Aparthotel

The Reef Retreat

4.0 star property
4-star aparthotel near Palm Cove Beach

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Reef Retreat

Beach nearby
Superior Suite (Spa) | Blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Dining
View from room
Dining

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
10-14 Harpa Street, Palm Cove, QLD, 4879
  • Place, Palm Cove Beach
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Vie Spa Palm Cove
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Clifton Village Shopping Centre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Studio Suite (Spa)

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

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • Garden view
  • 1281 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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)

  • Garden view
  • 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 2 miles (3 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 - 0.1 miles
  • Vie Spa Palm Cove - 11 min walk - 0.6 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 - 20 min drive
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Il Chiosco - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Coco Mojo - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Vivo Palm Cove - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Pete's Place - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Ellis Beach Bar & Grill - ‬6 min drive

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

  • 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
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Local maps
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Weekly housekeeping

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
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.
  • 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 0.1 mi (1-min drive) 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.

The Reef Retreat Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 276 out of 499 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 167 out of 499 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 39 out of 499 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 499 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 499 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jamie Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very friendly. The rooms were lovely and clean. The sound of nothing but nature throughout the night was awesom and just a 30 second walk to the esplanade where you will find something delicious to eat.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

gregory william

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great locatiom Also very functional Very good
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Robert

Unfortunately didn't realise before was too late had no lift as stairs where an issue, in fairness was offered a ground floor studio room. Room was clean and tidy but could do with refurbishment
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Catherine Jo

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is very outdated. It is not clean. The doors and windows had cracks for critters to get in. There is no housekeeping services to clean the room after each night.Small little details, like the garbage can you had to touch to open, It definitely took away from Experience I was hoping for. In addition when I went to check in during normal office hours, the office manager came out and talk to me, but he referred me to the instructions as if I were a late check-in and I had to read how to get to my room. It was a little awkward. Also, when I had my early check out, I had to pick up the phone to call him to check out and it was very strange to me. I felt like I was bothering him. The lampshade had cobwebs. The shower was inside a jacuzzi tub, very odd. The windowsills were filthy. You can hear your neighbors. The pool and jacuzzi were very dirty as well. All that being said, Palm Cove is a very exclusive area and I would highly recommend staying in this area compared to Cairns, which is very touristy. I am guessing this property gets away with their prices since the area is so premium. In the end, I would not stay at this property. It is definitely not worth the price!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Very pleasant
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Janine

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well appointed appartments- very comfortable, central to everything. Will definitely return!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and well run. Helpful staff, great location with everything you need. Would stay again and recommend to others 5*
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phillip Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Awesome place to relax and unwind
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This property and its sheltered garden courtyard was indeed a ‘retreat’ from the wind warning. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan Therese

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kirsty

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was in a great location, very easy walk to beach and shops. Great size rooms, very clean
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phil

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Great Motel Close to Everything

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
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really enjoyed our stay here. Comfortable beds, all mod cons, lovely outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi. Great location, would recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

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