zazutata

Having been here for almost a year now we're getting ready for the family visits from the UK next year! Anyway, my brother's coming over with his wife and 2 children (11 and 7) in August and we'd love to go up to Northern Queensland for a bit of sun (we've got three children, 4, 5 and 7). Does anyone have any suggestions as to a good place for us to spend a week? We'd like some beach, reef and activities for the kids possibly a resort-type place but nothing too tacky or commercial. All ideas and suggestions gratefully received!

Thanks,

Mike & Sarah

slipshot

I'd always say Port Douglas and the area. Cairns is not great but PD is worth it, about one hour transfer from Cairns, and the main leaving point for trips to the reef, plus there are lots of other activities. The Crocodile park is a good day, plus there are other attractions around. 4 mile beach is long enough (obviously), plenty of resorts around the area catering for different prices. Can help provide details if necessary...

Andy

zazutata

Just PM'd you Andy

northerner

What about Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays? Quite reasonable rates for self contained apartments. We're thinking of it for September...

Graham

Nomore

H i Graham..just wondered how you had settled in to your life down under?

steandleigh

Cairns is good, particulalry if you can stay in the Northern Beaches - gorgeous unspoilt beaches and away from the city and backpackers, a good base for Skyrail, Kuranda, Scenic Railway, Tjapukai, Hartleys Crocodile Farm, Cairns Tropical Zoo, Lunicos is a really good restaurant (middlemarket but childfriendly) at Trinity beach - around $120 for a three course meal for 2 adults / 2 kids), lots of beautiful beachfront apartments...

Having lived here over 2 years, I personally find Port Douglas extremely overrated...lots of 'near-do-wells' and the odd millionaire (thats aussie dollars, not pounds sterling), an expanse of tourist shops (lots in Cairns too but Cairns tends to sell its tat at 100% markup, not the 300% markup of P.D) and the beach there (Four mile) is quite ordinary (very long and lots of compact, hard, sand...) compared to, say, Machans, Holloways, Trinity, Kewarra, Clifton and Ellis beaches, which are relatively empty, except for locals, great for kids and have lovely soft sand.

If you are keen to stay north or west of the city itself and don't mind a drive south for the attractions, then there are lots of other outstanding places to stay - The Tablelands are only an hour away...Kuranda has a good resort / spa and is 30 mins tops drive, Wonga beach between P.D and Daintree Village is glorious.

Happy holidays.

northerner

We're having a great time thanks. Been really busy but loving it

Lots of diving, camping over Christmas, on the harbour NYE, everything's great!

Loads of stuff on our website in the blogs bit if you can be arsed to look LOL

Thanks for asking,

Graham