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
Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
Cairns Esplanade - 23 min drive - 27.3 km
Getting around
Redlynch Station - 20 min drive
Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
Kewarra Village Takeaway - 7 min drive
Ellis Beach Bar & Grill - 6 min drive
Il Chiosco - 11 min drive
Nu Nu Restaurant - 12 min walk
Trinity Beach Tavern - 10 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
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
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
Airport shuttle fee: AUD 27 per person (one-way)
Airport shuttle fee per child: AUD 14 (one-way), (from 4 to 11 years old)
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.
How much does it cost to stay at The Reef Retreat?
As of 11 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Reef Retreat on 3 Apr 2027 start from AU$420, 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 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.
Does The Reef Retreat provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of AUD 27 per person applies.
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. Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos is 18.7 mi (30.1 km) away.
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.
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
siddharth
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kirsty
10 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was in a great location, very easy walk to beach and shops. Great size rooms, very clean
It was the perfect place to relax with the kids, taking walks in the sea or swimming in the pool.
YUKI
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Vanessa
3 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
We had a lovely big room , bed , balcony with a kitchen , we didn’t have a view , we went swimming , did yoga Saturday morning on the beach and went to the Palm cove market Sunday . A lovely weekend away
Vanessa
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Janine
12 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Well appointed appartments- very comfortable, central to everything. Will definitely return!
Janine
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
James
15 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Well equipped and very close to restaurants and the beach.
James
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Phillip Paul
14 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Awesome place to relax and unwind
Phillip Paul
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Susan Therese
12 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Amazing property, loved being there. It's very beautiful & comfortable. Great pool & Spa. Easy walking. Rooms are well maintained & comfortable. I will definitely be back.
Susan Therese
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
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
Great little motel - excellent location close to shops and restaurants. Room was very comfortable with all the necessary facilities. Awesome huge tv in room. Very comfortable bed. Great pool and bbq area. Overall really good Would definitely stay here again
Phil
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Rhonda
24 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Enjoyed our week, great location.. would definitely stay again
Rhonda
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Delecia
26 Nov 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful place to stay 🙏
Great position and beautiful setting.
Very nice peaceful setting with lovely cool shady garden area around the pool. We especially enjoyed the outdoors deck area in the kitchen patio of our room. Close to the beach and esplanade with the restaurants and bars. Palm cove was a great choice for our first visit to Cairns.
John
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
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.
Jane
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified
8/10 Good
Timothy
20 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Pleasant stay
Timothy
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Linda
9 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Great location!
Linda
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
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