THE boutique holiday destination of Palm Cove is becoming a haven for yobbos and louts on public holidays, a resident says.

Chantelle Joseph, who lives on Amphora St, was so disgusted at the sight of a burnt-out car on the suburb's beach the morning after Australia Day, she took photos to send to The Cairns Post.

"It was right next to the playground," she said.

"It was un-Australian."

The torching of the vehicle, which Smithfield detectives are investigating, comes after youths ran amok at Palm Cove during the New Year celebrations.

Ms Joseph said a large group of teenagers wielded fence palings and sticks and threw stones during a "riot" on her street.

She helped one distressed teenager who was struck in the head during the fracas.

"It was a bit hairy," she said.

"It's a bit of a worry when you've got kids upstairs."

Police confirmed that several crews were called to disperse crowds of drinking youngsters from the
suburb.

On Australia Day, several youths were arrested when about 200 youths gathered at Trinity Beach for a boozy party.

Smithfield police Sen-Sgt Tim Nolan said northern beach suburbs were popular among party-goers but most were well-behaved.

He said there was no evidence that the trouble reported over the New Year was a common occurrence at Palm Cove.

"Incidents of crime are no worse - they're probably better - at Palm Cove than other beach suburbs," Sen-Sgt Nolan said.

Ms Joseph, who has lived at Palm Cove for two years, said the upmarket suburb was a "great place" but youngsters seemed to target the area for parties.

"It's generally the long weekends, any time there's a public holiday," she said.