Located in Palm Cove, a neighbourhood in Cairns, The Reef Retreat is in a rural area and near the beach. Palm Cove Beach and James Cook University are two other places to visit that come recommended. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and horse riding nearby.
Macalister Range National Park - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
Buchan Point - 2 min drive - 2.5 km
Getting around
Redlynch Station - 20 min drive
Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
Nu Nu Restaurant - 12 min walk
Palm Cove Tavern - 6 min walk
Burger Inn - 9 min drive
Trinity Beach Tavern - 10 min drive
The Bluewater Tavern - 11 min drive
About this property
The Reef Retreat
Along with an outdoor pool, this smoke-free aparthotel has a hot tub and dry cleaning. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a library and tour/ticket assistance. Each apartment offers free WiFi, a microwave and a Smart TV with digital channels. Additional amenities include a stovetop, a ceiling fan and a hairdryer. Weekly housekeeping is available.
The Reef Retreat offers 32 air-conditioned accommodations with a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. 55-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels.
Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include free toiletries and a ceiling fan. Housekeeping is provided on a weekly basis.
An outdoor pool and a hot tub are on site.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 5:30 PM
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
The front desk is open Monday - Friday (8:00 AM - 5:30 PM) and Saturday - Sunday (9 AM - 2:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
If you are planning to arrive after 5:30 PM please contact the property in advance 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
Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 40.0 per day.
Cots (infant beds) are not available
Payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Cleaning/housekeeping/linen are available for an additional fee
Rollaway bed fee: AUD 40.0 per day
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Property # 2650462
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit 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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
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
Frequently asked questions
Does The Reef Retreat have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
Is The Reef Retreat pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at The Reef Retreat?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at The Reef Retreat?
Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 5:30 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at The Reef Retreat?
Checkout is at 10 AM.
Where is The Reef Retreat located?
Located in Palm Cove, this aparthotel is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Palm Cove Beach, and within 9 mi (15 km) of James Cook University and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station.
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.
The Reef Retreat Reviews
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Good size room and great location as everything is close. The staff are great and have good knowledge of the area. Definitely a good base to explore the region and reasonably priced.
Beautiful accommodation with everything you need in a gorgeous location. Really appreciated the 2 bedroom 2 bathroom setup which allowed us to have the space and privacy we needed
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Raelene
7 Feb 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Staff were supportive and accommodating.
We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Amanda
30 June 2025
We had a great relaxing stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Gaylene
17 Dec 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We absolutely loved our room on the 1st floor overlooking the pool.
It was quiet, staff extremely helpful and so easy to walk everywhere
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
gregory william
22 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Place was clean and nice. The host is a poor communicator and bordering rude. No clear directions for an after hour checkin. Didn't pick 10 calls. Had to hunt down their residence to get into the apartment.
It was the perfect place to relax with the kids, taking walks in the sea or swimming in the pool.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Rhonda
24 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Enjoyed our week, great location.. would definitely stay again
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Michael
15 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Very clean and well run.
Helpful staff, great location with everything you need.
Would stay again and recommend to others
5*
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Delecia
26 Nov 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful place to stay 🙏
Great position and beautiful setting.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2022
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Adam
13 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
This property and its sheltered garden courtyard was indeed a ‘retreat’ from the wind warning. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
James
15 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Well equipped and very close to restaurants and the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Jamie Lee
22 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
The staff were very friendly. The rooms were lovely and clean. The sound of nothing but nature throughout the night was awesom and just a 30 second walk to the esplanade where you will find something delicious to eat.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Garrett
14 Dec 2025
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location and clean, although needs some maintenance
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Jane
28 Sept 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Great location, nice hotel
Relaxed, good quality, fantastic location, everything we needed for a weekend break.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review
8/10 Good
Darren
1 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Nice place in a great location. Rooms abit dated but clean and fine for what we needed
A lovely place to stay with beautiful surroundings. However, the service was somewhat limited — amenities such as tea, coffee, soap, and shampoo were not replenished regularly and had to be requested. Aside from that, it’s a wonderful spot for a stay