🔍

Palm Cove

QLD 4879 • Rest of QLD

2,450
Population (2021)
$41,444
Median Income
3.56 km²
Area
$365/wk
Median Rent
BeachsideResort TownRetiree-HavenCoastalTourist Hub

About Palm Cove

Palm Cove is a boutique beachside resort suburb nestled along the Coral Sea, approximately 25 kilometres north of Cairns CBD within the Cairns Regional Council area. With a population of 2,450, the suburb skews older with a median age of 53, attracting retirees, sea-changers, and lifestyle-focused residents drawn by its tropical setting and relaxed pace. The median household income of around $1,527 per week reflects a comfortable community, with a mix of resort apartments, holiday lets, and permanent residences spread across a compact 3.6 square kilometre footprint.

The iconic Palm Cove Esplanade is the heart of the suburb, lined with melaleuca trees, boutique restaurants, day spas, and luxury resorts including the Anantara and Pullman properties. Watersports, snorkelling day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, and access to Clifton Beach and Ellis Beach to the north make this a genuinely enviable location. The suburb is well served by Sunbus routes connecting it to Cairns City and the airport, though most residents rely on a car for day-to-day errands. Its combination of tropical ambience, dining, and proximity to the Reef makes Palm Cove one of Far North Queensland's most sought-after lifestyle addresses.

Palm Cove falls under postcode 4879 and is governed by Cairns Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Barron River electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4879
Urban Area
Cairns - North
LGA / Council
Cairns
Federal Electorate
Leichhardt
State Electorate
Barron River
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-16.75°, 145.66°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
3.56 km²
Elevation
25m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Sunbus Route 110 — Cairns City (Lake Street Transit Centre) 35-45 min

Commute to Cairns CBD

Distance
25 km
By Train
No rail service to Palm Cove
By Car (Peak)
25-35 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
20-25 min

🛣️ Palm Cove is accessible via the Captain Cook Highway (A1). Cairns Airport is approximately 18 km south.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

The Esplanade strip is very walkable for dining and beach access, but a car is needed for most daily shopping and errands beyond the village.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$365
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,733
Avg Household Size
2.1 people
Median Age
53 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
1.9%

19 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,059
Census 2021
2,450
▲ 19.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$37,388
Income 2021
$41,444
▲ 10.8% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,447
Born Overseas 821

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 296
  • 2. New Zealand 98
  • 3. Germany 36
  • 4. Scotland 30
  • 5. South Africa 25
  • 6. United States 25
  • 7. Ireland 20
  • 8. Thailand 20
  • 9. Wales 17
  • 10. Italy 15

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,102
Australian 594
Irish 322
Scottish 280
German 157
Italian 97
Dutch 47
Australian Aboriginal 41
Welsh 41
French 40

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,015
Both parents born in Australia
947
Both parents born overseas
303
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
46.5%
Christianity
41.2%
Buddhism
1.6%
Judaism
0.4%
Hinduism
0.3%
Islam
0.3%
Sikhism
0.3%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
61 (2.5%)
5-14 years
210 (8.6%)
15-19 years
92 (3.8%)
20-24 years
71 (2.9%)
25-34 years
178 (7.3%)
35-44 years
266 (10.9%)
45-54 years
410 (16.7%)
55-64 years
495 (20.2%)
65-74 years
474 (19.3%)
75-84 years
184 (7.5%)
85+ years
22 (0.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palm Cove known for? +

Palm Cove is known for its iconic melaleuca-lined Esplanade, luxury resorts, boutique restaurants, and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. It is one of Far North Queensland's premier beachside lifestyle and resort destinations.

How far is Palm Cove from Cairns CBD? +

Palm Cove is approximately 25 kilometres north of Cairns CBD, a drive of around 20-35 minutes depending on traffic via the Captain Cook Highway.

Does Palm Cove have public transport? +

Palm Cove is served by Sunbus Route 110 connecting it to Cairns City, with a journey time of around 35-45 minutes. There is no rail or light rail service; most residents rely on a car.

What is the population of Palm Cove? +

According to the 2021 Census, Palm Cove has a population of 2,450 residents, with a notably mature demographic — the median age is 53, reflecting the suburb's appeal to retirees and lifestyle residents.

Is Palm Cove a good place to live? +

Palm Cove offers an exceptional tropical lifestyle for those who value a relaxed beachside environment, excellent dining, and proximity to natural wonders like the Reef and rainforest. It suits retirees, remote workers, and hospitality professionals well, though most daily services require a car trip to Cairns or nearby Clifton Beach.

What is the postcode for Palm Cove? +

The postcode for Palm Cove, QLD is 4879.