catoner

We are planning vacation to Australia for about 10 days. One of the places we are interested in is Cairns. My husband would love to fish and snorkel, my daughter wants to swim and see dolphins and I want to see the rainforest and hike. I was trying to find a place to stay where we don't need a car to get around but still have some privacy combined with a bungalow type experience for a relaxing vacation without spending a huge some of money. This seems like a tall order but I have gone through quite few of the forum looking for something like this but have not been successful. We will be coming from the Los Angeles to Sydney and then fly to Cairns. I hear Port douglas is nice and reasonable(??) but I am really stuck with trying to find place to stay. Any ideas are very welcome. Thanks

Melnq8

I have no specific recommendations in Cairns or Port Douglas, but you might consider self-catering apartments or privately owned cottages. These can can be found all over Australia and they generally offer all the comforts of home and plenty of privacy at a reasonable price.

These sites might help you get started:

www.greatplacestostay.com.au

www.totaltravel.com.au

www.travelmate.com.au

www.cottages.com.au

www.stayz.com.au

pat_woolford

Catoner - for a friendly, laid-back,quiet, inexpensive and private stay have a look at Villa Marine Beachside Holiday Apartments www.villamarine.com.au -its close to Yorkey's Knob Beach which is about 15 min north of Cairns airport and has some adjoining rainforest.

What time of year are you planning on?

Mucky

catoner Your right; Port Douglas is perfect for your needs. Also Palm Cove may fit the bill, its smaller and quieter.

Transport to Cairns and many other places is easy by local bus, tours are available from many places too and you can hire a car if you decide you want to.

Its a while since we were there but check out the site.

www.palmcove.net

We stayed at the Oasis at palm cove, it was really gorgeous and good value too.
http://www.oasis-palmcove.com.au/

Good luck

Muck

waggis

Palm Cove has my vote...loved it!

Karen246

Poart Douglas or Trinity Beach would be my choice. Lots of great apartments in Port Douglas but make sure that they are near the beach and main street unless you have a car though it is fairly easy to walk around. You will have a great time in PD.

BarbAnn

Another vote for Palm Cove. Mucky is spot on.

catoner

Hi All,
Thank you for your suggestions, and I wanted to report back that we stayed in Yorkey's knob at the Villa Marine.
Great place and very nice owner Peter.
I highly recommend for anyone to stay there. He helped us with almost everything including starting the barbecue. The place is genuine and a hidden treasure. Thansk

pat_woolford

Hi catoner
Am so glad you enjoyed Villa Marine; Yorkey's Beach doesn't get much of a mention here.

I thinks its ideal for those who don't want wall-to-wall resort development; and a great base for nature lovers; but with easy bus access to Cairns city if the mood strikes you. Also close to Skyrail station at Smithfield and Kuranda Train station at Freshwater.