This was our first trip to this area and we enjoyed it. Palm Cove was very quiet due to off season but also lack of tourists due to Corono Virus. Nice for us as easy to park, no full restaurants or anything which probably left the area with little vibe but still I prefer quiet. There are a number of restaurants along the foreshore, although we thought they were quite expensive. Even a hamburger was not cheap. There isn’t general shopping as such but not warranted in such an environment. We had a swim within the stinger nets which was nice and warm but somewhat controlled which obviously is the purpose but also makes it a bit of a boring swim. Later I found out the Irukandji Box jellyfish which is about 1cm in size can make you very very sick can come through the stinger net holes but was also informed that the lifeguards run a smaller net through the swimming area throughout the day (whether this is correct or not) but they are also looking out for the salt water crocodiles that can come over the top of the net when the water is a little rough. The water isn’t a tropical blue so really the lure of the hotels pool is much stronger. There is a jetty you can go for a walk on also. In the end we would go for a periodic drive along the foreshore to have a nosey but other than that there was not a lot of need or visits to the beach front area.

Spent most of the afternoon in the beach after lunch in the Surf Life Saving Club....recommended. There is a large floating collar in the sea with a continous fine mesh net slung beneath that drops to the sea floor to prevents the nasty sea creatures that sting and bite thise of us entering the swimming zone. There is a Surf Life Guard in attendance. The water was very warm, lots of tourists and locals with their children in the protected bathing area. Like swimming in a very warm bath. A long stretch of sandy beach with a tree covered shore line, fresh water showers ,BBQ areas and a good mix of restaurants along the road, Williams Esplanade. You can drive along the length of the beach but there us limited parking places close to the beach. The largest car park is by the jetty where you first enter Williams Esplanade.

We had 3 nights here and have really enjoyed our time. The Southern end of the esplanade seems a bit more modern (avoid portofino restaurant though). We also went to Trinity beach (10 min south) and that was definitely worth a drive for a look around and a meal at the tavern there.