Aparthotel

Drift Palm Cove

4.0 star property

Photo gallery for Drift Palm Cove

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

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Parking included
The current price is NZ$462
includes taxes & fees
13 May - 14 May

Explore the area

View 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

Studio, 1 Queen Bed

  • 38 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Loft, 1 Bedroom

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

Apartment, 1 Bedroom, Ocean View

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

Family Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

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

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

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

Executive Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Ocean View

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

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

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

Apartment

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

1 Bedroom Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

One-Bedroom Apartment - Split Level

  • Sleeps 2

Studio Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

One Bedroom Ocean Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

One Bedroom Loft Apartment

  • Sleeps 2

Two Bedroom Family Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

Two Bedroom Executive Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

Two Bedroom Executive Ocean Apartment

  • Sleeps 4

Three Bedroom Family Apartment

  • Sleeps 6

About the area

Cairns

A luxury stay in Cairns awaits you at Drift Palm Cove. Within steps you'll find Palm Cove Beach and Vie Spa Palm Cove within a 10-minute stroll. Highlights at this beachfront aparthotel include an outdoor swimming pool, and in-room kitchens and washers/dryers. .Each apartment is individually decorated and features a flat-screen TV with digital channels, along with free WiFi, a balcony or patio and a separate bath and shower. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. Nice touches to enhance your stay include a jetted bath and free toiletries. A ceiling fan, a safe and a hairdryer are also available. Weekly housekeeping is available. .Spend the day at the beach and enjoy the on-site gym, Hot tub and kids' swimming pool. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 4-property class Palm Cove aparthotel, you'll be 23 km (14.3 mi) from Cairns Esplanade.

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, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Kewarra Village Takeaway - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Ellis Beach Bar & Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Il Chiosco - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Nu Nu Restaurant - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Trinity Beach Tavern - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Drift Palm Cove

Drift Palm Cove offers its guests a kids' pool, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness centre. 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 a safe. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Accommodation at this 4-star aparthotel has kitchens with fridges, stovetops, microwaves and kitchenware and utensils. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with in-room jetted baths, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and a ceiling fan. Housekeeping is provided on a weekly basis.

Similar properties

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 transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle at scheduled times for a surcharge
  • Car hire
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Family friendly

  • Children stay free (see details)
  • Children's pool

Kitchen

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

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 lift
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Smoke-free property

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 and check-out are available

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); 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 per cent 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are available for AUD 10.0 per night.

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 per cent

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 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 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 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. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room 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 all accommodation. The property is professionally cleaned.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 7 AM to 9 PM
  • One child aged 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

What is the cancellation policy at Drift Palm Cove?

Drift Palm Cove offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Drift Palm Cove?

As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Palm Cove on 13 May 2026 start from NZ$462, including 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.

Is parking available at Drift Palm Cove?

Yep, Drift Palm Cove has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Drift Palm Cove?

Yep, Drift Palm Cove is a short 2-minute walk from Palm Cove Beach. Fun beach activities include fishing.

Is there a spa on site at Drift Palm Cove?

No, there is no spa at this property. Vie Spa Palm Cove is a short 6-minute walk away.

Does Drift Palm Cove have a pool?

Yep, and guests love it! Drift Palm Cove has a pool and a kids' pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger. The pool is open 7 AM to 9 PM.

What makes Drift Palm Cove a romantic place to stay?

1 hot tub, plus Jetted bath in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Drift Palm Cove.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Drift Palm Cove?

No, but there are Jetted bath in the guestrooms.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Drift Palm Cove?

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

What time are check-in & check-out at Drift Palm Cove?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Drift Palm Cove?

No, pets are not allowed.

Drift Palm Cove Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 398 out of 877 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 303 out of 877 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 112 out of 877 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 42 out of 877 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 22 out of 877 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect accommodation at a perfect location.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026

6/10 Okay

Angela, Wooster

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities
The apartment was great (location, etc.) but the furniture was all pretty beat up and really needed replaced. There was also construction going on around the pool the entire stay, which was rather inconvenient. Staff were helpful but sparse.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Grant

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

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