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 hire on-site.
Located in Palm Cove, a neighbourhood 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 horse riding and hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Cairns travel guide
Located close to James Cook University, The Reef Retreat provides a terrace, a garden and a library. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as dry cleaning/laundry services and car hire on-site.
You'll also find perks such as:
An outdoor pool, along with sunloungers
Free self-parking
Babysitting (surcharge), luggage storage and barbecues
A front desk safe, tour/ticket information and smoke-free property
Guest reviews give top marks for the pool
Room features
All guest rooms at The Reef Retreat boast comforts, such as air conditioning, in addition to
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?
Checkout 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 selected 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
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
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.
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.
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
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
17 Dec 2025
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
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location and clean, although needs some maintenance
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review
8/10 Good
Janine
12 Oct 2025
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
Susan Therese
12 Sept 2025
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
Vanessa
3 Nov 2025
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
Ian
15 Oct 2023
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 traveller
8 Jul 2024
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
27 May 2024
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
7 Apr 2024
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.