARDS, JUST IN CASE A STRAY COCONUT WANTS TO INTRODUCE ITSELF...)