spending 5 days in Cairns 5 nights in July with wifw and two kids. where is the best place to stay in city itself or just outside. looking to spend no more than $180 a night and want to keep the kids happy. got a car so i can get around.
tried big4 site but was a bit pricey and never had my dates
gary

We stayed in Palm Cove when we were there last August - it's only about 20mins away from the centre of Cairns if I remember correctly and has a lovely relaxed holiday feel about it. It's also half way between Port Douglas and Cairns which I think is why we chose this location. Cairns itself feels more like a backpacker destination but it does have a lovely playground and lagoon for the kids.
We stayed at Mango Lagoon in a 2 bed apartment. The prices were very competitive and I felt it was good value for the money. However there were some things I didn't like about the resort - it didn't have windows - just shutters in the main living compartment. This meant that you could leave them open all day and let the light in (and the mozzies) or leave them shut in which case it was quite dark inside. The bedrooms did have windows but the curtains were not blackout curtains so the room got light early in the morning. On the plus side we had loads of space - 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, very large living and dining area and 2 bedrooms. There were also 4 pools in the resort which were lovely. Have a look at www.tripadvisor.com and ytpe in palm cove cairns in your search and you'll get loads of reviews on different accomodation. I never book any holiday without looking at the reviews on this site first.

We've booked a week in Palm Cove for August - hopefully as part of OH's validation trip. Chose it because it is close to Cairns but apparently quite quiet and laid back and not so touristy as Cairns. Google "Palm Cove accommodation" and loads will come up. Try www.palmcoveaustralia.com or we found our apartment rental on www.holiday-rentals.co.uk There are a range of properties in and around Cairns.
Hope this helps. Lou

thanks for replies

Try this site, has some good deals! http://www.wotif.com/

I haven't checked pricing but have known people stay in all of these places and all were very satisfied.


This one is part of the Big 4 group but not sure if you would have seen it. It's about 15 minutes from the CBD and has been rated very highly by expat families.....
http://www.coconut.com.au/

About 10 minutes out is this one.....
http://www.thelakescairns.com.au/index.php

This one is on the edge of the CBD spitting distance from the biggest shopping mall in Cairns and (small) railwaystation.....
http://www.southerncrossapartments.com/

And this one is on the North side of the Esplanade.....
http://www.rydges.com/hotel/0/RQTRAD...nds-Cairns.htm

I can tell you where NOT to stay...Castaway Apartments at Trinity Beach...terrible!

I'm not familiar with Castaway Apartments but I can most certainly recommend Trinity Beach. My suggestion would be to stay at Bellevue in one of their fully self contained units.

http://www.bellevuetrinitybeach.com.au

Stayed here a few times and love it - Beaware though that it's approx $40 cab ride from Cairns CBD (I'll use this term loosely lol).

http://www.thelakescairns.com.au/index.php

This place is very good..... been here 3 times, and taken the family there..

just remeber that all the beaches in Cairns are about 10 - 20 min drive from the actual CBD. So if you want a lazy holiday where you can sunbake on the esplanade it would be best to get a place in the cbd so its all walking distance.