Cairns, GBR...don't know where to stay!

[HiccupHaddockHorrendous]

Ds (12yrs) and I fly into Cairns, mid-July. I've looked at various places online and just don't know where we should stay.

I really wanted to see turtles but I believe we will be there at the wrong time for that so will be happy to just see whatever is on offer, underwater .

I quite fancy one of the islands but there are so many to choose from! Would love somewhere really close to the ocean so we can chuck on the snorkel and mask and have a float around, looking at fish (is that even possible?!).

How long would be good to spend in Cairns? We have 10 days from landing in cairns until we meet up with friends at Coffs Harbour. Can anyone come up with a plan for me please? Or point me in the direction of a website to give me ideas?

Thanks in advance :)

Subbing as I want to see as well! Am going late September :)

Most of the island resorts are pretty pricey.
Lizard Island
Heron Island - great for snorkelling
Hamilton Island - golf course resort with heaps to do
Wilson Island - very fancy

If you stay in Cairns then I'd go out to one of the pontoons on the reef and snorkel there. Don't forget it's the middle of winter so it will be about 15-25'c

It's gotten quite touristy but I'd do (and I think Cairns is shite now)

• Kuranda railway
• Paronella Park
• Daintree
• Gillies Range
• Lake Barine
• Crocodile farm
• Cape Tribulation

If you have a car and fancy a drive then head down to Townsville and go o Magnetic Island.

Any thoughts on Long Island? I've tentatively made a booking, but can cancel?

Tartan - I posted on your thread ...happy to share ideas. I have another thread in Chat. I'm just on my way out now but will link to it later.

Grin- great list, thank you.

I'm looking at 5 nights on Fitzroy island. It seems to be more within my budget and appears to offer the kind of thing ds and I are after.

Tartan - lots more great suggestions here

Grin - we almost had a free week's accommodation on magnetic island. That's how Queensland was first brought onto our itinerary. Unfortunately, it's fully booked for the whole time we're there . However, it has introduced me to a million other places I'd like to see. I just can't choose which ones!!

Kuranda, Cape Trib and Daintree are definitely on the list but how do I choose which trip is going to be best for us? Or are they all pretty much the same?

Kuranda itself and Port Douglas are worth missing.
However the Kuranda railway and cable car trip are a must do.

If I had to pick between Cape Trib and the Daintree then I'd do the Daintree.

Right, I think I have decided.

5 nights in a central cairns apartment.
Day trip to Daintree/Cape Trib.
Day trip to Kuranda railway.
One day at the lagoon and any other activity I find once we've arrived.

4 nights on Fitzroy Island
Snorkelling
Boat trip
Lots of relaxing!!

1 more night in Cairns before going to meet friends near Coffs Harbour...it's looking like it'll be cheaper/quicker to fly via Sydney rather than Brisbane which I suppose will give us a chance to fly over other bits of Australia that we wouldn't haven seen.

I still remember how mesmerising the flight from Melbourne to Sydney was...just being able to see land!! !!