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Aparthotel

Drift Palm Cove

4.0 star property
4-star beachfront aparthotel with outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Drift Palm Cove

3 Bedroom Ocean View Condo | View from room
Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms | In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished
Lobby
Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Terrace/patio
Exterior

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Gym
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Cnr Veivers Rd Williams Esp, Palm Cove, QLD, 4879
  • Place, Palm Cove Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Vie Spa Palm Cove
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Clifton Village Shopping Centre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Studio, 1 Queen Bed

Studio, 1 Queen Bed | In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Studio, 1 Queen Bed

  • 409 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Loft, 1 Bedroom

Loft, 1 Bedroom | Living area | 40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV

Loft, 1 Bedroom

  • 829 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View | In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

  • 829 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • 883 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area | 40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1249 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View | Living area | 40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

  • 1249 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms | Private kitchen | Fridge, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

  • 118 sq ft
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

View all photos for Apartment

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Apartment

  • 1249 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 3 Bedroom Ocean View Condo

3 Bedroom Ocean View Condo | Living area | 40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV

3 Bedroom Ocean View Condo

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 9
  • 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for 1 Bedroom Apartment

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

1 Bedroom Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Three Bedroom Ocean View Condo

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Three Bedroom Ocean View Condo

  • Sleeps 6

View all photos for Studio Apartment

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Studio Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for One Bedroom Ocean Apartment

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

One Bedroom Ocean Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for One Bedroom Loft Apartment

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

One Bedroom Loft Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Two Bedroom Family Apartment

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Two Bedroom Family Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Two Bedroom Executive Apartment

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Two Bedroom Executive Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Two Bedroom Executive Ocean Apartment

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Two Bedroom Executive Ocean Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Three Bedroom Family Apartment

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Three Bedroom Family Apartment

  • Sleeps 6

About the neighborhood

Cairns

On the beach.Within a 15-minute walk of this Palm Cove aparthotel, you'll find Vie Spa Palm Cove and Palm Cove Beach. Wet Tropics of Queensland and Clifton Village Shopping Centre are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Aparthotels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Palm Cove Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Vie Spa Palm Cove - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Macalister Range National Park - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 4 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Cairns Esplanade - 25 min drive - 16.9 miles

Getting around

  • Redlynch Station - 19 min drive
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Vivo Palm Cove - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Espresso&Co - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Pete's Place - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Coco Mojo - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Palm Cove Tavern - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Drift Palm Cove

4-star beachfront aparthotel with outdoor pool
Drift Palm Cove offers its guests a children's pool, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center. WiFi is free in public spaces. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. A terrace, barbecue grills, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the luxury Drift Palm Cove. The aparthotel can provide concierge services and wedding services. Free self parking is available.

This 4-star Cairns aparthotel is smoke free.

  • 65 guestrooms or units
  • 4 levels
  • Towels for the beach
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Drift Palm Cove offers 65 accommodations with washers/dryers and safes. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Accommodations at this 4-star aparthotel have kitchens with refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, and cookware/dishes/utensils. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with jetted bathtubs, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is provided weekly.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • On a sandy beach
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool loungers

Internet

  • Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 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
  • Housekeeping (weekly)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe
  • Safe at front desk
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

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)

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 12 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • 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

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: AUD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Union Pay, Eurocard, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation. The property is professionally cleaned.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 7 AM to 9 PM.
  • One child 12 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

National rating

This property has been awarded a star rating from the Australian Star Ratings Agency, Star Ratings Australia.

Property is also known as

Imagine Drift Palm Cove Apartment
Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade Palm Cove Apartment
Mercure Rockford Esplanade
Mercure Rockford Esplanade Apartment
Palm Cove Grand Mercure
Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade Hotel Palm Cove
Mercure Hotel Palm Cove
Mercure Palm Cove
Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade Apartment
Grand Mercure Rockford Esplanade
Imagine Drift Apartment
Imagine Drift

Frequently asked questions

How close is Drift Palm Cove to the airport?

Drift Palm Cove is 15.6 mi (25-min drive) away from the Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Drift Palm Cove?

As of Dec 6, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Palm Cove on Dec 9, 2025 start from $240.49, 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.

Does Drift Palm Cove have an airport shuttle?

Drift Palm Cove offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, at scheduled times, for a charge of AUD 30 per person, one-way.

How close is Drift Palm Cove to the beach?

This aparthotel is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Drift Palm Cove offer free breakfast?

