Cairns Esplanade or CBD?
 

I am still trying to decide where to stay in Cairns. Which area the Esplanade or Central Biz District would be the best?

They seem relatively close to one another and the information I've read about them seem to say they are both walking distance to all of the attractions, etc.

Can anyone share with me their particular preference. Thanks. Just looking for general feedback and understanding of the areas.

We are also planning trip to GBR.
On several occasions I've had different friends who've traveled there recently said they prefered Port Douglas to Cairns.

Cairns Esplanade is part of Cairns CBD, its not a big city, some would call it a town. I did answer your other post regarding Mantra on Esplanade, I think you were also enquiring on a separate post about Novotel Oasis (also Cairns CBD,) and Half Moon Bay Resort at Yorkeys Knob. Another poster mentioned that Yorkey's Knob is about a 20 minute bus ride from CBD (or airport) which is perfectly correct.

Apart from the fact that reef boats leave from both Cairns city and Port Douglas, a comparison between the two is apples and oranges. A far more valid comparison with Port Douglas would be Palm Cove, a northern beach suburb of Cairns.

Yorkey's is also a beach suburb of Cairns, not nearly as touristed as Cairns city, Palm Cove or Port Douglas. There's a lovely beach and harbour, but you could feel a bit isolated without a car, although most tours do pick up there.

esplanada much prettier!
away from the smells that waft from the pavements outside the pubs
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwww

the mantra esplanade is meant to be nice
right on the corner and opposite the council pool area ( very beautiful)
friend has stayed there twice