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Aparthotel

The Reef Retreat

Property class: 4

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Photo gallery for The Reef Retreat

A beach with clear turquoise water, a sandy shore, and a small island in the distance. - The Reef Retreat (Palm Cove)
A modern hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a telephone, a chair, and a balcony with a table and chairs. - The Reef Retreat (Palm Cove)
A pathway leading to a building surrounded by tropical vegetation. - The Reef Retreat (Palm Cove)
A resort entrance with a sign reading "The Reef Retreat Palm Cove." - The Reef Retreat (Palm Cove)
A spacious living area with a sofa, a dining table, and a kitchen area with a sink and cabinets. - The Reef Retreat (Palm Cove)
Located close to Palm Cove Beach, The Reef Retreat provides a terrace, a garden, and a library. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and car rentals on site.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 14 of 14 rooms

View all photos for Standard Studio Suite (Spa)

A compact kitchen with a microwave, wooden cabinets, and a dining area with a round table and wicker chair.

Standard Studio Suite (Spa)

  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio Standard Spa Suite

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a computer, a chair, a balcony, and a ceiling fan.

Studio Standard Spa Suite

  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Escape Package - Standard Spa

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a computer, a chair, a balcony, and a ceiling fan.

Escape Package - Standard Spa

  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 3 Bedroom Townhouse

A modern building with a pool, featuring a light blue exterior, a balcony with blue railings, and a small garden area with a bench.

3 Bedroom Townhouse

  • 180 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 7
  • 2 King Beds and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Apartment

A modern living room with a sofa, TV, and dining area with a table and chairs.

Family Apartment

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a Bosch dishwasher, and an oven.

Family Apartment, 3 Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

A neatly arranged hotel room with a bed, bedside table, lamp, chair, window with blinds, and an air conditioning unit.

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • 54 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Studio

A neatly made bed with a green headboard, a bedside lamp, and decorative pillows.

Studio

  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

A spacious living area with two sofas, a coffee table, and a kitchen in the background.

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms

  • Garden view
  • 119 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed OR 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Suite, 2 Bedrooms

A hotel room with a bed, bedside table, and a view of the adjacent room.

Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 116 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 King Beds OR 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Suite (Spa)

A hotel room with a bed, nightstands, a table, chairs, and a balcony with a view of greenery.

Superior Suite (Spa)

  • Garden view
  • 45 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

APARTMENT TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 10

APARTMENT TWO BEDROOMS

  • Sleeps 10

APARTMENT KING BED TWO BEDROOMS

  • Sleeps 10

About the neighborhood

Located in Palm Cove, a neighborhood in Cairns, The Reef Retreat is in a rural area and near the beach. Palm Cove Beach and James Cook University are two other places to visit that come recommended. Kayaking and scuba diving offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and horse riding nearby. Visit our Cairns travel guide
View more Aparthotels in Cairns
Map
10-14 Harpa Street, Palm Cove, QLD, 4879

What's nearby

  • A sandy beach with palm trees and ocean waves.
    Palm Cove Beach
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A coral reef with various coral formations and clear turquoise water.
    Macalister Range National Park
    2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Palm Cove Jetty
    13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Back Shot Beach
    19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Buchan Point
    2 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

  • Redlynch Station
    20 min drive
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)
    26 min drive

Restaurants

  • Nu Nu Restaurant
    12 min walk
  • Palm Cove Tavern
    6 min walk
  • Burger Inn
    9 min drive
  • Trinity Beach Tavern
    10 min drive
  • The Bluewater Tavern
    11 min drive

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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

  • 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

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Tile flooring in room
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • 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

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

Pets not 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

  • Housekeeping is available for an additional fee
  • Rollaway bed fee: AUD 40.0 per day

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

Frequently asked questions

Does The Reef Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Reef Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Reef Retreat?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 5:30 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at The Reef Retreat?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is The Reef Retreat located?

Located in Palm Cove, this aparthotel is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Palm Cove Beach and within 9 mi (15 km) of James Cook University and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Station.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Reef Retreat Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.0

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 292 out of 528 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 177 out of 528 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 41 out of 528 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 528 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 528 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Denise

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Great location near the Esplanade.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ross

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Location and quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Great room, super spacious. Well equipped kitchen.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Robert John

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Exactly as advertised. Great location, a bit budget. Staff were fine
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Huge apartment with great amenities. Great location. Would book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Great location with easy walking distance to the beach and local shops. The room was clean and comfortable. One thing to note: the main pool and spa are tucked away near the reception area, so if your room is on the opposite side of the property, you might not realise they’re there — we actually didn’t find them until our last day.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

tara

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Beautiful property. Jerry was very helpful in booking us a tour! Big spacious rooms and close to the beach! One suggestion is that other front desk staff could be more friendly to make guests feel more welcome
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Glenn

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Good size room and great location as everything is close. The staff are great and have good knowledge of the area. Definitely a good base to explore the region and reasonably priced.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Beautiful accommodation with everything you need in a gorgeous location. Really appreciated the 2 bedroom 2 bathroom setup which allowed us to have the space and privacy we needed
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gaylene

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We absolutely loved our room on the 1st floor overlooking the pool. It was quiet, staff extremely helpful and so easy to walk everywhere
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kirsty

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

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

YUKI

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was the perfect place to relax with the kids, taking walks in the sea or swimming in the pool.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Well equipped and very close to restaurants and the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Garrett

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location and clean, although needs some maintenance
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Darren

Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Nice place in a great location. Rooms abit dated but clean and fine for what we needed
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, nice pool, quality fittings etc.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Janine

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

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, communication
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susan Therese

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great relaxed atmosphere - everything we needed was on hand.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Fantastic Accomadation in a very convenient location. Highly recommend 😊
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

paul

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication

Reef retreat excellent value.

Excellent value. Great location.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nigel

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort, communication
Excellent position just off the beach, and lots of great restaurants nearby. Very quiet and relaxing, the pool is surrounded by large original trees, it’s like swimming in the rain forest.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024