Separated from Ellis Beach by a prominent rocky knoll to the north, and sharing its beach frontage with Clifton Beach to the south, is the picturesque and very popular Palm Cove.

As far as attracting tourists is concerned, and also having a supporting infrastructure specifically developed to draw visitors to itself, Palm Cove is the jewel in the crown of the beach suburbs to the north of Cairns.  Having gained both a domestic and international reputation as an exclusive holiday destination, Palm Cove is predominantly tourist oriented.

Having very few of the community type facilities and services that are normal for residential suburbs, it is characterised by its luxury five-star resorts, holiday apartments, budget backpacker accommodation, and the numerous restaurants, cafes and coffee shops set among the palm trees and giant melaleucas that line its wide sandy beach.

Palm Cove boasts a groomed promenade that stretches along the entire length of its esplanade.  With its grassy, tree covered strip of parkland, cobbled street, and tropical garden plots, it exudes a peace and tranquility that adds to its relaxing holiday atmosphere.

The beach is a popular fishing location, equally attractive to both locals and visitors.  At its northern end, a jetty runs out off the beach for 200 metres or so into the waters of Trinity Bay.  Close by is an all weather, concrete boat ramp which makes it possible for those anglers with their own small boats to access the nearby inshore reefs and adjacent islands.

The beach has excellent facilities for picnics and barbeques that locals use for relaxation and family entertainment.

Adding to its tourism value, approximately one kilometre south of the turnoff into Palm Cove is Wild World, Cairns Tropical Zoo, claimed to be the largest and most diverse wildlife attraction in Tropical North Queensland.  The zoo is home to hundreds of native and exotic species, many of which are indigenous to the northern wet tropics.