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Aparthotel

The Reef Retreat

4.0 star property
Aparthotel with free parking, near Palm Cove Beach

Photo gallery for The Reef Retreat

Dining
Superior Suite (Spa) | View from room
Outdoor spa tub
Point of interest
Superior Suite (Spa) | Private kitchen

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View 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

View all photos for Standard Studio Suite (Spa)

Microwave, stovetop, toaster, cookware/dishes/utensils

Standard Studio Suite (Spa)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
HDTV
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
3 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Balcony
Air-conditioning
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio Standard Spa Suite

3 bedrooms, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Studio Standard Spa Suite

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
HDTV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Balcony
Air-conditioning
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Escape Package - Standard Spa

3 bedrooms, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Escape Package - Standard Spa

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
HDTV
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
3 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Balcony
Air-conditioning
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 3 Bedroom Townhouse

3 Bedroom Townhouse

3 Bedroom Townhouse

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Dining table
Dishwasher
HDTV
Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Separate dining area
Air-conditioning
Dining table
Washer/dryer
  • 180 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 King Beds and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Apartment

Family Apartment

Family Apartment

Highlights

Balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Dining table
Balcony
Separate sitting area
Separate dining area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air-conditioning
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms | Private kitchen

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
HDTV
Furnished balcony
Separate sitting area
Separate dining area
Air-conditioning
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

3 bedrooms, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Suite, 1 Bedroom

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
HDTV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Balcony
Air-conditioning
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • 54 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Studio

Studio

Studio

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
HDTV
Ceiling fan
Blackout curtains
3 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Balcony or patio
Air-conditioning
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • 45 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Balcony
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Kitchen
Dining table
Dishwasher
HDTV
Balcony
Separate sitting area
Separate dining area
Air-conditioning
Dining table
Washer/dryer
  • 119 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed OR 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
HDTV
2 bedrooms
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Balcony
Air-conditioning
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
  • 116 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds OR 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Suite (Spa)

Superior Suite (Spa)

Superior Suite (Spa)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
HDTV
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Balcony
Air-conditioning
Blackout drapes/curtains
Ceiling fan
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Cairns

At The Reef Retreat, you'll be 1 km (0.6 mi) from Palm Cove Beach and 12.2 km (7.6 mi) from James Cook University. Highlights at this aparthotel include an outdoor swimming pool, free self-parking and Access to hot tub. .You can enjoy Smart televisions with digital channels, and each apartment features free WiFi, a ceiling fan and a hairdryer. A microwave and a stovetop make in-room dining convenient. An iron/ironing board, free toiletries and a wardrobe or cupboard are also available. Weekly housekeeping is available. .This smoke-free aparthotel offers free WiFi in public areas, a library and a terrace. Added amenities include laundry facilities, a garden and barbecues. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 4-property class Palm Cove aparthotel, you'll be 13.6 km (8.5 mi) from Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station and 30.1 km (18.7 mi) from Wildlife Sanctuaries & Zoos.
View more Aparthotels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Palm Cove Beach - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Clifton Beach - 6 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Kewarra Beach - 7 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Trinity Beach - 11 min drive - 8.5 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

About this property

The Reef Retreat

Aparthotel with free parking, near Palm Cove Beach
The Reef Retreat offers its guests an outdoor pool and Access to 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 a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. 55-inch Smart televisions come with digital channels.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include free toiletries and a ceiling fan. Housekeeping is provided on a weekly basis.

Similar properties

View from room
Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 574 reviews
The price is AU$231
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Paradise on the Beach Resort - Palm Cove

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 transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Car hire
  • Free self parking on site

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • 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 lift
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Smoke-free property

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
  • Snorkelling 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

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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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)
  • Cleaning/housekeeping/linen are 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 that 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 all 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

What is the cancellation policy at The Reef Retreat?

The Reef Retreat offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at The Reef Retreat?

Yep, The Reef Retreat has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to The Reef Retreat?

Yep, The Reef Retreat is a short 12-minute walk from Palm Cove Beach. Fun beach activities include snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking.

Is there a spa on site at The Reef Retreat?

No, there is no spa at this property. Vie Spa Palm Cove is a short 11-minute walk away.

Does The Reef Retreat have a pool?

Yep, and guests love it! The Reef Retreat has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Reef Retreat?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day for a fee.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Reef Retreat?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Reef Retreat?

No, pets are not allowed.

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. 269 out of 487 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 165 out of 487 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 487 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 487 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 487 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Janine

Travelled 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

Phillip Paul

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

10/10 Excellent

Kirsty

Travelled 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

8/10 Good

Angela

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

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

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