Located in Palm Cove, a neighbourhood in Cairns, Drift Palm Cove is in the entertainment district and on the beach. Clifton Village Shopping Centre and Smithfield Shopping Centre are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Palm Cove Beach and Cairns Esplanade. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and Tanks Arts Centre are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing.
Macalister Range National Park - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
Kuranda National Park - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
Getting around
Redlynch Station - 19 min drive
Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 25 min drive
Restaurants
‪Nu Nu Restaurant - ‬12 min walk
‪Kewarra Village Takeaway - ‬6 min drive
‪Burger Inn - ‬9 min drive
‪Ellis Beach Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive
‪The Bluewater Tavern - ‬10 min drive
About this property
Drift Palm Cove
Guests of this beach aparthotel will appreciate convenient on-site amenities such as a hot tub and a fitness centre. Each apartment boasts a jetted bath and offers free WiFi and a kitchen. For a bit of entertainment, a flat-screen TV comes with digital channels, and guests can also appreciate conveniences, such as a washer/dryer and a fridge. Weekly housekeeping is available.
Drift Palm Cove offers 65 accommodations with washers/dryers and a safe. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Accommodation at this 4-star aparthotel has kitchens with fridges, stovetops, microwaves and kitchenware and utensils. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with in-room jetted baths, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.
Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and a ceiling fan. Housekeeping is provided on a weekly basis.
An outdoor pool, a children's pool and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness centre.
Children aged under 12 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, fitness facility or hot tub without adult supervision.
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 7:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The property charges 1.5 per cent for credit card payments
The front desk is open from Monday to Thursday (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM), Friday to Friday (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) and Saturday to Saturday (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property 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
1 child, up to the age of 12 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 44.0 per day.
Cots (infant beds) are available for AUD 10.0 per night
Payment types
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Deposit: AUD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Airport shuttle fee: AUD 30 per person (one-way)
Airport shuttle fee per child: AUD 10 (one-way), (up to 15 years old)
Crib (infant bed) fee: AUD 10.0 per night
Rollaway bed fee: AUD 44.0 per day
Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 1.5 per cent
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Property # 1665283
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card 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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
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 that 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is professionally cleaned
Property class
This property has been awarded a star rating from the Australian star ratings agency, Star Ratings Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Does Drift Palm Cove have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Pool access is from 7 AM to 9 PM.
How much does it cost to stay at Drift Palm Cove?
As of 8 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Palm Cove on 12 Aug 2026 start from AU$415, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Drift Palm Cove pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Drift Palm Cove?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Drift Palm Cove?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 7:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at Drift Palm Cove?
Checkout is at 10 AM.
Does Drift Palm Cove provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs at scheduled times. A fee of AUD 30 per person applies.
Where is Drift Palm Cove located?
Located in Palm Cove, this beachfront aparthotel is in the entertainment district and within a 10-minute walk of Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove. Kuranda National Park and Wet Tropics of Queensland are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
Drift Palm Cove Reviews
Reviews
8.4
Very good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Honestly 10/10 what a great stay we had, coffee shops & food right there, beautiful beach & heaps of wildlife walking around, watch your step in the hotel (we were on the 4th floor and had to carry a little lizard down the elevator)
Have stayed here many times - love this apartment block
Sharon
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
19 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Clean and spacious room, comfortable stay, and a great location. Staff were friendly and helpful. Would stay again.
Verified traveller
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Anna
24 Mar 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Good property for the valu
Anna
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl
13 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Room was spotless and staff was amazing.
Cheryl
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Jaclyn
6 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a nice time staying at Drift. Comfortable and close to cafes, beach and friendly reception.
Jaclyn
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Hayley
17 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing affordable holiday that is pleasant and clean and close by many food options and grocery store, room has kitchen so can also cook
Hayley
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Semra
19 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The girls at reception were extremely helpful, friendly and professional.
Semra
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Allison
2 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great place to stay, will definitely be back.
Allison
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Kylie
1 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Absolutely beautiful hotel
Kylie
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Lauren
22 Apr 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in
I really enjoyed this place. All amenities were great. Check in was my only issue. Check in was listed at 1400. I arrived shortly after this & I was told the unit wasn't ready. This was shortly rectified. There's also renovations happening at the moment so quite a bit of noise during the day. Otherwise a comfortable relaxing stay
Lauren
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review
8/10 Good
Kate Myra
18 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Nice studio apartment overlooking garden. Kitchen well supplied. Comfy bed.
Kate Myra
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Lynda
18 Nov 2025
Great pool
Lynda
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Pip
25 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, communication
A nice place to base yourself right on the beach & with a big pool = happy kids!
Pip
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Michael
8 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The room could have been cleaner on arrival, however overall we were happy with our stay.
Michael
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Jani
27 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
I loved everything about Drift Palm Cove! Absolutely stunning and comfortable and beautiful. The staff was out of this world amazing to us and so very helpful in every aspect!!
Jani
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Karl
6 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location in beautiful surroundings. Friendly and helpful staff. Very nice hotel with a lovely pool area with a nice pool and green tropical surroundings.
Karl
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Frank
11 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The room was spotless and the amenities were excellent. We were given extra linen upon request. We really enjoyed our stay at this place.
Frank
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Anita
11 Dec 2025
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The apartment was adequate for our needs, clean, comfortable and with extras like washing machine and dryer, microwave/airfryer/convection plus hotplates. The pool area is lovely and access to everything was an easy walk plus right on the beach. We would definitely go back.
Anita
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
SHARON
9 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very happy with my stay at Drift Palm Cove. The apartment was very spacious,clean and comfortable. It had everything I needed. The resort itself was wonderful especially the pool area and the location was great. The staff were friendly and courteous. Will definitely stay here again.
SHARON
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Kim
7 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Good location
Kim
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth
11 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great quite location right across the beach, beautiful surroundings ,we liked the BBQ facilities