With a stay at The Reef Retreat in Cairns (Palm Cove), you'll be a 1-minute drive from Palm Cove Beach and 13 minutes from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station. .This aparthotel is 7.6 mi (12.2 km) from James Cook University and 18.7 mi (30.1 km) from Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos.
Macalister Range National Park - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
Cairns Esplanade - 23 min drive - 17.0 miles
Getting around
Redlynch Station - 20 min drive
Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
Nu Nu Restaurant - 12 min walk
Kewarra Village Takeaway - 7 min drive
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill - 6 min drive
Il Chiosco - 11 min drive
Tuk Tuk by the Sea - 10 min drive
About this property
The Reef Retreat
The Reef Retreat offers 32 air-conditioned accommodations with hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. 55-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels.
Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include complimentary toiletries and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is provided weekly.
An outdoor pool and a hot tub are on site.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
Make yourself at home in one of the 32 air-conditioned rooms featuring microwaves and Smart televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and digital programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include ceiling fans and irons/ironing boards, and housekeeping is provided weekly.
Don't miss out on recreational opportunities including an outdoor pool and a hot tub. Additional amenities at this aparthotel include complimentary wireless internet access, babysitting (surcharge), and tour/ticket assistance.
Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Outdoor pool
Pool loungers
Internet
Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Parking and transportation
24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
Car rental
Free self parking on site
Family friendly
Babysitting (surcharge)
Food and drink
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Microwave
Stovetop
Toaster
Bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Rollaway/extra bed: AUD 40 per day
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Entertainment
55-inch smart TV with digital channels
Library
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Laundry
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Laundry facilities
Comfort
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
No elevator
Tile flooring in room
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Blackout drapes
Iron/ironing board
Local maps
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Tour and ticket assistance
Weekly housekeeping
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near the boardwalk/promenade
Near the sea
Things to do
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Kayaking nearby
Scuba diving nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
3 floors
32 units
Built in 1997
Garden
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 5:30 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open Monday - Friday (8:00 AM - 5:30 PM) and Saturday - Sunday (9 AM - 2:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 5:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 40.0 per day
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Airport shuttle fee: AUD 27 per person (one-way)
Airport shuttle fee per child: AUD 14 (one-way), (from 4 to 11 years old)
Housekeeping is available for an additional fee
Rollaway bed fee: AUD 40.0 per day
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is professionally cleaned
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Property is also known as
Reef Retreat
Reef Retreat Hotel
Reef Retreat Hotel Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Palm Cove
The Reef Retreat Hotel Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Apartment Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Apartment
The Reef Retreat Palm Cove
The Reef Retreat Aparthotel
The Reef Retreat Aparthotel Palm Cove
The Reef Retreat Reviews
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 279 out of 506 reviews
10 - Excellent
279
Rating 8 - Good. 170 out of 506 reviews
8 - Good
170
Rating 6 - Okay. 40 out of 506 reviews
6 - Okay
40
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 506 reviews
4 - Poor
15
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 506 reviews
2 - Terrible
2
9.0/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Staff & service
8.6/10
Amenities
8.6/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Raelene
Feb 7, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Staff were supportive and accommodating.
We enjoyed our stay.
Raelene
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Gaylene
Dec 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We absolutely loved our room on the 1st floor overlooking the pool.
It was quiet, staff extremely helpful and so easy to walk everywhere
Gaylene
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
gregory william
Nov 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great locatiom
Also very functional
Very good
gregory william
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Amanda
Jun 30, 2025
We had a great relaxing stay
Amanda
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
vito
Mar 7, 2026
Liked: Communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy
It was dated
vito
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kirsty
Sep 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was in a great location, very easy walk to beach and shops. Great size rooms, very clean
Kirsty
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jamie Lee
Nov 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
The staff were very friendly. The rooms were lovely and clean. The sound of nothing but nature throughout the night was awesom and just a 30 second walk to the esplanade where you will find something delicious to eat.
Jamie Lee
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Garrett
Dec 14, 2025
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location and clean, although needs some maintenance
A lovely place to stay with beautiful surroundings. However, the service was somewhat limited — amenities such as tea, coffee, soap, and shampoo were not replenished regularly and had to be requested. Aside from that, it’s a wonderful spot for a stay
It was the perfect place to relax with the kids, taking walks in the sea or swimming in the pool.
YUKI
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Adam
Sep 13, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
This property and its sheltered garden courtyard was indeed a ‘retreat’ from the wind warning. We enjoyed our stay.
Adam
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
James
Jun 15, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Well equipped and very close to restaurants and the beach.
James
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Peter
Oct 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very pleasant
Peter
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Vanessa
Nov 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
We had a lovely big room , bed , balcony with a kitchen , we didn’t have a view , we went swimming , did yoga Saturday morning on the beach and went to the Palm cove market Sunday . A lovely weekend away
Vanessa
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Janine
Oct 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Well appointed appartments- very comfortable, central to everything. Will definitely return!
Janine
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Phillip Paul
Sep 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Awesome place to relax and unwind
Phillip Paul
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Susan Therese
Sep 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Amazing property, loved being there. It's very beautiful & comfortable. Great pool & Spa. Easy walking. Rooms are well maintained & comfortable. I will definitely be back.
Susan Therese
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Darren
Jul 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Nice place in a great location. Rooms abit dated but clean and fine for what we needed
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Enjoyed our week, great location.. would definitely stay again
Rhonda
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Delecia
Nov 26, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful place to stay 🙏
Great position and beautiful setting.
Delecia
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Phil
Aug 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Great Motel Close to Everything
Great little motel - excellent location close to shops and restaurants. Room was very comfortable with all the necessary facilities. Awesome huge tv in room. Very comfortable bed. Great pool and bbq area. Overall really good Would definitely stay here again