Community
26 May, 2024
Guide aims to entice visitors
A GUIDE spruiking the delights of Palm Cove is back after a 12-year absence, well supported by the business community.
‘Welcome to Palm Cove’ is a 40-page glossy magazine produced by Advance Palm Cove and published by Australian Tourist Publications with a print run of 12,000. It cost $25,000 and was backed by 38 Palm Cove businesses, one at Clifton Beach and two at Smithfield.
It marks one year since Advance Palm Cove was established and the guide includes information about the seaside suburb, its history, the famous melaleuca trees, fishing, shopping, day spas, regular events, tours and adventures, a map, accommodation and wining and dining.
Advance Palm Cove committee member Daryl O’Reilly said a similar guide produced by former city councillor Sno Bonneau ended 12 years ago.
He said the initial proposal was for 32 pages but the support was better than expected, so eight more pages were added.
“The intentions are two-fold. One is to invite people to Palm Cove and once they are here providing a guide of what they can do when they get there,” Mr O’Reilly said.
He said it had been distributed to two travel outlets in the Melbourne CBD, at Kuranda and hopefully at Atherton, as well as throughout the northern beaches.
Mr O’Reilly said it was a great milestone achievement after many believed the organisation would not last 12 months.
He said Palm Cove had lost “the sparkle in the jewel of the crown” in the last few years and it was hoping the work of the group as well as others, such as Tourism Palm Cove, would help return the shine.
Parking was a critical issue the organisation was working hard behind the scenes on, Mr O’Reilly said.
Mayor Amy Eden told the guide launch that the council was committed to providing Palm Cove with something it deserved, noting a 10-year masterplan for streetscaping and other improvements had not been budgeted for.
Cr Olds admitted the previous council had done little for Palm Cove and he was determined to get something done under the new regime. “Palm Cove’s reputation is growing and we need to back up the infrastructure plus some tender loving care. We are committed to doing that,” he said.
Advance Palm Cove also donated $500 to Ronald McDonald House which has a family retreat at Palm Cove. The money pays for five $100 restaurant vouchers to be spent by families in the town. It also donated $1200 earlier to the charity.
