Cairns QLD - suggestions for 7 day trip please?

Question

Hope Kbear has a minute LOL
I want to get up to Cairns (from the Redlands) before it gets too hot & muggy (so - soon). Looking for recommendation - mid price range accommodation - Port Doug. or Cairns city?
Also recommendations for an educational experience that would suit a 12yo girl and an American hubby interested in all things Aussie. (including if possible a not-too-touristy aboriginal-related day)

It's been a long. long time since I was in Cairns - any suggestions & tips would be most welcome. I'm desperate for some amazing seafood too :-)

Thanks in advance.

KBear - just so not to waste yr time - I have now got Aboriginal highlights & rainforest stuff from one of your previous answers - Excellent info..

Answer 1

Hi ya
Yes, weather is perfect at the mo - not to hot and humid, but still shorts and t-shirt kinda gear. I go to the beach everyday with my toddler, and it's lovely and warm!

Just had my 32 yr old kiwi cousin and wife stay in Cairns (their first trip here) at http://www.grosvenorcairns.com.au/ - they said the 1 bedroom unit was alot bigger than expected and paid about $130 per night. a couple blocks back from the Esplanade. The closer you get there the most costly the accommodation is.

Personally my choice (and cause I live here) Trinity Beach would be the best for accommodation. Especially if you have a 12 yr old with you. - If you are actually up early enough 8-9am, sometimes you can actually see dolphins playing around. I was at Kewarra beach last weekend 9.30am and saw a couple.

Trinity beach accommodation http://www.trinitybeachclub.com.au or http://www.trinitybeachtourism.com.au The beaches are only a 15 min drive into town. 5 mins drive you have the Smithfield Mall; recently done up and nearly double the size. http://www.smithfieldcentre.com.au

I'm afraid as most Aussie attractions go, most are very 'touristy' LOL. But if you go the right times you'll miss the bus loads just passing through.

Educational experience – #1 is shopping, a 12 yr old needs to know how to shop ! There’s Cairns Central, the main mall in the city, Stocklands at Earlville which is heading out of town and Smithfield Centre (mentioned above) are the main ones.

The dome above the casino is worth it if you don’t want to do the full zoo thing. They have presentations and tours throughout the day. When buying a ticket it is also valid for 4 days so you can go back anytime at no extra cost. Cairns tropical zoo also does a night show “Discover Wildlife by Night’ a true ‘Aussie’ experience, it includes BBQ buffet, beer, wine, softdrinks etc … (have to book for that ahead)
Also the canopy in the Daintree rainforest they give you these headphones to put on and learn heaps! Stuff I didn’t even know …!

There’s also breakfast with the birds at Rainforest Habitat http://www.rainforesthabitat.com.au (just going into Port Douglas) You can go on a tour on a WW II army duck for a unique rainforest tour at the Rainforestation Nature Park, 5 mins away from Kuranda. The Butterfly Sanctuary at Kuranda is great, there is also a Australian Venom Zoo which I haven’t been to yet (I hate spiders) - and don’t forget a relaxing board walk down the Barron gorge, if you time it right the Kuranda train will come past and stop.

You have the links from my other questions but if you need to know anything else, feel free to email me.

Answer 2

Hi!,

also worth a look while in the Cairns area

Atherton and the "Tablelands" area making sure your trip takes in some of the waterfalls in the area. Cape Tribulation and the Daintree rain forest also worth a day.

"Undura Lava Tubes" especially if you have time on your trip to stay overnight, and of course the most obvious trip is one out onto the "Barrier Reef". For an educational evening and a fun one try "Reef Teach" on Spence St, the guy that gives the talk is very knowledgeable and funny with it, like a cross between J Cousteau and Billy Connolly.
Loads of companies offer trips out onto the reef, so seek some local advice on which companies offer the best value trip, also don't book well in advance as if the weather is overcast visibility on the reef will be poor. Get a local weather forecast and book the night before.

As for food try some of the restaurants away from the esplanade, "Sushi Zipang" is good fun. "Muddies" at the far end of the esplanade for fish and chips. Some very nice restaurants at Holloway's beach along with the usual cafe style places.

Sorry cant help you with accommodation, I have always stayed with friends when in the area.

Answer 3

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