We are driving from Cairns to Airlie Beach in September and are thinking of staying 1 night in Cardwell and another in Townsville in order to be able to take our time and see things on the way. Does anyone have any suggestions for decent places to stay? There will be 3 adults and 1 child, so a two bedroom place near the water and a mid price range would be ideal. Also we are thinking of staying at the Club Croc at Airlie and also a couple of nights on Long Island and doing an outer reef boat trip. I'd be grateful for any feedback from anyone who has stayed at those places and any recommendations for the boat trip. Thanks

Hinchinbrook Island is just across the channel from Cardwell, and should not be missed. Australia's largest national park island, its simply stunning - www.hinchinbrookresort.com.au - family beach cabins are available at a lower price than the tree house resort. It deserves more than one night though.

From Townsville, Magnetic Island is less than a half hour ferry ride, nothing like the wilderness of Hinchinbrook but lovely beaches, scenery, hikes, wildlife and a good size koala population where the animals are easy to spot. Lots of accommodation including many new apartments there, just google.

Haven't stayed at Whitsundays for a while, am sure someone else will pipe up on that one.

PS I meant to add, Townsville itself is a city, larger than Cairns city, and considers itself the capital of Northern Queensland.

Apart from a very expensive development at Port Hinchinbrook, just a little south of the very small town of Cardwell, there's not a lot of accommodation there, just a few old-style small motels. There's a B&B but have no idea what its like.

Thanks Pat
Your tip re Hinchinbrook is one I will definately act on, as is the Magnetic island suggestion. I'm glad we are not driving straight through and will have time to hop across to the islands, even if it is only for a short peek.
Thanks again.

Hi again Pat
I just looked on the link you provided to Hinchinbrook. Thank you, but when I added up the ferry costs and room rate for 1 night it is over $700! Sadly, I think mainland it will have to be for the night. I may do better with Magnetic (fingers crossed).

sistertaranki, yes its expensive, no competition I guess but the beach cabins at AU$275 for up to 4 didn't seem too bad. Never mind, you can take a daytrip over from Cardwell.

Much more variety of accommodation at Magnetic Island - if you're only going for one night don't take your car, the vehicular ferry is expensive - there's security parking near the Magnetic Island ferry at Breakwater Casino at Townsville. There's cheap public transport on the island.

Don't forget to at least drop in to Mission Beach between Cairns and Cardwell; beautiful beaches and rainforest hinterland around there.

I stayed at the Caravan Park in Cardwell a few years ago and they had cabins which were very nice and I think about $100 for the night. There was 7 of us then - 3 children and 4 adults. This enabled us to go over to Hinchinbrook Island for the day which was wonderful espectially for the kids who just had a ball. I am pretty sure that there is more than one way of getting to Hinchinbrook island so perhaps you can sort that out when you get to Cardwall. The Island is most certainly the best and most diverse off the coast of Queensland and has won many eco awards - and so it should. You could stay at Club Crocodile on Long Island ( I think its on Long Island ) and not at Airlie Beach which is NOT the perfect place to stay in the Whitsundays.

The Cardwell Village Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park has motel units overlooking the sea. The park runs between the main highway and the coast with the motel units well away from any highway noise. We've stayed there (but not in the motel units) and found it quite pleasant. They have a small restaurant overlooking the water. Don't be put off by the highway side of the complex which is backpackers' accommodation and a bit scruffy. You can look them up at www.toptouristparks.com.au

Although we thought it a wonderful adventure, be advised there is an slight potential obstacle driving from Cairns to Airlie Beach: the Tully River crossing. We were marooned there a few days by flooding but enjoyed the ambience at the Euramo Hotel on the south side. If the river isn't too high u get to go across on giant transporters ( not free) or u can wait drink beer and wait drink beer and......
cheers
AndrewDavid

If the road is blocked by floods in September, let me know and I'll post a video of me eating my hat!

At this time of year, January to march it does happen. Floods around at the moment in north Queensland but diminishing. Warm and sunny on the beautiful green Atherton Tablelands today.

Flood Season Extension notice: I believe this was early May!

cheers
a/d

It was indeed Andrew, late April/early May, 2004. And more this year again with roads and rail cut by flood waters - flash flooding in Mackay the other day causing emergency evacuations from homes. Cpt Cook highway just north of Cairns airport was nearly under, that would have cut off access to northern beaches and Port Douglas, rain stopped in the nick of time.

some people say " we'll always have Paris" I say "we'll always Have Euramo"!

cheers
AndrewDavid