susug

There are 2 of us, my husband and I. We would like to visit the Great Barrier Reef and need room/villa near Cairns on the beach that is accessible to reef day trips. Something wonderful and cozy w/in view of the beach would be perfect. How many days do we need snorkeling on the reef?

Alan

Susug, have a look at www.lilybank.com.au/. The owners, Pat and Mike Woolford, manage to put that little bit of extra effort into making sure that their guests are really well-looked-after, and they will surely advise you, when you contact them, on how many days you need to snorkle, and where is the best place to do this. It's this personal attention -- so that you feel that you really didn't waste a moment or miss out on a single opportunity -- that so many people comment on when writing to this forum about Lilybank -- do a search above for past posts, and you'll see what I mean.

susug

Alan,
Thanks so much for your reply. I have looked at lilybank and it does look wonderful. Actually,though, we are trying to find lodging on one of the beaches north of Cairns. Any suggestions? Is there anything similar to lilybank on a northern beach, say near Palm Cove? Thanks again for your response!

Mucky

Hi susug,
You mention Palm Cove,which is in my humble opinion just gorgeous.
The beach is award winning and is simply perfect. There is access to the reef from the jetty although its been a little while since I was there, I am sure Pat will be along to explain trip possibilities soon.
PC is just about 30 mins by bus from Cairns and makes a fabulous luxury, restful, peaceful, romantic getaway. Restaurants are great and accomodation is second to none and many of the hotels/apartments are within yards of the beach.
Have a look at this site, it will make you want to be there.

Good Luck

Muck

http://www.palmcove.net/

pat_woolford

Here I am Mucky.

susug; if you're looking for a B&B around Cairns with close sea views am afraid there's only about 3. Most beachfront land is either residential, resort, or apartments. Have a look at www.bnbnq.com.au under Cairns - Beaches at Holloways (12 mins from airport and basically a residential beach) is almost beach side with two of the front verandah rooms looking out to ocean. Villa Gail is on top of hill at Yorkey's Knob (about 20mins from airport, again mostly residential, although this is changing) and a popular local yacht club open to all - terrific ocean views and you can often can spot dolphins in early morning - not exactly beachside as its land slopes steeply to rocks on shore's edge. Trinity on the Esplanade is just across road at Trinity Beach ( approx. 20 mins from airport), there's a lot more tourist infrastructure at Trinity. Tours will pick up at accommodation mostly, if they don't, hosts will take you to nearest pick-up point. As Mucky says, there's some lovely beachfront accommodation (resorts or apartments) at Palm Cove.

susug

Thanks loads for the info. After reading your comments, it seems like Palm Cove may be the spot! I have been investigating and have come up with The Reef Retreat in Palm Cove. Sounds small, has ocean views, seems reasonable and convenient to Port Douglas for Great Barrier Reef trips. Do you know anything about this one? Thanks!

carolsullivan

We have just booked at Cayman Villas in Port Douglas which is 65 km north of Cairns. It was recommended to us, the ideal spot for the Reef (closest point) and also the Daintree Rain Forest. See webb siet www.caymanvillas.com.au give it a look

susug

thanks for the tip on Cayman Villas; it was not available for the days we needed accomodations. I think it is too large anyway. There will be only my husband and I. Did you notice any others that might work? Smaller hotel? Appreciate your help! Have fun!