Drift Palm Cove, Palm Cove - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2026

75 photos

Drift Palm Cove Hotel Beach photo The photo captures a beautiful tropical beach scene on a sunny day. The sky is a vibrant, clear blue with a few fluffy white clouds scattered across it.

A wide expanse of light beige sand stretches across the foreground, showing footprints and patt

Drift Palm Cove Hotel Exterior photo The photo shows a beautifully lit outdoor swimming pool at dusk or early evening. The pool is a vibrant, almost electric blue, with gentle ripples on the surface reflecting the surrounding lights. It appears to be a large, resort-style pool, possibly

Drift Palm Cove Hotel Interior photo The photo shows a beautiful indoor swimming pool area. The pool is a vibrant turquoise blue and appears to be quite large, with gentle ripples on the surface. A central pillar rises from the pool, with water cascading down its sides, creating a refre

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Key details

About the Resort

Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, Australia, 4879

Steps from Palm Cove Beach

Great

8.2

8.4

/10

5.0

3.9

Loved by Drift Palm Cove Hotel guests

Comfortable beds
Spacious family room
Beautiful pool area
Convenient location
Friendly staff

"Drift is a beautiful complex, the rooms look onto a huge pool surrounded by rainforest trees cut into a deck area."

Lorri from Australia

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"The best feature of the fit out was the outdoor furniture on the deck overlooking the pool."

graydudes from Australia

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"A large balcony gives glorious 180deg. views of the Coral Sea."

Domenic

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Amenities

Drift Palm Cove offers direct beach access, providing guests with exceptional views of the Coral Sea. The resort includes a lagoon-style pool, where visitors can unwind under the sun or swim with the family. For those looking to stay active, the hotel provides tennis courts and a fully equipped fitness center.

Rooms

The hotel presents a variety of accommodations, ranging from spacious suites to family-friendly apartments. Each room comes equipped with private balconies, offering stunning ocean or garden views. Select units also include kitchen facilities, perfect for extended stays.

Location

Located on the beachfront of Palm Cove, Drift Palm Cove is set amongst palm trees and the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. The area is known for its tranquil atmosphere and proximity to local attractions such as the Daintree Rainforest. Guests can easily access nearby activities, including snorkeling and boat tours.

Dining

On-site dining at Drift Palm Cove includes Café 1, which serves a range of contemporary dishes with local ingredients. The restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating, enhancing the dining experience with beautiful surroundings. Guests can also enjoy poolside refreshments from the bar.

Wellness

The wellness offerings at Drift Palm Cove include a day spa that provides a variety of treatments aimed at relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can choose from massages, facials, and body treatments, all using high-quality products. A sauna is also available for guests to unwind after a long day.

Highlights

Location: Beachfront access with Coral Sea views

Rooms: Spacious suites with kitchen facilities

Dining: Café 1 serving contemporary dishes

Wellness: Day spa offering various treatments

“Drift Palm Cove earns its reputation through spacious apartments, each equipped with full kitchens and laundry facilities, near both the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. I appreciate the resort's lagoon-style pool and private beach access, which elevate it beyond standard beachfront accommodations. While some areas show signs of wear, the blend of location and amenities makes it a solid choice for families and couples seeking a tropical getaway.”

Emma JohnsonEditor-in-Chief at Toresort

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Spa & LeisurePoolside Paradise

The pool is surrounded by lush, shady trees. I enjoyed the big, warm spa. Plenty of clean lounge chairs were available.

Maria Rodriguez from Spain

Review on

Room FeaturesComplete Comfort

Apartments include washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers. The provided kitchenware makes cooking simple.

Emily Carter from United Kingdom

Review on

Children's AmenitiesFun for Kids

The kids loved the large open pool; parents can relax knowing the kids can be seen easily.

David Smith from Australia

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Select your room type

Drift Palm Cove Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Studio

2 persons

410 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

One-Bedroom Apartment Split Level

2 persons

830 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

One-Bedroom Apartment

2 persons

885 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Two-Bedroom Executive Apartment

2 persons

1250 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Drift Palm Cove Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Private beach
Lift
Barber shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Grocery shopping service

Dining

Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables

Business

Business centre

Children

Cots
Baby pushchair
Children's pool

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach access
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Spa & wellness centre
Jacuzzi
Shallow end

Room features

Air conditioning
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Washing machine
Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Drift Palm Cove Hotel Location

Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, Australia, 4879

Map view

Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, Australia, 4879

City landmarks

Landmark

Palm Cove jetty

4200 ft

Beach

Palm Cove Beach

4200 ft

Landmark

Village Gallery

2700 ft

Zoo

Cairns Tropical Zoo

2800 ft

Zoo

Cairns Night Zoo

1.0 mi

Landmark

Palm Cove

4200 ft

Park

Silver Crescent Park

1.0 mi

Landmark

Deadmans Gully Park

1.3 mi

Landmark

Ellis Beach

1.8 mi

Landmark

Double Island

1.8 mi

Landmark

Macalister Range National Park

2.2 mi

Landmark

Crocodile Park Reserve Cairns

2.4 mi

Landmark

Kuranda State Forest

2.8 mi

Nearby

Spa Centre

The Spa Palm Cove

500 ft

Spa Centre

Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa

500 ft

Restaurants

Maharaja's Restaurant

300 ft

22 Veivers Rd Shop 5

Nu Nu Restaurant

100 ft

1 Veivers Rd

Vivo Palm Cove

700 ft

49 Williams Esp Imlil

Palm Cove Tavern

600 ft

Veivers Road

Lagoon Bar

500 ft

Sea Temple Resort & Spa Palm Cove Triton Street

Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant

1100 ft

Fl 2 73 Williams Esp Floor 2

Underground Palm Cove

1700 ft

95/97 Williams Esplanade

Chill At Portofino

1700 ft

1-4/41 Williams Esplanade

The Reef House Restaurant

1800 ft

99 Williams Esp

27 Degrees

2100 ft

Shop 1 French Street

El Greco Greek Taverna

2400 ft

U 15 115-117 Williams Esp 115-117 Williams Esplanade

Espresso & Co Cafe Bar

2100 ft

3/115-117 Williams Esplanade

Explore Palm Cove

Local Experiences

Cairns Tropical Zoo

11 minutes walking

Home to native Australian wildlife, this zoo features interactive exhibits, a children's petting zoo, and scheduled animal encounters.

Palm Cove Beach

16 minutes walking

A stunning stretch of golden sand, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the picturesque shoreline.

Village Gallery

10 minutes walking

Showcases local artistry and crafts with rotating exhibits, ideal for those interested in authentic, handcrafted souvenirs.

Spa Treatments

2 minutes walking

Located just around the corner, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at The Spa Palm Cove, perfect for relaxation after a busy day.

Cairns Night Zoo

20 minutes walking

Experience a nighttime adventure in wildlife with guided tours featuring nocturnal animal activities suitable for all ages.

Nu Nu Restaurant

1 minute walking

Beachfront dining offers a modern Australian menu with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Reservations recommended.

Maharaja's Restaurant

1 minute walking

Authentic Indian cuisine in a vibrant setting. Known for rich flavors and vegetarian-friendly options.

Palm Cove Tavern

2 minutes walking

Casual dining and classic pub fare. Great for families and offers a relaxed atmosphere with a kid-friendly menu.

Lagoon Bar

2 minutes walking

A lively bar atmosphere with crafted cocktails and live music on weekends, great for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Palm Cove Jetty

16 minutes walking

A scenic spot perfect for fishing or watching the sunset, often featuring local musicians and community events.

Getting around

City Centre

Palm Cove8 min · 2000 ft

Airports

Cairns (CNS)39 min · 15.9 mi

Bus

Bus stop4 min · 1000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-17:00

Check-out

from 08:00-10:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room. Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Year renovated:

2007

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Former name

Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Drift Palm Cove Hotel from previous guests about their experience

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Drift Palm Cove impresses many guests with its spacious apartments and a spectacular pool area surrounded by beautiful landscaping. The large balconies offer glorious views, with some units overlooking the beach. Guests appreciate the convenience of being within walking distance of restaurants and cafes, and the proximity to the beach and Coral Sea. Some guests have noted the long walk to the elevator due to the layout, but find the overall stay relaxing and a great value, especially for families.

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Review score

Based on 609 verified reviews

7.9/10

Very good

80%

Recommend

Breakfast

10.0/10

Location

9.4/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.9/10

Facilities

8.2/10

Pros

Lovely pool

Convenient location

Well-equipped kitchen

Cons

Tired apartment

Dirty apartment

John from United States

Single

Two-Bedroom Executive Apartment

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 09, 2026

9/10

beach locationuseful dryercomfortable chairs

the location was undeniably close to the beach. the apartment had a washer and dryer, I appreciated that. the balcony offered comfortable chairs, that was a major plus.

the air conditioning made A strange noise sometimes.

0 Helpful

William from United Kingdom

Family with children

One-Bedroom Apartment Ocean View

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:November 09, 2025

9/10

Excellent Stay by the Beach

beach viewwide selectionlarge day bed

The unit I selected overlooked the beach and sat on level one. The TV had a wide entertainment selection. I found it lovely to hear the water in both the evening and morning. The verandah, overlooking the beach, was huge. It had seating at one end and a large day bed at the other.

0 Helpful

john from united kingdom

Family with children

one-bedroom apartment ocean view

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:October 25, 2025

8.7/10

excellent stay

roomy layouteffective doorfriendly staffuseful dryer

The apartment had a roomy layout with a lovely pool view. The soundproof balcony door was effective. cleanliness was really good, and the staff were friendly. i found easy parking and a great room setup and the location worked well. the washing machine and dryer proved useful.

the air conditioning did not work well. it got really hot.

Location

9/10

the hotel is near the beach. it provides convenient access to various nearby restaurants. bars, and spas for dining and relaxation. everything was really close.

Facilities

8/10

the pool area has a tropical resort atmosphere. i noticed a beautiful pool with ample space around it. easy parking definitely adds to the convenience with vehicles.

Service

9/10

The staff were friendly and accommodating. This provided great assistance. they were quick to respond to requests. their positive attitude enhanced the overall experience.

0 Helpful