Aparthotel

The Reef Retreat

4.0 star property
4-star aparthotel near Palm Cove Beach

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Photo gallery for The Reef Retreat

Dining
Superior Suite (Spa) | Private kitchen | Microwave, stovetop, toaster, cookware/dishes/utensils
Point of interest
Outdoor spa tub
Superior Suite (Spa) | View from room

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Barbecue grill
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
10-14 Harpa Street, Palm Cove, QLD, 4879
  • Place, Palm Cove Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Clifton Beach
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Trinity Beach
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Studio Suite (Spa)

  • 485 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Studio Standard Spa Suite

  • 484 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Escape Package - Standard Spa

  • 484 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

3 Bedroom Townhouse

  • 1938 sq ft
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 King Beds and 2 Twin Beds

Family Apartment

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Large Twin Beds

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • 581 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Studio

  • 484 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1281 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed OR 4 Twin Beds

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 1249 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds OR 4 Twin Beds

Superior Suite (Spa)

  • 485 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Cairns

Seaside stay .With a stay at this Palm Cove aparthotel, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Palm Cove Beach and 9 miles (15 km) of James Cook University. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station is within 9 miles (15 km) and Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos is within 20 miles (32 km).

What's nearby

  • Palm Cove Beach - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Clifton Beach - 6 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Kewarra Beach - 7 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Trinity Beach - 11 min drive - 5.3 miles

Getting around

  • Redlynch Station - 20 min drive
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Espresso&Co - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Palm Cove Tavern - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Vivo Palm Cove - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Pete's Place - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Nu Nu Restaurant - ‬12 min walk

About this property

The Reef Retreat

4-star aparthotel near Palm Cove Beach
The Reef Retreat offers its guests an outdoor pool and a hot tub. WiFi is free in public spaces. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. A library, a terrace, and barbecue grills are also featured at The Reef Retreat. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Cairns aparthotel is smoke free.

  • 32 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Built in 1997
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
The Reef Retreat offers 32 air-conditioned accommodations with hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. 55-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include complimentary toiletries and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is provided weekly.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

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 (surcharge)
  • Car rental
  • Free self parking on site

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Rollaway/extra bed: AUD 40 per day

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 55-inch smart TV with digital channels
  • Library

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Laundry facilities

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • No elevator
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Blackout drapes
  • Housekeeping (weekly)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Local maps
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near the boardwalk/promenade
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling 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

  • 3 floors
  • 32 units
  • Built in 1997
  • Garden

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 available

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for AUD 40.0 per day.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

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 27 per person (one-way)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: AUD 14 (one-way), (from 4 to 11 years old)
  • Housekeeping is available for an additional fee
  • Rollaway bed fee: AUD 40.0 per day

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, 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 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit 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. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in each accommodation. The property is professionally cleaned.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

Property is also known as

Reef Retreat
Reef Retreat Hotel
Reef Retreat Hotel Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Palm Cove
The Reef Retreat Hotel Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Apartment Palm Cove
Reef Retreat Apartment
The Reef Retreat Palm Cove
The Reef Retreat Aparthotel
The Reef Retreat Aparthotel Palm Cove

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Reef Retreat to the airport?

The Reef Retreat is 15.8 mi (26-min drive) away from the Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does The Reef Retreat have an airport shuttle?

The Reef Retreat offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, for a charge of AUD 27 per person, one-way.

How close is The Reef Retreat to the beach?

This aparthotel is a short 12-minute walk from Palm Cove Beach and 2.9 mi (6-min drive) from Clifton Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Reef Retreat offer free breakfast?

The Reef Retreat does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Reef Retreat?

No, there is no casino at this aparthotel.

What time is check-in at The Reef Retreat?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 5:30 PM.

Is there free parking at The Reef Retreat?

This aparthotel offers free self parking.

Does The Reef Retreat have a pool?

The Reef Retreat features an outdoor pool.

Does The Reef Retreat have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this aparthotel.

How close is The Reef Retreat to downtown Cairns?

The Reef Retreat is 13.9 mi away from Cairns.

Reviews

The Reef Retreat Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 267 out of 484 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 165 out of 484 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 484 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 484 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 484 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

John, Auckland

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location next to beach , pool and spa are amazing! Staff and friendly and polite. Would go again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Christine

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, exceptionally well equipt room - loved the outside kitchenette and eating area. Spacious and very clean. Highly recommend this as a well priced stay for exceptional value. Only 2 small things let the place down - (1) it smelt like chlorine the bleach was so strong (it was very clean though!) and it took a bit to remove the smell and (2) the surly guy at reception who was more interested in what he couldn’t do than what he could. We still loved our stay and would definitely return.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Darren

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place in a great location. Rooms abit dated but clean and fine for what we needed
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Amanda

We had a great relaxing stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bevan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice welcome from Jim and Joanne thr Property Managers. Very helpful people. Nice apartment with good facilities and view over the Pool. Would definitely stay again.
The pool area at night.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lesley

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, nice pool, quality fittings etc.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Ben

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean well situated unit. Only thing i would like to change is shower head very small hard to have a decent shower. Also matress are too soft.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well equipped and very close to restaurants and the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had the best stay at The Reef Retreat. My apartment was perfect. I'd have breakfast there that I cooked myself before exploring Palm Cove and the local attractions. Jim at reception would book anything you'd like to including transport. After exploring Palm Cove, Cairns the reef or where you went. You come home to relax before treating your self to the local restaurants. Having such prime location is amazing. After a long I'd go for a dip in the heated pool and hot tub spa. Amazing atmosphere. My favourite place, I'll be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chad, Sydney

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pool as a Sectional temperature. The grounds were quiet. The room was large, open and had a beautiful atmosphere. I highly recommend selecting VIP option for this stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

jan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had 4 nights here recently and really enjoyed our stay. Jim on reception was very welcoming and friendly. As we had flown from Adelaide on the 6am flight we were very pleased to be able to access our room early so we could start our relaxing holiday. The property is older but everything was clean and well maintained. The bed was very comfortable. It was in a great position close to the beach and restaurants. Water pressure in the shower was a bit feeble but adequate. We would definitely book this property again on our next visit to palm cove.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Loren

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

ankita

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is very very very average… not at all kids friendly… the pools were dirty as a drain .. they dont bother cleaning pools .. in fact me and my husband caught covid since we have come back from this place … the room was not cleaned at all … the floor was super dirty … and the man at reception was super aged to complain.. i dont think it people with kids should be at this place … their unhygienic measures costed me to have COVID
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Shay-lee

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Customer service was disrespectful and the service person at the front desk was rude and impolite. Rooms were nice apart from the service person when checking in and out was very disrespectful and rude. Will not be staying here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pimjai

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Lovely setting

The Reef Retreat setting is very nice and tranquil. The only drawback for us was our room was a top floor one. We had lots of suitcases due to our cruise before we disembarked in Cairns. The location is very good and close to many restaurants. The room was comfortably and had everything we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracey-Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A lovely place to stay. Very leafy and calm with a fabulous outdoor kitchen on our balcony. We had a spa room and it was very spacious.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew Clifford

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Felt like i was deep in the jungle with all the trees and the room was massive.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Demi

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location and space to stay for a quick getaway. The room was set up nicely for what we needed with a bed, bathroom and convenient outdoor cooking space and area. The pool was close to the room and a lovely spot to relax
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jess

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Older rooms but great size
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Chris

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good room quiet paths were the only issue as they were very uneven so had to watch where you walked
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cristina

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay — the apartment was comfortable and well planned, and the trees in the central court provided shade and coolness. Will come again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Nick

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024