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Aparthotel

Drift Palm Cove

4.0 star property
4-star beachfront aparthotel with outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Drift Palm Cove

Outdoor pool, open 7 AM to 9 PM, sun loungers
Loft, 1 Bedroom | Private kitchen
Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View
Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View | Balcony view
On the beach, beach towels

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Parking included

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
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪27 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Studio, 1 Queen Bed

Studio, 1 Queen Bed

Studio, 1 Queen Bed

  • 38 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Loft, 1 Bedroom

Loft, 1 Bedroom | Private kitchen

Loft, 1 Bedroom

  • 77 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • 77 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • 82 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | Living area

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • 116 sq m
  • 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

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

  • Ocean view
  • 116 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms | Balcony

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

  • 11 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

View all photos for Apartment

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

Apartment

  • 116 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for 1 Bedroom Apartment

In-room safe, individually decorated, individually furnished

1 Bedroom Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

One-Bedroom Apartment - Split Level

  • Sleeps 2

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 area

Cairns

On the beach.Within a 10-minute walk of this Palm Cove aparthotel, you'll find Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove. 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 - 0.2 km
  • Vie Spa Palm Cove - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Macalister Range National Park - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Clifton Village Shopping Centre - 3 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Cairns Esplanade - 23 min drive - 27.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Kewarra Village Takeaway - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Il Chiosco - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Ellis Beach Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Nu Nu Restaurant - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Vivo Palm Cove - ‬4 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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The price is CA $181
CA $181 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 30 - May 1
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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
  • 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

  • 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
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 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, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and 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 Apr 27, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Palm Cove on Apr 28, 2026 start from CA $371, 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.

Drift Palm Cove Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 395 out of 874 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 303 out of 874 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 112 out of 874 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 874 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 22 out of 874 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Giampiero

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Hardly ever write reviews but compelled to do so on this occasion. Photos show laminate floor boards, ceiling spot lights and indoor plants - it looked really nice and drew us in. The reality was different. Our 2-bedroom apartment was very, very tired and worn out and in desperate need of updating. All furniture was extremely worn out and needs to be updated. Beige tiled bathrooms, beige/off-white tiles in open plan living/kitchen/dining space, very worn out beige carpets in bedrooms, nil support in dining chairs; you sink into them. The lounge/sofa in living area also needs updating; worn out, stains, nil support. Nil indoor plants. Provide insect/mosquito repellent coils to use in balcony. The iron in the room had a frayed cord with wires visible. We thought it was unsafe to use and took to reception. The brought a different iron (with cap for the water compartment for steam missing) but at least it was safe to use. There is +++ black mould in the rubber seal of the front-loader washing machine and in the detergent dispensing drawer - this can be prevented by good hygiene practices, irrespective of the location being far north QLD, since there was no mould/mildew anywhere else in the apartment. The reception staff were always extremely attentive and helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Monique

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean and spacious room, comfortable stay, and a great location. Staff were friendly and helpful. Would stay again.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Semra

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The girls at reception were extremely helpful, friendly and professional.
Stayed 10 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Kate Myra

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice studio apartment overlooking garden. Kitchen well supplied. Comfy bed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Julie

Travelled with family
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.
Ensuite
Main bedroom
Outdoor area
Living area
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room could have been cleaner on arrival, however overall we were happy with our stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Desi

Travelled with partner
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.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Suzi

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Kerri

Room was clean and tidy, disappointed that the towels only were replaced after 5 days but the bed sheep were not. No WiFi
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anita

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had an amazing stay at Drift. From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere felt calm, stylish, and welcoming. The design is modern and minimal yet incredibly comfortable, and every detail feels thoughtfully curated. My room was spotless, cozy, and beautifully put together — the kind of space you look forward to coming back to after a long day. The bed was especially comfortable, and the little touches throughout the room made a big difference. The staff were friendly, professional, and always happy to help with anything I needed. Check-in and check-out were seamless, and the overall vibe of the hotel was relaxed but refined. The location was perfect as well — easy to get around, with great spots to eat and explore nearby. I’d definitely stay at Drift again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable, stylish, and memorable place to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jani

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!!
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Ian

Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynda

Great pool
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Voichita

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Room was spotless and staff was amazing.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was spotless and the amenities were excellent. We were given extra linen upon request. We really enjoyed our stay at this place.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

helen

The room bland, furniture sub standard for a large resort &!a weird floorplan. Pool was great. Staff were friendly
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

SHARON

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Beautiful pool and surrounds
Pool area
Gorgeous beach right on your doorstep
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Great!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cyndle

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 :)
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hayley

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

8/10 Good

Jaclyn

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a nice time staying at Drift. Comfortable and close to cafes, beach and friendly reception.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025