Cairns Travel Forum

I'm looking forward to my first experience staying in Backpackers accommodation. I'll be arriving in September after the big downunder vt meet in the Whitsundays. Any suggestions?

Also suggestions for some good reasonable day trips would be nice as well. I don't drive. I've got Kuranda so far on my list :o)

And any locals that want to meet up for a drink and chinwag are most welcome.

Cheers, Ann.

Daintree Rainforest, just north of Cairns

I'd love to go there Frank! Must see if I can get a good bargain day trip. Thanks for the suggestion :o)

Hey mate--you don't have to worry about getting around to places--I am more than happy to take you to some great places and I am a good safe driver.
It would be a pleasure to show you around and I am a fun person.So have a think about it and if you change your mind after meeting me at the Whitsundays meet thats ok.
I would suggest you log onto www.shenanniganscairns.com.au for backpackers.
Or Gilligans at www.gilligans.com.au

Dorrise

Hey thanks Dorrise! That would be wonderful matey!! ...and I'm really looking forward to meeting you at the big meet! :o) I've heard about Gillians, but havn't seen anything about the other one you mentioned....so will definately have a squiz. :o) I really value advice from the locals!!...thanks alot my friend!! xx

I met people that stayed at Gillian's and had a decent stay, but cannot speak for it myself.

I stayed at International Hostel. Price was reasonable, and if you're on a budget, they offer food discounts at Rattle N Hum restaurant.

Heya David :o) Howz it going? Coming dowunder again?...huh? :o) Thanks for the tip matey...I'll check it out.

Tip for International Hostel is on my page. Maybe it will help...

I hope to make it back down to Oz sooner rather than later! Maybe get a business junket out of it in July to Brisbane, then stretch it into a holiday :)

But currently at the airport yet again... leaving Korea for a couple weeks in Vietnam.

Hope you have fun in Cairns & Whitsundays!!

We had fun in Vietnam David....lucky you! :o) I've got some great Aussie mates in Brissy so if you do go, let me know and I'll tell them. I'm sure they'd love to meet up with you. Yep, we'll have a ball for sure in the Whitsundays! ....wish you could join us :o) ...oh well, maybe next time...wherever that will be :o) Hugs.

you can catch a bus to palm cove
that is nice
also port douglas worth a visit
i liked our trip out to low isles
very pretty place
kuranda - go to the bird sanctuary- tame birds there; some good shopping too

If you fall out with tropicrd, I could look up the tour operator I once used for a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest. The guide's name was Stuart, he was fantastic. After this trip I would be able to survive up there if the crocs do not cross my way...

Hey Anne,
I stayed at The Cairns Colonial Club Resort a few years ago - very nice but depends on your budget. Just had a peek on Wotif & their cheapest rooms were going for $65. Have also just had a look at Gilligans - not bad if you can cope with a dorm room for $25 including dinner!
betska

Good shopping in Kuranda?!....sounds like the go to me Lane :o)
Sissi...I certainly won't be falling out with Dorrise :o) ...been looking forward to meeting her for a long time.
Hey Betty, $25 including dinner sounds great!...and as I said, I'm looking forward to staying in true backpacker style so the dorm sounds like fun :o)
Checking them all out now. ....thanks everyone!! xx

Now I have retired lol--I reckon i could be a fantastic guide--I know lots of people up this way and places where tours don't go or know about.
Global Palace in the CBD is pretty good value too.

Dorrise

Gee I've got heaps to check out!...thanks guys :o) Hey Dorrise...we're going to have heaps of fun matey!!

G'day Ann,

Well, move over all tourist operators ( except Dorrise:))
Ann, I would be happy to do a few day tours with you. I *bags* taking you to Cape Tribulation:)
Oh and I also *bags* taking you for a few drinks:)
I also won't let you outta this area without doing the Quicksilver reef trip, I sorta know someone, that knows someone, and I may be able to get this on the cheap:)

Don't panic about driving anywhere. Between Dorrise and myself I am sure we will give you a beaut tour of this area....Paradise:)

Email me the dates you are here. How long etc:)

Awesome! Awesome!! I would love to catch up Anne! I can imagine the three of us galivanting around the countryside causing havoc haha :o) I'm flying in from Hamilton on Thursday 17 September.....leaving hubby & Zig to do the Hinchinbrook Island hike. They'll be arriving in Cairns on the Tuesday, then we leave for the trip across the top end on Wednesday. So no doubt we'll want to get together for goodbye drinks on the Tuesday night.
So I'm easy. Perhaps we can arrange a mini vt meet in Cairns on the weekend sometime, whatever's best for everyone. I'll leave it up to you and Dorrise to plot something Anne. I'm just very happy and grateful that you pair want to show me around...that means alot :o) ....and I'm more than happy to pay for the petrol.

xx

Oh btw, I've decided to stay at Tropic Days Backpackers in Bunting Street. It's not right in town but they have a free shuttle, airport pickup & free meal each night. The price is reasonable and it's run by a family and the write up from people that have stayed there is great - http://www.tropicdays.com.au/index.html

I chose this because my work collegue told me to watch out for the bed bugs...and that really scared me lol. So thought I'd go for a cleaner looking place.

Thanks for all of your comments everyone....very much appreciated :o)

I am glad that you chose one of those more friendly looking places. They look great from the outside. Old Queenslanders. There are a couple in that area, I was actually going to mention these and suggest that you stay there. The others are for the real youngies and I know that they party all night, NOT that we can't do that !!! But one does like sleep:)

I will make sure I have my rostered days off when you come here.
I will organise this when the time is a little closer....But one day for the reef and one for the Cape will be on the plan of attack.

Sounds awesome Anne! I'd love to spend a bit of time with you and Dorrise in Cairns. Looking forward to it. :o) Thanks for the encouragement with the accommodation. That's what I thought...somewhere a bit more quiet with a good bed for the night :o) ...plus they have camping lol!....wait till I tell the boys I've booked them in for the night in the camping area hehee.