Named for the beautiful palm lined beaches along the city’s picturesque coast line, Palm Cove in Northern Queensland is one of Australia’s most popular holiday resort areas. Just a short 15 minute drive north of Cairns International Airport, this oasis on the Coral Sea boasts beautiful hotels, scenic drives and a long list of area attractions.
Palm Cove has just about everything that a family or couple could want in a getaway haven – warm, sunny weather, beautiful resorts and spas, lush tropical scenery and ocean views that just won’t quit. For this reason it’s not surprising that this quaint little beachside hamlet has become one of the most popular places in Australia to get married. Travel Associates consultant Anna Mashei spent some time in Palm Cove for just such an occasion. She told us a little bit about her trip and the wonderful time she had while visiting the area.
Wedding Bliss
“We went for a friend’s wedding,” said Anna “and their ceremony was in a little white church overlooking the beach - it was such a beautiful spot and a lovely wedding.” The graceful open air chapel and peaceful white sanctuary provided a serene setting against the tropical backdrop of the sparkling blue waters of the Coral Sea. Just above, tall Queensland palms swayed in the cool ocean breeze – a most idyllic setting for such a happy, romantic day.
During her stay, Anna and her family enjoyed the beautiful accommodation at Alamanda Palm Cove (formerly Angsana Resort & Spa). “This is the only absolute beachfront property in Palm Cove,” said Anna. “Our room which was a Beachfront 1 Bedroom Apartment was brilliant. We had a massive apartment with full-sized kitchen, open dining and living and a separate large bedroom - we also had two bathrooms (slightly unnecessary!) and a huge balcony – it was brilliant.”
Great Barrier Reef and Daintree
Palm Cove isn’t just about weddings though. If you want to get out and see more of what the area has to offer, continue up the Captain Cook Highway towards Port Douglas for a spectacular coastal drive filled with scenic lookouts and inviting little beaches and picnic areas. Further north you’ll find the stunning natural pools of Mossman Gorge and Australia’s largest rainforest, the Daintree, a magnificent eco-system packed full of hiking trails, beaches, resorts and even more refreshing swimming holes.
Of course no trip to Palm Cove and the Cairns area would be complete without a snorkelling or scuba diving excursion out to the Great Barrier Reef. The fragile underwater world is filled with delicate coral and colourful fish and if you’re lucky you may even see a giant sea turtle swim lazily by.
As you can see, there’s a great deal to see and do around Palm Cove, and if you’re anything like Anna, chances are you’ll want to rent a lovely beachfront property and stay awhile. And who knows, maybe one day, a Palm Cove wedding might even be in your future!
Anna Mashei is a travel consultant at Thesinger & Turner Travel Associates in Norwood, SA. To make a booking or to plan your next Australian or overseas adventure, give Anna a call on 1800 331 916.
