Located in Palm Cove, Drift Palm Cove offers a welcoming outdoor pool, spa tub, sun loungers, and on-site car rentals. Guests love the helpful staff, comfy accommodations, and free in-room WiFi at this well-situated aparthotel.
Located in Palm Cove, a neighborhood 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 Wet Tropics of Queensland and Macalister Range National Park. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and Tanks Arts Centre are also worth visiting. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing. Visit our Cairns travel guide
Consider a stay at Drift Palm Cove and take advantage of a terrace, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as car rentals on site and a gym.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
An outdoor pool and a children's pool, along with sun loungers
Free self parking
A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), wedding services, and luggage storage
A reception hall, concierge services, and smoke-free premises
Guest reviews give top marks for the pool, helpful staff, and location
Room features
All 65 individually furnished rooms have perks such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and safes.
24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle at scheduled times for a surcharge
Car rental
Free self parking on site
Family friendly
Children stay free (see details)
Children's pool
Kitchen
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Bedrooms
Alarm clock
Bedsheets provided
Rollaway/extra bed: AUD 44 per day
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
Separate bathtub and shower
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Entertainment
40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels
Outdoor areas
Balcony/patio
Barbecue grill
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Laundry
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Laundry detergent
Laundry facilities
Washer/dryer
Climate control
Air conditioning
Ceiling fan
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Hardwood flooring in room
No elevator
Tile flooring in room
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Concierge services
Iron/ironing board
Luggage storage
Safe
Safe at front desk
Tour and ticket assistance
Wedding services
Weekly housekeeping
Location highlights
In an entertainment district
Near the ocean
On the Strip
On the waterfront
Things to do
Children's pool
Gym
Fishing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
General
4 floors
65 units
Garden
Individual decor
Individual furnishings
Reception hall
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
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 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open Monday - Thursday (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and Friday - Saturday (8:00 AM - 6:00 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
Cribs (infant beds) are available for AUD 10.0 per night
Property 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 percent
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
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 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is professionally cleaned
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 7 AM to 9 PM
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Children under 12 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, fitness facility, or hot tub without adult supervision
National rating
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–9 PM.
How much does it cost to stay at Drift Palm Cove?
As of May 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Palm Cove on May 18, 2026 start from ¥40,878, excluding 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?
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?
Check-out 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. Clifton Beach and Wet Tropics of Queensland are also within 2 mi (3 km).
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Reviews
Drift Palm Cove Reviews
8.4
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Great location easy access to everything staff accomodating and helpful
Rebecca Leanne
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 19, 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 traveler
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Lauren
Apr 22, 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
10/10 Excellent
Semra
Jan 19, 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
10/10 Excellent
Cheryl
Nov 13, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
Room was spotless and staff was amazing.
Cheryl
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Jaclyn
Oct 6, 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
10/10 Excellent
Hayley
Oct 17, 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
10/10 Excellent
Lynda
Nov 18, 2025
Great pool
Lynda
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Angela
Feb 7, 2026
Liked: Communication
Disliked: Amenities
The apartment was great (location, etc.) but the furniture was all pretty beat up and really needed replaced. There was also construction going on around the pool the entire stay, which was rather inconvenient. Staff were helpful but sparse.
Angela
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jani
Nov 27, 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
8/10 Good
Pip
Sep 25, 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
10/10 Excellent
Anita
Dec 11, 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
10/10 Excellent
Karl
Oct 6, 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
10/10 Excellent
SHARON
Nov 9, 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
10/10 Excellent
Rory M
Sep 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Have stayed at Drift twice. Is excellent in just about all respects. Lovely staff, amazing pool and great rooms. Would recommend.
Rory M
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Mark
Sep 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Reception staff were friendly and helpful.
Perfectly located to all restaurants and cafes.
There was some damp musky smells in placed (not our room)
Would stay at Drift again
Mark
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
helen
Nov 10, 2025
The room bland, furniture sub standard for a large resort &!a weird floorplan. Pool was great. Staff were friendly
helen
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Julie
Jan 11, 2026
Liked: Communication
Room wasnt inviting. Large unit. Needed a good clean. Maybe a electric frying pan. Air cons didn't work to well and the mosquito's were horrible. The staff were nice.
Julie
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Cyndle
Nov 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved our stay! When we arrived the hotel seen multiple bookings with the same surname, they upgraded the other room to a two bedroom so we could be on the same floor, without being asked, amazing service. The apartments were great (beds a little on the harder side), the pool is amazing, walking distance to everything. We will be back :)
Cyndle
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth
Mar 11, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great quite location right across the beach, beautiful surroundings ,we liked the BBQ facilities
Elizabeth
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Desi
Jan 6, 2026
Liked: Communication
Disliked: Cleanliness
Room itself was not clean. Dust behind the bedside tables, tv unit and on the side of the washing machine. Dust all over the ironing board. Beach towels provided to us with stains. Dryer door kept falling off. Great location and nice pool.
Desi
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ingrid
May 16, 2025
Best pool in Palm Cove, lovely staff
Ingrid
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Patricia
Sep 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful property and comfy beds . Loved that I did a load of washing too . Lived the jacuzzi pool and serenity
Patricia
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Maja
Oct 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Staff were great , friendly and helpful.
Maybe in the future of getting better bed pillows.
Maja
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Kerri
Jan 1, 2026
Room was clean and tidy, disappointed that the towels only were replaced after 5 days but the bed sheep were not. No WiFi