The winning beach was named at a gala dinner in Brisbane last night. Palm Cove managed to beat its biggest competitor, Iluka Bluff Beach in NSW and five other prominent beaches from around the country.

A large contingent of Palm Cove tourism and business operators were in Brisbane for the big announcement and Tourism Palm Cove's Vice President, Bob Shaw says, the team is over the moon with winning the award.

"We were just happy to be in the running for this prestigious accolade, but to actually be named the best beach in Australia has definitely done us proud," said Mr Shaw.

"Everyone, from our local council, right through to the business and residential community have played a part in us winning this award. Keeping the beach clean is something we are committed to on a daily basis, even when the judging isn't taking place we have our "green team" program in place, visitors are constantly commenting on how pro-active we are," he said.
Palm Cove has implemented a number of "clean beach" strategies over the past five years including "butt bins", (small film canisters which are given to tourists to dispose of their cigarette butts), a full-time "green team" which works in conjunction with the many businesses at the beach to keep the area rubbish free, and a comprehensive range of literature including maps, brochures and restaurant guides to keep visitors abreast of all the relevant services in Palm Cove.