Cairns Travel Forum

My wife and I are traveling in mid Feb to this area and wander if Palm Cove would be preferred over Port Douglas or Cairns for a laid back time. Any thoughts about the Sebel Reef House and Spa.
Thanks

I would recommend Port Douglas over Palm Cove.
Port Douglas is a great little place to chill out, wonderful cafe's restaurants and shops if you need some retail therapy.
You can enjoy walking along the four mile beach.
From Port you can go out to the reef and also go for a trip to Cape Trib.
I would recommend to hire a car from Cairns airport for your stay in Port( or you can hire a car in Port) by doing this you can drive straight to Port when you arrive in Cairns,good drive, the price of the bus fare for 2 can be more or nearly as much as the car for one day's hire.
Redspot car hire at the airport is a good one, insurance and all other stuff is in there price, no hidden extra's. Check out their web site.
Hiring a car also means you can do a great drive from Port to Cape Tribulation, a wonderful drive and a must for any visitor to this area.
Quicksilver have a great relaxing day trip to the outer reef, another day out:)
Accommodation in Port is huge, so much to chose from.
I usually stay in the main street area when I go there. BUT there is a little bus that runs all day and late into the night if you stay outta town.( I'm talking a couple of K's out)
Check out the web for accommodation in Port, most have maps that show the distance from town area.
You should be able to get some great deals at the moment as it is the low season here.
There are spa's and massage places also in Port.
Check out my Port Douglas pages, I haven't done pages for awhile...but that will give you an idea.
NOW if you go for Palm Cove, the Sebel is great.
At the moment it is bloody hot and humid up here....melt down:)
Also it is what we call the wet season, BUT that doesn't mean it rains everyday, it doeasn't! Just means you might get wet, but you still will be hot!
99% of accommodation have pools, as you can't swim in the beaches as it is stinger season, once again, this is not a problem as a swim in the pool is good:)
Have a great time in Far North Qld.
Cheers
Anne

For a laid back time I would definitely recommend Palm Cove. Port Douglas and Cairns are both great locations, but in my opinion Palm Cove is much more relaxing, mostly because of its smaller size and location. Most of the accommodation is directly on or across the road from the beach as are some nice restaurants. For laid back al fresco dining amongst floodlit palms you should try the restaurant at Angsana Resort.

I have not stayed at the Sebel Reef House but any of the hotels on the esplanade facing the beach have a fabulous location.

Hi, I have stayed in all of the above places and they all have different aspects.
My personal preference is Palm Cove,I have stayed at the Sebel Reef House & Spa and had a wonderful relaxing time.
It is close enough to visit Cairns or Port Douglas and some of the day trips offered are really great so you don't have to miss anything of this region.
It is a lovely experience having dinner at one of the many different restaurants and then strolling either along the beach or the beach front that has the most stunning Malaleuca trees. I believe that Palm Cove has a more intimate feel about it and a lot more shady than Port Douglas or Cairns.
Have fun where ever you choose.

Dorrise

I wouldn't choose Cairns but it's a difficult choice between Palm Cove and Port. On balance, as you say a laid back time I think I'd go for Palm Cove. I stayed at the Sebel a while ago and it was excellent - I assume that hasn't changed.

I would definitely agree and say Palm Cove is better for being laid back. And the Sebel Reef House is my choice of places to stay there. Have been there a couple of times now and it's just perfect! Last there in May last year.
It has a perfect location right opposite the beach and only 5 minutes' walk to other places to eat (although the restaurant at the hotel is excellent so don't miss that!).
I am a big fan of Palm Cove as its small and perfect for just relaxing between reef trips and exploring the rain forest. The other benefit of the Reef House is that the tour desk are really good and will organise everything for you. Service is excellent (in my experience) and the Spa is rated really highly too.
Have a great trip.

Thanks so much

Thanks so much

Thanks so much

Thanks so much

I also love Palm Cove, BUT at this time of year it can be windy and also the beach can be not a delight to walk along...Most of the Cafe's are situated facing the beach, which is wonderful when there isn't any wind or rain...
Port Douglas however is better ( I think) at this time of year as if it rains or is windy you can stroll the beach or browse the cafe' shops etc in much better conditions.