Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan

Palm Cove is one of Cairns’ most popular and iconic beachside communities. It has a unique, authentic identity and much-loved character that is highly valued by locals. These values make Palm Cove a major drawcard for visitors. Williams Esplanade and the foreshore precinct boast postcard-perfect views and tropical palm-fringed parklands. It offers a relaxed seaside experience coupled with a vibrant collection of tourism and retail offerings.

The Master Plan is underpinned by a set of design principles to guide future public space improvement projects. These guiding principles respond to the challenges and community aspirations identified through the Master Planning process. As a set of core values, they will guide all future changes and help to deliver on both Council and community aspirations for Palm Cove into the future.

It also identifies six project opportunities that respond to the community's values and deliver on the guiding principles:

• Northern Activity Precinct
• Play Precinct
• Harpa Street Node
• Veivers Gateway Node
• Public art
• Feature lighting

It should be noted that each of these opportunities will require further concept design, technical studies, testing and community engagement and are not included in Council's 2022/23 budget.

The Palm Cove Master Plan focuses on the public realm of Williams Esplanade and the foreshore tourism precinct. Private property and private development are outside the scope of the Master Plan.

Download the master plan ( PDF, 3.49 MB )

Consultation summary

Our first round of engagement in November/December 2021 sought broad feedback from stakeholders, community and residents, to help inform the project’s direction.  We wanted to gain a clear understanding of what matters most to them within Palm Cove and what they see as opportunities for improvement.

We engaged directly with some 270 people through the trader walk-arounds and Palm Cove markets. Additionally, over 320 responses to the on-line survey were received and over 70 social media comments were recorded. We listened to this feedback and reflected it as we developed the project opportunities and design principles. Download the consultation summary report ( PDF, 2.43 MB ).

The second round of engagement (June 2022) sought feedback on the proposed design principles and overall Palm Cove Streetscape and Landscape Master Plan. This process highlighted additional opportunities for improvement which we reflected in changes to the draft plan.