Picture Perfect Tropical North Queensland Resorts

Lush rainforest, endless sandy beaches and swaying palms await in dreamy Tropical North Queensland making it an easy pick for your next holiday. The hard part is selecting which Queensland resort is best suited to your needs. We’ve rounded up a list of nine gorgeous Cairns resorts, Palm Cove resorts and Port Douglas resorts to help in your decision making!

Cairns is the entry to Queensland’s tropical north. Nestled between the Coral Sea and Great Dividing Range, this bustling city is the gateway to two World Heritage listed sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics. Cairns is the springboard epicentre from which snorkelling, ocean cruises and rainforest tours are all within easy reach.

There’s also an abundance of world class dining, colourful creatures on display at Cairns aquarium and access to jaw dropping views of Barron Gorge National Park from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Take your pick from one of our Cairns getaway resorts:

122 Lake Street, Cairns.
The name of this Cairns resort anchors it as a place of peace and refuge in the heart of bustling Cairns city. Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is light, bright modern and airy, set amidst lush tropical gardens where you might just spot pineapples growing in the foliage. 

Sink your toes into the white sand at the lagoon pool and relax on an inviting recliner whilst the kids build sandcastles using the resorts ‘for hire’ buckets and spades. Adults can order a punchy cocktail at the swim-up bar, one of a kind in Cairns hotels, or dry off and dine in at MOKU Bar and Grill. Loosen your shorts and choose from a selection of seasonal favourites like whole fried baby barramundi and low and slow house smoked brisket. Yum!

101-105 Esplanade, Cairns.
If you’re looking for space and location, Mantra Trilogy delivers in spades. Positioned right on Cairns Esplanade overlooking Cairns sparkling waterfront you’re only a short stroll from major attractions including Cairns Lagoon, boutique shopping and world class eateries. 

With tropical temperatures year-round, take a cooling dip in the beachfront lagoon style pool or relax poolside in the shade of the palms. If you’re feeling energetic and want to avoid a getaway gut, there’s also a 25 metre lap pool on site and fully equipped gym for your cardio kick. Find your space with expansive two and three bedroom apartments including fully equipped kitchen, so you can dine in as you please.  

53-57 The Esplanade, Cairns.
Bright and breezy, Mantra Esplanade sits snug in the heart of Cairns overlooking the ocean. Gaze out at panoramic ocean or city views from your room or get out there and explore Cairns on foot.

You’re just a short stroll to the night markets where you’ll discover local art, craft and handmade jewellery to style up your holiday look or take home as a gift.Cool off the resort way with a plunge in the lagoon pool, fringed by tropical greenery. Once you’re done with the sun and ready to kick back at your apartment, you can rustle up a meal in the fully equipped kitchen or get glam and head out into Cairns for dinner and drinks on a balmy evening.  

A 30-minute drive north from bustling Cairns, Palm Cove is a pocket of coastal paradise in Tropical North Queensland and is definitely worth a visit.

On arrival you should probably pocket your watch and forget the time as you sink into the local rhythm of beaches and balmy sunsets. Palm Cove beach is fringed by bowing palm trees, giving the village that true tropical island vibe.

Dotted along the beachfront esplanade you’ll discover boutique shops, cafes, spas, restaurants and ice creameries to satisfy even your wildest holiday dreaming.

123 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove.
The striking white exterior of this Palm Cove resort spa screams holidays. Walking into the cool lofty space, you’ll instantly relax as you make your way to your stylish Spa room, Suite or Penthouse. 

The central jewel at this Palm Cove resort is the sizable lagoon pool and the adjacent heated swimming pool, framed by white sandy beach and numerous recliners. You’ll be positioned so close to the shallows you could simply roll off into the clear waters and swim across to the bar and order your favourite fruity thirst quencher. Kids can take advantage of beach equipment on offer and enjoy sandcastle making at the sandy shoreline.  

For adults looking for a little peace there’s a rainforest serenity rock pool and fountain that wraps around the exterior of the resort, perfect for sinking back and enjoying the sun dappled shade. Sun kissed and ready to rest, you’ll love the spacious accommodation, plantation shutters and ceiling fans – lulling you to sleep. 

49 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove.
This Palm Cove resort is located directly opposite the beach, so you can split your time between the beach and swimming in the free form pool.

Located right in the centre of Palm Cove village, turn left or right from the hotel entry and you’ll have access to boutique stores, bicycle hire, restaurants and bars galore. 
Request a room or apartment with views across the Coral Sea for an extra special stay in Palm Cove. 

5 Triton Street, Palm Cove.
Experience coastal luxe at the southern end of Palm Cove at Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort & Spa. Overlooked by Australian palms and natives, this upscale resort is a tropical sanctuary. 

Unwind and re-centre with a treatment at Vie Spa or simply laze and bathe in the lagoon swimming pool. Kids have their own pool too so can splash about freely, or head down to the beach which is accessible directly from the central pool area.

With dishes inspired by authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, dining at Temple of Tastes restaurant is unmissable. With seasonal produce sourced from the Atherton Tablelands, you’ll be sure to love this dining experience. The best part is, you’ll only have steps to walk before you’re able to sink into soft bedding and freshly laundered sheets. Bliss!

Approximately 1 hour north of Cairns and only 40 minutes from Palm Cove lies Port Douglas. This coastal village is gorgeous with its swaying palms, magic sunsets and bustling boutique shops. Sink your toes into Four Mile Beach and stretch our your towel for some lazing and dozing.

Give your credit card a workout at the boutique stores on Macrossan Street or enjoy a signature treatment at any one of the stellar day-spas in this pocket of paradise. If you’re seeking adventure, Port Douglas is the entry point to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation, so whether you’re looking to snorkel amongst some of the most colourful fish on the planet or trek through the rainforest with an Indigenous guide you can do it all from here.

Mitre Street, Port Douglas.
Drop your bags at the door you’ve just arrived in paradise. If you’re looking for a pool resort in Port Douglas this resort will reward you in a big way with its incredible 3000m² lagoon pool shimmering right at the centre of the resort.

Plunge straight in from the paved patio area of your room for a truly luxe experience, or lie back on a recliner and soak up some sun. Refreshment is easy to come by with a poolside bar serving cocktails and light meals or Aluco Restaurant and Bar for a slightly more formal dining experience. If you want to stay cosy, dine-in with Room Service delivered straight to your door, no fuss.      

20 22 Davidson Street, Port Douglas.
Much like its sister property in Palm Cove, Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas redefines casual elegance. Standing fresh and vibrant white at the heart of Port Douglas, this resort is only minutes from the esplanade and golden sands of the coast. 

Open and airy, suites are spacious, modern and welcoming with some allowing the luxury of private swim up access directly to your boarded patio and sun loungers. After a day of sun and swimming, you’re sure to want to retreat to your comfy room with fully equipped kitchen, kicking back on your private balcony as your BBQ works its magic. 

76 Davidson Street, Port Douglas.
Designed for resort family holidays, Mantra PortSea will have the kids grinning all day long as they play on the waterslide and flit between the lap, plunge and lagoon pools. With the kids entertained, adults can enjoy the poolside recliners and swim up pool bar (closed during wet season) fully stocked with drinks and snacks. 

Get cosy back at your spacious resort room or studio. Studios feature a fully equipped kitchenette too for those days you want to rustle up a simple dish during your stay. Alternatively, there’s an array of eateries and bars steps away from the resort. Happy Holidays! 

Not sure you’ve found your dream holiday location? Discover more of the best resorts in Queensland on ALL.com.