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.
Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
Back Shot Beach - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
Getting around
Redlynch Station - 19 min drive
Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 25 min drive
Restaurants
Nu Nu Restaurant - 12 min walk
Palm Cove Tavern - 1 min walk
The Bluewater Tavern - 10 min drive
Palm Cove Surf Club - 11 min walk
Burger Inn - 9 min drive
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 7 Nov 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Palm Cove on 8 Nov 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 1 mi (2 km) of Palm Cove Beach, Back Shot Beach and Buchan Point. 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.
Great location easy access to everything staff accomodating and helpful
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review
4/10 Poor
catriona
17 July 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
You can stay in a lot better places in Palm Cove than The Drift.
The service was great but the property just doesn't compare to the others around.
Try Mantra, Sanctuary, Allamanda, Pullman, Beach Club instead,
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)
The second time we've stayed at Drift in Palm Cove and we would stay again. The property has everything you need and is in the perfect location. The only thing that would help would be a heated pool, however you don't really need it if you go in the Summer.
Communication and check in was seamless.
Rooms were clean, however some kitchen items had still some food residue on it.
Pool area is great, we didn't get to enjoy it due to the colder weather.
The buildings and apartment look a bit tired. For what I payed, I expected a higher standard.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 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.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Allison
2 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great place to stay, will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl
13 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Room was spotless and staff was amazing.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Anna
24 Mar 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Good property for the valu
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Kylie
1 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Absolutely beautiful hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 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
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 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!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Lynda
18 Nov 2025
Great pool
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Chris
11 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
great location great facilities kids loved the pool
cannot wait to go back
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024
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.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Chloe
5 Jan 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great stay, loved the pool and being right on the beach front was awesome!
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
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Ildiko
21 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Excellent stay, thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
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.
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.