Palm Cove is not an ordinary coastal destination. It sits at the intersection of the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest, and a foreshore of exceptional natural beauty — intimate in scale, walkable in character, and deeply loved by the people who live in it and visit it.

It is also one of Queensland's most naturally suited wellness destinations. The melaleuca canopy, the sound of the ocean, the unhurried pace, the morning light through the palms — these are not incidental to the day spas, yoga studios, and retreat experiences that have grown here. They are the reason they exist.

When Council asked the community — formally, as part of developing the 2021 Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan — 95% of residents said the same thing: preserve the village character. That is not a divided community. That is a mandate.

That plan provided important guidance, but it was never comprehensive. It did not address tourism development vision, waterfront planning, or the major infrastructure decisions now in play. What Palm Cove faces in the years ahead demands something more complete.

The community was also specific about what that looks like. Cars and parking away from the foreshore. Safe footpaths. Trees protected — not as a preference, but as a condition. And this place remaining nothing like the Gold Coast.

The seven projects below are the practical expression of that future. One of them is a comprehensive planning framework that builds on the 2021 plan — integrating Character and Environmental Significance Overlay planning, waterfront strategy, tourism investment guidelines, and coordination of concurrent infrastructure projects including the Esplanade reconfiguration, trail extensions, and parking solutions. Each project is grounded in what the community asked for, designed not simply to improve an amenity but to move Palm Cove closer to the destination it is fully capable of becoming — one that earns its reputation, generates exceptional visitor experiences, and brings people back.

The detailed case — the strategic framework, the economic argument, and the link to Queensland's Destination 2045 targets — is set out in our full strategic vision and our submission to the Draft Far North Queensland Regional Plan. This is the standard the community has already asked for. These projects are how we intend to hold that ask in view — until it is answered.
Read the full document — Palm Cove: A Future Built on Being Truly Remarkable
Community Feedback Report
FNQ Regional Plan Submission 

Enhancing Pedestrian Safety and Environmental Quality

Status: 🔵 Under Submission

This transformational project will reconfigure Williams Esplanade to one-way vehicle access with dedicated cyclist/rider lane, restricting access to commercial and tourism vehicles and abutting property access only.
Remove beachside car parking (75 spaces) and convert to green space. Establish east-west links between Caryota Close, French Street and Oliva Street with 320 parking spaces near Shopping Village and Surf Life Saving beach.

The reconfiguration will create Palm Cove's vital connection between the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail and the Wangetti Trail, while minimizing delivery vehicle impacts and removing public bus services to dramatically improve pedestrian safety and environmental amenity along our premier waterfront.

Tourism Overlay and Comprehensive Planning

Status: 🔵 Under Submission

The 2021 Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan provided important guidance but lacked comprehensive tourism development vision and waterfront planning integration, creating critical gaps that current circumstances demand be addressed through a broader strategic framework.

This enhanced master plan review will integrate Character and Environmental Significance Overlay planning, and evolving community needs while coordinating multiple concurrent infrastructure projects including Esplanade reconfiguration, trail extensions, and parking solutions.

The comprehensive approach will establish clear guidelines for future development decisions, create framework for attracting high-quality tourism investment, and position Palm Cove as a model for sustainable coastal tourism development while protecting community character through values-based planning and extensive stakeholder engagement.

Complete Community Asset for All Ages

Status: 🔵 Under Submission

Palm Cove faces unique demographic challenges with a median age of 54—the oldest in Cairns—requiring inclusive recreation facilities and gathering spaces that serve residents across all life stages, making Tom McDonald Park's comprehensive activation essential for community wellbeing.

This multifaceted development will transform a previously under-utilised Tom McDonald Park, providing a sheltered alternative venue when prevailing south-easterly winds make beachfront locations uncomfortable. Suggested facility inclusions could include: an exercise circuit, petanque/bocce court, First Nations interpretive pathway, “backup weather” wedding ceremony arbour, golf practice putting green and the Palm Cove Botanical Collective community gardening initiative that engages residents in meaningful stewardship while creating stunning tropical gardens.

The integrated approach maximises community investment return by serving multiple functions within a single development, transforming underutilised space into Palm Cove's community heart where heritage, recreation, celebration, and stewardship converge to create lasting value for residents while enhancing tourism appeal through unique cultural and event offerings.

World-Class Coastal Experience via Buchan Point

Status: 🔵 Under Submission

This ambitious trail extension will extend the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail and connect Ellis Beach and Buchan Beach through a combination of elevated boardwalks and beach-level pathways, creating world-class photographic destinations with stunning Coral Sea views and Double Island as a dramatic backdrop.

The project transforms the problematic Wangetti Trail by creating a “Wangetti Wander” loop trail that connects the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail to the Wangetti Trail from  Palm Cove to Ellis Beach. This creates a starting point into a premier coastal experience while providing direct accessible connectivity to significant northern beaches that currently suffer from limited access.

Connect Northern Beaches Network

Status: 🔵 Under Submission

The Northern Beaches Leisure Trail currently terminates south of Palm Cove at Triton Street, creating an incomplete connection that prevents seamless trail access to one of the region's premier tourism destinations with its extensive visitor amenities and attractions.

This critical connectivity project will extend the trail along beach alignment from Triton Street, navigate Sweet Creek through purpose-built crossing infrastructure, integrate with the existing Palm Grove pathway system, and link directly with the dedicated cyclist lane created through Williams Esplanade reconfiguration.

The connection transforms the trail from a recreational pathway into comprehensive tourism infrastructure, providing direct non-vehicular access to Palm Cove's restaurants, accommodation, and facilities while creating a cohesive active transport network that supports sustainable tourism and reduces vehicle dependency.

Year-Round Marine Tourism Hub

Status: 🔵 Under Submission

The development of comprehensive wave attenuation infrastructure at Palm Cove Jetty will establish conditions across most weather scenarios, transforming the facility from seasonal operations into a year-round marine tourism hub with reliable vessel access for Great Barrier Reef tours, sunset cruises, and charter fishing operations.

Success depends on demonstrating that environmental values can be preserved while creating a premier marine tourism destination that enhances rather than compromises Palm Cove's unique village character.

Distinctive Gateway and Destination Branding

Status: 🔵 Under Submission

This project will create a distinctive entry statement and destination branding for the Great Barrier Reef Drive approach to Palm Cove, establishing immediate recognition as a premium Great Barrier Reef gateway while providing an iconic photographic landmark for visitor social media content and tourism marketing materials.

The entry statement will enhance destination profile benefiting all local commercial operators, potentially increase visitor dwell time and spending, and reinforce community identity and local pride.

Critical design considerations include strategic placement with designated viewing areas away from traffic corridors to accommodate photography desires while maintaining road safety, and careful positioning to direct traffic flow efficiently via the designated connectors to car parks rather than diverting vehicles unnecessarily into Palm Cove's residential and commercial streets. Additional opportunities exist to incorporate Indigenous heritage and environmental themes into the design.