Drift Palm Cove does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Drift Palm Cove?

No, there is no casino at this aparthotel.

What time is check-in at Drift Palm Cove?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Drift Palm Cove?

This aparthotel offers free self parking.

Does Drift Palm Cove have a pool?

Drift Palm Cove features an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 7 AM to 9 PM.

Does Drift Palm Cove have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this aparthotel.

How close is Drift Palm Cove to downtown Cairns?

Drift Palm Cove is 13.8 mi away from Cairns.

Reviews

Drift Palm Cove Reviews

8.4

Very Good

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 384 out of 849 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 295 out of 849 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 107 out of 849 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 849 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 21 out of 849 reviews

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Darren

Disliked: Cleanliness
Gym closed at 9pm. Security guy rude , was hurried out of gym. Left phone on exercise bike.. Literally didn't make it to lift , halway down corrider , and realised phone left in gym,hadn't even been 2 minutes.Guy no where to be found. Reception unattended, rang contact number,staff member had no idea of who Security firm was, and could not identify who may have been working to contact to get gym unlocked.Advised only was to retrive phone was to pay a "call out fee " which I refused,effectively holding my phone to ransom. and subsequently, spent the rest of the night quite anxious.Needless to say i was the first person to the gym , and relieved phone was still there. A truly rotten experience!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property and comfy beds . Loved that I did a load of washing too . Lived the jacuzzi pool and serenity
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kylie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely beautiful hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Indraveer

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra

Traveled with group
The staff were very friendly and helpful. The buildings are old and in need of a fit out. One elevator for our building meant that my diabled guest had to walk long distances which caused her a lot of pain. Everything else was great. Excellent food and diningboptions all very close toour accommodation.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group

Disappointed

Booked drift for a 4 night getaway, booked a two bedroom apartment, I thought! Walked into a 1 bedroom with annexe, the annexe had no wardrobe, side tables, no power points to charge tech, divided by glass doors and shutters so no privacy, especially if the other person was up later with lights on. The apartment face the street and carpark very noisy, the room light up like daylight during the evening due to very bright street, carpark and venue lighting making sleeping near impossible. The resort is tired and needs some TLC. Arrived at venue and no-one sent locked box instructions had to ring to get them after they said they would e-mail. Have stayed at other resorts for the same price with much better offerings. Disappointed
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Lachlan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Nice, quiet and affordable!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Sheryl Maree

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Some trees overhanging the pool seemed dangerous and unkempt. We saw a branch break and hit a women on the shoulder as she was holding her baby with her other arm. It was dangerous and we spoke to management. We have stayed here previously and the pool is lovely but very shaded as the trees are so large and overhang the pool. Therefore it's very cold.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Tian

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Room had very loud rattling Air-Con. Vibrated due to bearing. Maintenance staff came and advised it needed to be fixed and would be or they would change our room. Returned after our day out and assumed it was fixed however it was not and we were told of this and by then was outside front desk hours. Had another night of poor sleep. Also corridor smelt of marijuana smoke. Reception staff were very nice and helpful and did change our room the last night and apologised. Great pool and location. Just needs Maintenance done by owner's. Not sure we would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Catherine

Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Gavin

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
The air conditioning was cold. There were strong SE winds which made the unit quite cold..There was no way of heating There was a clothes drying rack but no pegs.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great pool
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

nicola jayne

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew D G

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay at Drift Palm Cove, it was perfect and we didn't want to leave. There was nothing we didn't like.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Ann

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved that every thing i required at apartment was there. Close to shops and restaurants; clean . Lovely, informative receptionist.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Mrs Julie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Initially we were booked into a One-bedroom Loft unit which on arrival was very dreary and not maintained. We were very disappointed and relayed this to the Receptionist as this was a celebration long weekend for my 70th birthday with guests from Brisbane attending also. The Receptionist was outstanding and allotted us a newly renovated unit with 2 bedrooms. This was very much appreciated and can recommend her with her outstanding customer service.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darren James

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Love drift 3rd visit always lovely
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ingrid

Best pool in Palm Cove, lovely staff
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Felicity

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Logan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Nice but getting tired

Drift is an affordable apartment block but definitely showing signs of ageing. We stayed in a 2 bed executive apartment which was great for young kids. Just a long walk to the pool. Would recommend but lower your expectations a little. $10 per night cot fee too
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay, will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It has an excellent pool and all of the staff were friendly and helpful. Our apartment was very clean and well equipped.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025