Drift Palm Cove Hotel Room photoDrift Palm Cove Hotel Amenities photoDrift Palm Cove Hotel Nature photo

DRIFT PALM COVE, Palm Cove

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From$124 /night
Check-in
14Aug
Check-out
15Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Overview & Features

Cnr Vievers Rd & Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, 4879
-
Close to Palm Cove Beach
Great
8.2
8.4
/10
5.0
4.0
/5

4-star beachfront resort in Palm Cove

Location

Drift Palm Cove is located directly on the shores of the Coral Sea, offering direct access to the beach. The hotel is conveniently situated near the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, ensuring guests can explore significant natural wonders. It also provides proximity to Palm Cove Village, known for its boutique shops and dining options.

Rooms

The hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including 100 well-appointed rooms and apartments. Many rooms feature private balconies with ocean views, enhancing the stay experience. Guests can choose from one or two-bedroom options, suitable for both couples and families.

Dining

Drift Palm Cove features an onsite dining option, offering a diverse menu that showcases local flavors. The restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy meals with seaside views. Room service is also available for those who prefer dining in the comfort of their rooms.

Wellness

The hotel provides an outdoor swimming pool, ideal for relaxation and enjoyment. A fitness center is available for those who wish to maintain their exercise routines while on vacation. Spa services are also offered, providing guests the opportunity to unwind after a day of exploring.

Activities

Drift Palm Cove offers easy access to numerous water sports, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. Guests can rent bicycles to explore the scenic coastal paths and the nearby rainforest. The property is also close to various tour operators for day trips to the Great Barrier Reef.

Highlights

Location: Direct access to the Coral Sea

Rooms: 100 well-appointed rooms and apartments

Dining: Onsite dining showcasing local flavors

Wellness: Outdoor swimming pool & spa services

Activities: Water sports and guided tours

“The resort certainly capitalizes on its prime location near both the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, though some rooms could benefit from more thoughtful design; I noted several comments about storage and layout issues in certain apartments. Its lagoon-style pool and proximity to Palm Cove beach are pluses, while the full kitchens and laundry in each unit support longer, family-style stays. Overall, the location is its strongest asset.”
Hotel logo
Edward HayesEditor-in-Chief at Beachresort

Pick the Room Type That Suits You

Choose from spacious beach suites, family rooms, or cosy couples’ retreats with perks like breakfast and free cancellation
  • Studio
    2 persons
    38 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • One-Bedroom Loft Apartment
    2 persons
    77 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • One-Bedroom Apartment
    2 persons
    82 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
Show all rooms

Check Prices & Room Availability

See what's available for your travel dates now!
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Enjoy comfortable stays and unforgettable experiences at our beach resorts
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review 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
Show more

Location

Cnr Vievers Rd & Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, 4879
Explore Palm Cove
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Palm Cove Beach
16 minutes' walk
Scenic beach area featuring golden sands and clear waters, ideal for swimming or sunbathing. Close to shops and cafes.
Cairns Tropical Zoo
11 minutes' walk
Family-friendly zoo showcasing native Australian wildlife with interactive exhibits. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages.
Palm Cove Jetty
16 minutes' walk
Picturesque jetty offering stunning views. Great spot for photography and catching the sunset.
Village Gallery
10 minutes' walk
Art gallery featuring works by local artists. Engaging exhibitions promoting the vibrant art scene of Palm Cove.
Cairns Night Zoo
5 minutes' drive
Evening tours at the zoo featuring nocturnal animals. Book in advance for a unique wildlife experience.
The Spa Palm Cove
2 minutes' walk
Relaxation oasis offering various treatments. Ideal for guests seeking wellness and rejuvenation.
Lagoon Bar
2 minutes' walk
Casual bar by the lagoon perfect for unwinding with a drink. Great for socializing after a day of adventures.
Nu Nu Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Beachfront eatery specializing in modern Australian cuisine. Known for fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
Maharaja's Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Indian restaurant offering a range of traditional dishes. Warm atmosphere and vegetarian-friendly options.
Vivo Palm Cove
3 minutes' walk
Coastal restaurant focusing on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Excellent for casual dining with a sophisticated twist.
Palm Cove Tavern
2 minutes' walk
Casual tavern featuring burgers, pizzas, and local beers. Family-friendly with a lively atmosphere.
Lagoon Bar
2 minutes' walk
Chill spot with a vibrant atmosphere, hosting live music events and themed nights. Great for friends and couples.
Cairns Night Market
25 minutes' drive
Night market featuring local artisans, food stalls, and live performances. Perfect for an evening stroll.
Getting around beach destinations
  • City Centre
    Palm Cove 8 min  ·  2000 ft
  • Airports
    Cairns (CNS) 39 min  ·  15.9 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 4 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:
4
Number of rooms:
55
Former name
Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade

Guest Ratings & Coastal Resort Reviews

See What Past Guests Had to Say About Their Stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Drift Palm Cove provides spacious apartments, some featuring balconies with outdoor seating and even day beds, offering lovely views. The apartments are well-equipped, often including a kitchen with all necessary utensils, and sometimes even a washer and dryer for added convenience. The pool area is a highlight for many, although some guests have mentioned that the pool isn't heated. The hotel's central location puts you within walking distance of restaurants and cafes.
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Review score
Based on 666 verified reviews
8.0 /10
Great
80 %
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Comfy beds
Great location
Friendly staff
Beautiful pool
Cons
Broken items
Noisy room
Guest reviews
based on 666 reviews
8.0/10
based on 1224 reviews
8.2/10
Nathan from Australia
Family with children
Two-Bedroom Executive Apartment
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 06, 2026
6/10
incorrect code midnight call
the apartments were great. we thought an after hours check in would be easy.
the code given was incorrect. we had to call the after hours number at midnight, inconvenient. no apology was given.
0 Helpful
George from United States
Family with children
Studio
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 22, 2025
6/10
great facilities friendly staff mouldy room cockroach infestation
The room was clean and the facilities were great. The pool area is fantastic. The staff was friendly and helpful.
i found the room was mouldy. i saw it on most surfaces, ceilings, walls and doors. it was also full of cockroaches including in the dishwasher.
0 Helpful

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