Cairns Travel Forum

We'll be travelling to Cairns for 7 days in early May 2009 - dad will be at a conference the first few days and the rest of the family (me and 2 kids - 4 & 7) want to have fun. We're wondering: would it be best to stay in cairns only for the conference and then to go to Palm Cove or somewhere? Any recommendations for family friendly self contained and not too expensive accomodation in either place would be welcome (but Cairns accom needs to be near Convention Centre). What would be the best things to do with 2 very active little boys (and yes - I've read other postings and realise Anne12 is likely to say Quicksilver!)? What about a sailing trip to an island as well (and will we be able to swim/will there be stingers)? Any other recommendations would be much appreciated!

Hello, here I am:)

Yep, Quicksilver will be the one that I would take your little boys on. It's perfect for the young ones.
Along the Esplanade in Cairns there is some great things for you little ones to do. One is the huge swimming pool area. This is for all ages and really is fantastic. It has Lifesavers there daily.
Then you can walk along the boardwalk area and you will find a great place, it's got lots of play equipment and water stuff for the kids. Loads of fun. Relaxing for you as well.
I highly recommend NOT to go to Green Island...others may disagree, but I think it is a waste of money and time. I would put it towards something else, Quicksilver trip:)
The train trip up to Kuranda and the skyrail down the hill is a great thing to do, the kids will love the train. Go up by train and sown by Skyrail as skyrail goes all day as the train only comes down a couple of times. When you book they will ask what time you want to come down on the skyrail,allow yourselves 2 plus hours at least in Kuranda, if you need more time don't panic as you can change your time for the skyrail:) Especially at that time of year, it's not high tourist season.When in Kuranda there is the Butterfly world thingy and also Birdworld one,. Kids of your childrens age will love it. Put a white hat on them when you visit Butterfly world as the butterflies love to land on white...at Birdworld, the birds also land on your shoulders etc. Good fun with children.
There is the Tropical Zoo which is just out of Cairns, north, you can get a bus or just hire a car. Cairns is VERY easy to drive around.
Another place that I love to take visitors is the Botanical Gardens, Lakes area. This is just wonderful.You can get a bus to this also.

NOw when Dad finishes and can have fun too I would not stay in Cairns( if you have done all of the above) I would head to Port Douglas.This is about an hours drive from Cairns, along the lovely highway, with coast on your right.
From Port you can do the Cape Tribulation trip. This is a must and you can do a tour OR hire a car, hire a car if you can, as then you can stop and go when you feel like it. This is a days outing.
Also the Quicksilver leaves from Port Douglas( you can do it from Cairns, they pick you up by coach and take you.)
I would do it from Port.

You will be able to swim at the reef, they will have stinger suites that you can hire. They( Quickie) are very organised for all times of the year.
You will not be able to swim at the beach at Port or any other beaches along this coast line at that time of year. BUT all accommodation have great pools for you to swim in:)
Port has heaps and heaps of accommodation to choose from. You should be able to find some good deals at this time of year. Check out wotif.com.au and have a look, then just google Accommodation in Port Douglas ...you will have heaps to look at. All offer pretty much the same, just don't book into the Port Douglas Motel...it's horrible.
In May you could also take the option of just driving up to Port and then finding a standby rate. There will be standbys.

For eating out...Cairns...along the Esplanade there are lots of Restaurants to have a look at. If you dine early with the kids, you can sometimes get 20% off the price.
There are also BBQ's along the boardwalk area. Grab a sausage or two and have a BBQ.
Port Douglas has great restaurants and also cafe's, all the along the main street and side streets, my most favourite is Salsa Bar and Grill...yummyyyyy
Also there are Toad races at one of the cafe's on the main street...Oh dear the name is on the tip of my tongue...ummmm Heck, I can't remember...anyway they have an early race for kids and a later one for adults...it's fun:) You have to kiss a toad!!!!!

Well that's some info, if you need anything els please just ask and I will try to answer.
Oh, the weather will be still hot, not as hot as it is now!!! you will only need summer clothes.
Yes, we still could be having some rain, but not as much as now, I hope!!!
Rain is fine, it still stays hot when it rains:)

PS...when you have a look at wotif.com.au for both Cairns and Port Douglas, check out the prices and maps etc and then ring the accommodation places and see what prices they are offering...could be cheaper that wotif.