Frequently Asked Questions

We notice that Annandale Apartments are located in the Amphora resort, yet the resort seems to be operated by Mantra Amphora. What is the relationship?: All apartments in the Amphora resort are independently owned. Mantra has the Caretaking contract for the resort and also operates a letting and management service for unit owners who wish to participate. We, and several other owners, manage our apartments independently. This enables us to keep down costs and pass the savings on to our guests. Our apartments are marketed under the name Annandale Apartments Palm Cove which is also our business name.
Are full resort facilities available to us if we book with Annandale?: Yes, with the exception of Mantra Reception. We have our own reception and local contact arrangements.
What are the seasons in Palm Cove and when is the best time to stay?: Peak season is July to October during the southern hemisphere winter, when people from southern states and New Zealand retreat from their cold winters.
However, Palm Cove offers a pleasant stay for most other months. The rainy season extends from December to April, and bookings are lowest during this period. However, the rain is sporadic and there are many sunshine hours so you can still have a great time. Some activities are actually better during the rainy season. Christmas, New Year and Easter all fall within this period and many regular visitors spend these holidays in Palm Cove. The shoulder months of May June and November offer excellent value: dry weather, pleasant temperatures, off-peak rates. Detailed climatic data for Cairns can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology site.
Are resort facilities available all year round?: Yes. However, the Amphora Spa closes for the month of February.
Is the Palm Cove beach patrolled all year round?: Yes.
We have heard about stingers in Far North Queensland waters. During what season do they occur?: Generally stinger season coincides with wet season extending a bit longer, but it varies a bit each year. There is a stinger net at Palm Cove and life guards on duty advise when this should be used.
What are the pool facilities at Amphora resort?: The pool is a salt water lagoon which wanders through the resort. It is heated to 24 deg. C. The main part of the pool has a maximum depth of 1.5 m. It is connected via channel to a smaller, shallower section of the pool located just in front of our apartments. Although, not specifically designed as a kiddie pool, it is suitable for young children under supervision. There is also a large Jacuzzi.
Are your apartments kid friendly?: Yes. We encourage guests with young families to stay with us. We can arrange hire of roll away beds, cots and high chairs and will supply these at cost.
Is it advisable to hire a car during our stay in Palm Cove?: It really depends on individual preferences. A taxi form the airport will cost about $40. Also there are several firms who arrange transfers between Cairns, Airport, Palm Cove and port Douglas. All of the tours serving the Cains Port Douglas area pick up in Palm Cove. Pretty well all services and shopping are available in Palm Cove and you can catch a bus to take a look around Cairns. So it is quite possible to get by without a car and many people do. However, if you have a family and/or want more flexibility then a car is the way to go. Some people combine the two. Catch a taxi to the resort and hire a car for one or two days from within Palm Cove.
Do you book excursions and tours?: No. There are many firms in Palm Cove who do this (including a tour desk located in Mantra reception). All are quite simple to arrange on arrival.