A picturesque palm-fringed beach in far north Queensland has been named the best in the world.
Palm Cove Beach, in the eponymous northern Cairns suburb, was ranked number one in Condé Nast Traveler’s top 34. The best beaches in the world in 2024 list.
The dreamy gem was described as “the epitome of a tropical paradise” and beat out stunning beaches around the world, including those in Hawaii, Fiji and France.
Australia had the most entrants and dominated the top ten with Byron Bay’s Wategos Beach, Sydney’s Mona Vale Beach and Noosa Beach taking fourth, sixth and eighth place.
Two Western Australian beaches, Turquoise Bay in Exmouth and Gantheaume Point in Broome, ranked 22nd and 25th.
Palm Cove Beach, in the suburb of the same name, north of Cairns, was ranked number one on Conde Nast Traveler’s list of the 34 best beaches in the world in 2024.
Palm Cove Beach is located less than half an hour north of Cairns city center and just 45 minutes south of Port Douglas.
The dreamy gem was described as “the epitome of a tropical paradise” and beat out stunning beaches around the world, from Hawaii to Fiji and France.
Palm Cove Beach is located less than half an hour north of Cairns city center and just 45 minutes south of Port Douglas, where travelers can explore both the Daintree Rainforest and the declared Great Barrier Reef. World Heritage.
Its incredible sandy shoreline is shaded by leaning palm trees and 500-year-old melaleucas.
The inviting blue waters are popular with swimmers, fishermen and kayakers. Whales and dolphins are often seen from the pier.
The township of Palm Cove, home to just over 2,000 people, is regarded by locals and visitors as one of Tropical North Queensland’s “most glamorous beach towns” thanks to its collection of world-class restaurants, bars and spas.
The inviting blue waters are popular with swimmers, fishermen and kayakers. Whales and dolphins are often seen from the Palm Cove jetty.
Palm Cove is regarded by locals and visitors as one of Tropical North Queensland’s “most glamorous beach towns” thanks to its world-class restaurants, bars and spas.
Cairns Mayor Terry James told FEMAIL that Palm Cove is one of Cairns’ most popular and iconic destinations, a major draw for visitors and much loved by locals.
‘What sets Palm Cove apart is its distinctive beauty and unique atmosphere. “It is a harmonious combination of a coastal town adorned with magnificent melaleucas, complemented by luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants, all located next to a pristine palm-fringed beach,” he said.
“The recognition of Palm Cove as the world’s number one beach by an award-winning travel magazine and website only validates what locals already know about Palm Cove, often called the jewel of Cairns’ northern beaches” .
At number four on the list, Wategos Beach is a stunning, sheltered part of the coast on the north side of Cape Byron that is popular for surfing and family picnics.
Australia was the most represented country on the list of best beaches, with three more in the top 10. At number four is Wategos Beach, on the north side of Cape Byron.
Mona Vale, ranked number six, was dubbed “the unsung heroine of the famous northern beaches” and is made up of two separate beaches stretching 1km along the coast in northern Sydney.
A rock platform separating the two beaches has an ocean-fed man-made lap pool for those seeking calmer waters.
One of Queensland’s “most loved” beaches, Noosa Main Beach also made Conde Nast Traveller’s top 10 at number eight.
Noosa Main Beach is a favorite with locals and travelers alike, as its north-facing position means the sea is clear, flat and calm.
It is located on the edge of the lush Noosa National Park, with sweeping golden sands perfect for sitting and watching the sunrise.
Further down the list, at number 22, was Exmouth’s Turquoise Bay in Western Australia.
One of Queensland’s “most loved” beaches, Noosa Main Beach also made Conde Nast Traveller’s top 10 at number eight.
Further down the list, at number 22, was Exmouth’s Turquoise Bay (left) and at 25 was Broome’s Gantheaume Point (right), both in Western Australia.
Located on the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, the aptly named Turquoise Bay boasts crystal clear waters, white sands and perfect warm weather almost all year round.
With lively marine life and colorful corals, its crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkelers and ocean lovers alike.
The last Australian beach in the world’s top 34 was Gantheaume Point, near Broome, at number 25.
Gantheaume Point is 6km from the Kimberley hotspot, Broome, where red rock cliffs contrast with the sapphire ocean.
The rocky coastline is dotted with natural pools and even features real dinosaur footprints dating back 130 million years.