olivedz

If visiting far north Queensland for approx. 7 nights - is it worth spending 2 nights/3 days up in Cape Tribulation or does it make more sense to stay in Palm Cove or surrounding areas and take a day trip north?
If Cape Trib - where to stay (preferrably on or very near the beach and not too expensive)?

Also, anyone been to Paradise on the Beach Resort Palm Cove? How does it compare to others in the area?

Eagle

Hi, I would spend at least one night in Cape Trib. We stayed at Fern something Resort and it was quite nice. We used Palm Cove as our base while in the Cairns area. Took the boat "Poseidon" out to the reef. The boat is not too big. Recommend the Sebel House Spa.in Palm Cove. Very nice, good restaurant, right on the beach, 2 pools, small and staff is terrific.

olivedz

Eagle - Thanks a bunch for the response. Ferntree is one of the spots I had been checking out. Would you recommend spending more than one night there? I read that it is somewhat rundown, and it's not THAT cheap. The hotel seems to be affiliated with the Cocunut Beach Resort up in Cape Trib, which ends up being only slightly more than Ferntree if you stay 3 nights. Would 3 nights there just be crazy, even if we're into just relaxing at the beach, etc.?? I am trying to get a sense of whether we'll be going stir crazy up in that area if we spend too many days or whether it's a reasonable place to spend some time relaxing/exploring. What's your advice?
Also, I have been reading about the Sebel House - seems nice, but the room that I had been offered (only one there in my price range) seems small and not very attractive. Is it still worth spending the $ to stay there if you're not in one of their more luxurious accomodations? Also, ideally how many nights in Palm Cove? Thanks!!!

Eagle

Part of FernTree Resort is rather run down, but stay in the renovated units, which are quite nice. The pool is nice and there is a great restaurant across the road, but cant remember its name. We checked out Cocoanut Beach and it is very nice and modern but it was rather expensive.We had some friends who stayed there and they liked it. I think we paid around $150 at Fern Tree. We stayed 2 nights and that was long enough. There really isnt much to do around there. We went to the Eco Center or whatever it is called and frankly Im tired of seeing rain forests.Also went to the beach. The drive to Cape Trib. is beautiful. Be sure and stop at the ice cream place. We liked Palm Cove and especially the Sebel House. Our unit had an ocean view and was very spacious.
We were there for a week, but thats too long. If I were going to Cairns area again I would stay no longer than 5 days.Kuranda is fun , and a drive to the Tablelands is nice plus going to the reef and Cape Trib.You would probably want to spend one night at Cape Trib, although many people make a day trip out of it and base themselves in Palm Cove or Port Douglas.

olivedz

Eagle - very helpful, thanks! I think we might adjust our plan - do one night at Coconut Beach (instead of the 3 we're currently scheduled for) - and more time in the Whitsundays. We have a reservation on Heron for two nights too, but we just got the confirmation and it's more than they quoted (transport) - We are debating whether the hefty expense is worth it....

Thanks again!