Cairns Accom

[Michael2]

After 17 years of looking after the sick and the stupid (Paramedic), I'll be taking some Long Service Leave this year from mid-June.

Unfortunately for me, I end up in FNQ during QLD School Holidays

I'm looking for accommodation recommendations in Cairns (or surrounds). Anything from camping to apartments. We're a family of 5, and a lot of the accom maxes out with an occupancy of 4, so if anyone can recommend good family accom I'd be appreciative.

I'm also after a reef tour in the area. I saw this Dive & Snorkel Trips, Port Douglas and Cairns - Silver Series - Great Barrier Reef and thought that a snorkel/scuba/whale combo sounded good, but having never been up there, I'm open to suggestions.

Any advice about doing Cape York during school holidays would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Michael.

[roverrescue]

Michael,
will you have wheels for the family? If so perhaps consider:

Give Treetops in Stratford a call - good well priced family accom (5 no prob) just round the corner from the city lights and bustle See what you want to see,

Then give Cape Trib Beachouse a call, stay a couple of nights in their rainforest bungalows, and for a reef trip go with Rumrunner. Lovely vessel, reefs up trib way get heaps less pressure than the 2000pax a day on the big boats off Cairns, are closer and when you get back to the beach, stroll up to the bar at the Beachhouse for a jug or two...

Then trundle up the road to the Lions Den and camp by the river for awesome swimming and relaxing (or I could tip you off to a few spots nearby)

Then into Cooktown for some history and fishing.

By mid June most of the Cape will be open so go exploring! Will be people about but you get that. Just do some research and find places less travelled... Ripping up the middle to Weipa, doing the OTL and staying at Seisia will keep you "in the crowds" but plenty to see and do away from the main drag.

Steve

[Mudnut]

Hi Michael,

I just looked after the sick at Knox Private Hospital, until I had a change of lifestyle. A move to FNQ three years ago has left me nice and relaxed. I have a 2 acre property in Clifton Beach (about 20k north of Cairns) We live at the top, and there is a paddock of about an acre that is nice and flat that you are welcome to throw a camper trailer in, and use it as a base to explore the beautiful surrounds. I can also arrange a locals discount for some attractions if you are interested.

Have a great long service leave!

Cheers,

Ken

[cal415]

I will be up there at he same time doing the cape thing for 5 weeks, are you planning on doing the top end?

[Canaussie]

We are staying at the big 4 as we have young children for our stop over through cairns! Can't wait to get to the tip!ImageUploadedByTapatalk1367348628.506253.jpg

[Hay Ewe]

dont forget to go to Chillagoe!
Post here dats and we might see you out there - we have a weekender out there
Hay Ewe

[juddy]

We have stayed here a number of times, very nice place.

Cairns Accommodation and Apartments - The Lakes Cairns Resort and Spa

[Michael2]

Thanks for the replies so far, I'll look up all the places soon, it's been a long day at work.

How long (time-wise) should I allow for Cairns/ Cape York?

Our family is accustomed to doing 12,000km road trips in 4 weeks, I'm guessing this one will be around 10,000km in 6 weeks, which sounds more relaxing.

I was thinking Melb - Dubbo - Longreach - Emerald (seeing friends) - Cairns - Cape York - Coast to Fraser - Gold Coast (theme parks x2) - Melb.

I'd expect to be in Cairns by Day 7 till Day 10
Cape York Day 11-21
Coast drive south Day 22 - 26
Fraser Is Day 27-31
Gold Coast Day 32 - 37
Trip Home Day 38 - 42

I'm not towing, so we're in a tent except for occasional apartment (Gold Coast, maybe Cairns) and maybe a Caravan Park cabin once in a while. It does mean though that we can travel freely and I know from WA and NT trips that the family is easily good for 10 hours in the car if we need to do a long haul.

If the trip blows out a little in time, that's fine, as I still have a month off on my return and the kids schools are supportive.

I haven't driven to QLD before, so all advice will be appreciated.

Thanks again, I'll reply to the posts once I read up all your suggestions.

- Michael