Dive into Palm Cove - Ali Riebe

So how about a trip to Tropical North Queensland in the middle of monsoon season.... hmmmm? Why not?
March 6th 2009 – 1 week before Cyclone Hamish’s best described ‘ intimidating visit’ to the North Queensland Coast.
There was not even a slight breeze when we landed in Cairns, an easy 3 hour flight from Sydney. After having met my travel companions from the numerous ‘Travel With Kidz’ branches across Australia, we were escorted to our mini bus for the 20 or so minute drive to our final destination Palm Cove.
For those of you that haven’t had the pleasure of spending time at what I believe to be probably the most relaxing stretch of sand in Australia, I suggest you do. If you are finding the need to slip so far into a deep relaxation only moments away from a coma – this is your Mecca! Not to say that Palm Cove is boring –the mere threat of being stung by an Iriganji jellyfish, a surprise visit from a salt water croc or perhaps the odd tropical cyclone is enough to keep you on your toes, but apart from that this is the place for some serious kicking back.
Palm Cove itself is a very pretty, small resort village set on a picturesque (as the name suggests) palm fringed beach looking out towards a scattering of tropical islands and in the far distance the outer stretches of the Great Barrier Reef. The Daintree Rainforest, Mosman Gorge, and Kuranda are within an easy drive as is Cape Tribulation beyond the slightly bigger Resort Town of Port Douglas. So there is plenty to see and do if you really feel like it. Or you can just lap it up, relax and be pampered.
There are a number of apartment style resorts set in immaculately landscaped gardens. As swimming at the beach is it not advised during the summer months the lavish swimming pools are a welcoming treat when the humidity kicks it up a notch. Our group was placed at Angsana Resort – one of the few resorts to boast an absolute beachfront location. Even though Angsana does not advertise itself as being dedicated to families or to honeymooners I found that it could cater equally well to both. The generous apartments are well equipped for those wanting to stay on any longer than a couple of days and the split level design of the rooms means that you can have the kids sleeping undisturbed upstairs whilst you and ‘special person’ enjoy a Mai Tai on the lounge balcony. If I had managed to somehow feel tense I could have treated myself to a myriad of spa treatments. Some described as though you were being smothered with the ingredients of a cake mix, but tempting none the less.
Our first day was spent out on the reef. We boarded the ‘Ocean Spirit’ from Cairns Marina and cruised for about 2 and half hours out to the outer reef where we anchored at Masmichael Caye. For those of you that aren’t sailors at heart the length of the trip could be a problem. If you are likely to experience sea sickness then this probably isn’t for you. If you also aren’t prepared to share the experience with 100 or so other tourists sporting a ridiculous array of high shorts and ‘fanny packs’ teamed up with socks and sandals you may want to consider a smaller (likely more expensive) operator. Despite the atmosphere created by the number of passengers the crew were friendly, helpful and the services and activities on offer catered to all on board.
Masmichael Caye is a thin slip of sand about 100 metres in length and covered in most parts by migratory birds. Approximately 90% of the sand bar is a dedicated bird sanctuary. We were told by the Marine Biologist on board that a small cyclone had come through the area only 6 weeks ago. The force of the storm picked up at least a metres worth of sand burying the eggs that had been laid over the breeding season. The birds that had returned after the storm only had a few weeks left of the season to make up for lost time and numbers – it was all very romantic!
It is possible to snorkel from the beach to see coral and fish but the abundance of marine life really became apparent for the 3 of us that were game enough to take up the opportunity to scuba. This made the trip for me. The visibility was not great but it was possible to see much more from the depths than it was from snorkelling across the top. In only 30 minutes beneath the surface we were able to tick off a number must sees, including clown fish, angel fish, turtles, a giant clam or two and a whole heap of luminous critters that are just unexplainable. No sharks in sight and the water temperature comfortably warm even on the sea floor. Strangely not many of the punters bothered to venture off the catamaran so we were able to see more fish than snorkels. Definitely worth the long trip out and so it seemed the even longer trip back. By the time we returned to the Marina we were all very excited about a decent feed, a long shower, a beer and bed.
The next day was spent exploring around Palm Cove on land. Some of our group took the opportunity to ride the cable car up to Kurranda, others spent the day in the spa indulging in massages and facials but I was happy enough to check out the fishing, the shopping and the food on offer whilst getting some sunshine and floating about in the pool – yep it’s a tough life!
You can do as little or as much as you want in Palm Cove although it isn’t for everybody. If vibrant nightlife is what you are looking for then perhaps head to Cairns instead. I’d be happy to recommend Palm Cove to those looking for a destination that offers relaxation, comfort, pleasant weather (preferably during the dryer months May – November) and activity by choice. Ideal for families and couples that are after an easy getaway.
 

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