I have been dreaming of a holidays lately and it brought to mind one of my favourite getaway locations. Palm Cove in Tropical North Queensland. I love Palm Cove. I think everyone needs to spend a relaxing weekend here. In recent years I have been twice and it has not disappointed either time. Here are 5 reasons why everyone should book a getaway to Palm Cove (this is not a sponsored post I just really love it that much).
1. Well firstly there’s this view…..
2. It is easily accessible for a quick getaway weekend.
It is only 20 minutes from Cairns Airport and 25 minutes to the Esplanade in Cairns. From Palm Cove to Port Douglas, gateway to the Daintree, it is only another 40 minutes along one of the most magnificent coastal drives you will do.
3. There are a range of accommodation options to suit every budget.
Last year we had a group of four and we stayed in a 3 bedroom apartment that was about a ten minute walk from the beach and restaurants. It was lovely. The walk was really picturesque and a nice way to wind down after a lovely dinner out. If you want to read a little more about our accommodation and trip last year head over to my sister’s blog post on Palm Cove – Bell Girls Weekend 2014. Her photos of Palm Cove are beautiful.
This year we were a little closer to the beach, at Hotel Grand Chancellor, only a short 5 minute stroll across the wooden boardwalk over the mangroves. We paid approximately $245 for two nights accommodation. The rooms were a little dated but very comfortable and surroundings were quite pretty.
There are plenty of beachfront accommodation options for those wanting a really glamorous weekend away, and more modest options for those still wanting to treat but without a huge dent in the budget. There is also Palm Cove Holiday Park which offers camping and caravan options only 30m from the beach itself and looks fantastic.
3. The food and dining options are great.
Whether it is a fine dining experience you are after, a casual affair, feeding the family, or the self catering option, Palm Cove has it all. I can recommend Vivo Bar and Grill for a delicious dinner and The Rising Sun Bar and Bistro for great coffee, good food, and a huge chocolatey, turkish delight brownie.
I have to admit that my favourite place for breakfast, lunch, and lazy afternoon cocktails was Chill Cafe. Coffee was fantastic, breakfast and food was delicious, and staff very friendly and helpful. The view was just perfect and everything came together to provide the perfect combination of holiday relaxation at its best.
-
- Chill Cafe – Food was delicious…the fish tacos were amazing!
4. Great options for fantastic day trips.
I would definitely recommend a trip to Port Douglas. It is a little more ‘touristy’ and is resort central but the markets are great and good for a spot of shopping. Food and entertainment options are great too. Port Douglas also has a lovely, quaint church that is beautiful to have a quick look around and a few lookouts and lighthouses were also worth a quick look.
If you have never been to Cairns, a trip to the Esplanade is well worth it and maybe a trip out to the Islands and The Great Barrier Reef. On the previous girls trip we also spent the day shopping in Cairns and you could also catch a movie.
The hubby and I also decided to check out Cairns Botanic Gardens and try the Red Arrow/Blue Arrow walk which is known to be the fitness challenge hotspot for the locals. Now we were on holiday and hubby refused so we decided to just do a taste test and complete the 1.3km Red Arrow walk and not the 5.4km Blue Arrow track. Just a reminder to those that haven’t been to Tropical North Queensland in summer….bring lots of water and be prepared to sweat!! The good thing about the track though is that it is mostly well shaded which keeps it a lot cooler.
5. It is all about unwinding.
Palm Cove is made for relaxing, for taking a moment out of our busy lives and just stopping and enjoying the little things in life. There is no rushing or pressure to be dressed ‘just right’, its all about appreciating the people who you are with, in beautiful, unspoiled surroundings. Great location, great food, great company……what more do you need?
The Exercise Hitlist 