The beach is the reason Palm Cove exists. A long crescent of fine sand, sheltered from ocean swells, with the melaleuca trees of the esplanade running right along its edge. Early morning the light is extraordinary — the Coral Sea turns shades of green and pale blue and the trees cast long shadows across the sand.
A stinger net enclosure sits in the middle of the beach, providing a safe swimming area throughout the wet season (October to May) when box jellyfish and Irukandji make unprotected swimming dangerous. Outside the net, swimming is at your own risk during these months. The dry season (June to September) is generally safe anywhere on the beach — but it pays to check current conditions with local operators or the lifeguard signs.