My family and I (2 adults & 2 kids) will be in and around Cairns from July 3 through July 11. Our plan is to camp out as much as possible while visiting FNQ, but since the rest of our time in Oz won't involve camping, we'd rather not lug a tent all the way from the USA if we can avoid it. Are there any places in the Cairns area where we can rent a tent for a week? And how much should we expect to pay?

Try Pickers', 270 Mulgrave Rd, about the largest camping store in Cairns - they do rent tents and marquees. [email protected] Sorry, don't know cost. If you're camping on an island, you'll need a permit from Queensland Parks and Wildlife, available in Cairns.

Excellent. Thanks, Pat!

Would they have to get a permit from Parks and wildlife if using a Caravan Park though Pat? Is the permit for National Parks and places like that or what...... long time since I pitched a tent so am out of touch. Wonderful places to stay if not in Caravan Parks tho' i.e. around the lakes on the Tablelands and up in the Daintree area.

Liz, don't think you'd need a permit for a caravan park unless its in a National Park or protected area, as many are. Permits for many National Parks can be bought on-line - www.epa.qld.gov.au

Sorry, I forgot to mention what an excellent idea it is to camp, Vennie. It'll give you so much more of an idea of what the area and wildlife is about than staying in some cookie-cutter resort. I'm sure you've already worked out where you'll want to be, just one suggestion is Frankland Islands, south of Cairns - Frankland Island Cruise and Dive will drop you there and pick you up. You do need to bring everything, including water, equipment is available from Pickers mentioned above. Have camped there myself, just lovely to wake up on the islands with no-one in sight, also excellent snorkelling from fringing reefs. As Liz suggested, also Tableland and Daintree.