colinmorgan

Thanks Guys,

We'll definitely being taking one of the cruises to get a few dives in. I travel up on the 1 April and will be checking wotif.com for any of the accommodation mentioned.

Any further advice appreciated.

Cheers

Colin

cheakyboy

hi there
we have stayed in Cairns Colonial Club, Cannon Street, on two visits to the area and it is fantastic there, you can get good room rates by booking with www.midas hotelnetwork or e-bookers. They have a shallow pool for little ones and cater for everyone, the staff are extremely helpful, the colonial has a bus that collects from airport and another bus that takes you into Cairns every hour free.

Hope that helps

Cheakyboy

blossom

kURANDA is also a good place to stay and / or an interesting place to visit. The scenic railway is a must, as is the aborigine markets and crafts.

Blossom

Davelynd

BI Biz Da Boss

Can anyone tell us about the climate in Cairns, we love the place but dont know if it would be too wet/humid for us poor old UK northerners to hack year-round.... Would love a Brit expat based in Cairns (& alternatively Townswille) for us to 'pick your brains' on these things....

At moment we're awaiting house sale then all systems goooo!!!!
But just cant decide between Perth or Cairns/Townsville.... both seem to have ok job markets. Its now just down to climate really. We loved the mountainous scenery of Cairns - just the humidity thats a question-mark (visisted last December - dull, showery but warm).

Thanks in advance for any help to 2 Brits who cant wait to escape the UK ratrace and start LIVING...!! Cheers!

colinmorgan

Hi Helen,

Took your advice, booked The Lake Cairns for 4 nights.

Thanks again.

Colin

Bix

Hi Davelynd! Bix da Boss here mate!

We have been here since the end of October 2004, yes the climate takes a bit of getting used to but, we just love it in Cairns! Such a change from dull misty rain nearly all year round in Cornwall, were we lived in the UK! At least in Cairns if you plan a bar-b-q you have it - not like in the UK plan one then it pours down with rain the next day, even after really hot weather the day before - that in itself is a refreshing change!

Yes, you do need to 'climatise' but Air Con helps for the 'summer' months! Some days could not do without that, but most Australians find it hard to cope in Cairns during the summer months, but then loads visit in the winter and some stay for up to 5 months because apparently the weather is 'perfect' here then - still have that experience to come! The humidity is, I feel, the worst thing to deal with - but being able to feel the sun on your skin almost every day makes it easier to bear!

We went to the Esplanade today and walked along in beautiful sunshine feeling on top of the world! Saw the Reef Carrier boats and helicopters coming and going - great! Buzzing with people, makes ya feel alive!

Its just such a absolute difference from where we lived, although parts of Cornwall are beautiful, hard to enjoy because of the weather conditions, even in the Great British Summer!

Would find it very hard to go back to that, and dont plan to do so if we have anything to do with it!

We love Cairns and are very glad we came to this particular part of Australia. It will not suit everbody, but if we can cope with the new climate most people could of that I am sure!

Obviously, it is not possible for me to comment on any other part of OZ, but there are many 'climate' changes depending on which part you live in. We have heard different stories since being here, some have said in certain parts of OZ temps can go down to UK winter temps which living in Cairns at the moment is hard to imagine quite honestly!

December, dull and showery? Not for long though eh? Christmas days weather was a bit wishy washy, can just remember that, but then Boxing Day twas warm and sunny again. (only two days I know, but rest just a 'foggy' memory)

Let us know if you decide to take the plunge and come to Cairns! Any help you need don't hesitate to ask, Bix is full of useful information for people as you will find out if you read this forum !

Good luck with whatever decision you make

Take care

Neil Burling

Hi

We stayed at the Rydges Reef Resort. FANTASTIC! Lovely pools with waterfalls with hidden caves beneath.

http://www.rydges.com/locations/Rydg...DUG&cat=Resort

87-109 Port Douglas Road
Port Douglas
QLD 4877

Hope this helps.
Neil.

colinmorgan

Hi Neil,

I was a toss up between Rydges and the Freestyle Resort. We booked booked the Freestyle for 4 nights.

Thanks

Colin