Thanks Pat. Perhaps the new 787 aircraft would work.

I have decided to forgo the stay at Cairns and head to Port Douglas! My husband loves driving on the left side and with a standard shift! He got lots of practice when we visited Wales. Those roads were a nightmare! haha

Also look at Palm Cove for a somewhat closer beachfront destination - lower key and probably cheaper than Port Douglas, but with splendid beaches and good access to the sky buckets and other local attractions.