Palm Cove – A Slower Pace of Life

We based ourselves just north of Cairns in the quiet coastal suburb of Palm Cove and it ended up being one of the best decisions of the trip.

Palm Cove feels a world away from the busier parts of Cairns. A long, gently curving beachfront is lined with swaying palm trees and a scenic walking path that invites you to slow down. Our Airbnb sat right on the water, with a pool overlooking the ocean, one of those places where you instantly settle into vacation mode.

Mornings quickly found a rhythm. Tanya and I would head out for a run along the palm-lined path, the ocean just meters away, the air already warm but fresh. It was the kind of start to the day that makes everything else feel easy.

Out for dinner with the family

Most of our time in Palm Cove was intentionally uneventful, in the best possible way. We grilled at home, lounged by the pool, played games like Scrabble, and simply enjoyed being together as a family. A short walk down the street led to a handful of relaxed pubs and restaurants, where we had a memorable dinner one evening, soaking in the laid-back tropical atmosphere.

Palm Cove wasn’t about ticking off attractions, it was about unwinding. And it delivered perfectly.

Fitzroy Island – Shark Fin Bay

One day, we made the short trip into Cairns and caught a ferry out to Fitzroy Island, about a 45-minute ride across the water.

At first glance, Fitzroy Island is exactly what you’d hope for: lush greenery, clear water, and a rugged, untouched feel. It’s relatively small, which gives it a more intimate and less commercialized atmosphere than some of the other islands in the region.

After arriving, we set off on a short hike to Nudey Beach, often ranked among Australia’s most beautiful beaches. The walk itself was enjoyable, winding through tropical vegetation and opening up to stunning coastal views.

But this is where expectations met reality.

The beach, while visually appealing, is quite small and made up of coarse coral and shells rather than soft sand, making it a bit uncomfortable underfoot. And the snorkeling, at least on the day we visited, was underwhelming. The area is quite exposed, and the wind and currents had stirred things up, limiting visibility and marine life.

It was a good reminder: even in a place as iconic as the Great Barrier Reef region, conditions matter.

Fortunately, the day didn’t end there.

We had also booked a guided snorkel tour to Shark Fin Bay, and this is where Fitzroy Island truly delivered.

A short glass bottom boat ride around the headland brought us into a sheltered bay that felt like a completely different world. The water was calmer, clearer, and immediately more alive.

Within minutes of getting in, we were surrounded by vibrant coral formations and schools of colorful fish. Giant clams rested on the ocean floor, blue starfish dotted the reef, and sea worms hid within crevices in the coral. The highlight, though, was spotting a hawksbill sea turtle gliding effortlessly through the water, completely unbothered by our presence.

It was the kind of experience you hope for when you come this far and one that made the entire trip to Fitzroy Island worthwhile.

Farewell!  (For Now)

After Cairns, we returned to Sydney, where my sister and her family prepared to fly back to the United States.

Saying goodbye was harder than expected. We had spent such a meaningful stretch of time together; exploring, relaxing, and sharing experiences that don’t come around often. It meant a lot to me to be able to show them even a small part of Australia.

But the journey wasn’t over just yet.

My mom still had a couple more weeks “down under,” and from here, we would head off on a new adventure, this time to Victoria and Tasmania.

Final Thoughts

Palm Cove is perfect if you want a relaxed, scenic base near Cairns
Fitzroy Island is beautiful, but highly dependent on weather and conditions
Shark Fin Bay is the real standout—don’t skip a guided snorkel if you go