GBR - Where to base our 3 1/2 day visit

Old Oct 9th, 2014, 04:05 AM
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GBR - Where to base our 3 1/2 day visit

We are a middle-aged couple coming to Australia for the first time. We are starting off arriving into Cairns at noon on a Sunday and then leaving that area on Friday morning. So we are trying to decide in which area to stay and then which activities in which to participate. We know we want to do a GBR scuba/snorkel day. And at least either Daintree or Kuranda rain forests...perhaps both Then we'll have another 1 1/2 days to fill in...suggestions?? So the decision is whether to stay in Cairns (by the esplanade or in the close suburbs), in Palm Cove, Cape Trib or Port Douglas. Any guidance would be most appreciated!!
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Old Oct 9th, 2014, 05:02 AM
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We stayed at the Thala Beach Lodge -- outside of Port Douglas. It was pricey, but stunning--and we got a last-minute/mid-week/off-season deal. It's one of the best places I've ever stayed--and was a good location for us to drive to Cape Trib, the Daintree, and Mossman.

We did our GBR cruise out of Pt. Douglas. It was incredible. Also really enjoyed the wildlife park in PD.
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Old Oct 9th, 2014, 05:39 AM
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We've been to Far North Queensland many times and have always stayed in Port Douglas. While we've never had the pleasure of staying at the Thala Beach Lodge, we've enjoyed several different properties--usually staying in serviced apartments for the extra space and kitchen amenities.

We like the small town, laid-back feel of Port Douglas. It's a nice place to walk around; there are good restaurant and interesting shops; and it's easy to get to the Reef and the rainforest from PD. Finally, Four Mile Beach is really nice!
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Old Oct 9th, 2014, 05:21 PM
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We have not been yet, but will be there next month. We chose Port Douglas staying at By the Sea. So far we are very happy with the wonderful communication and suggestions from theier staff.
We had a hard time deciding between Palm Cove and Port Douglas. We like that PD is close to Daintree, Mossman Gorge and where so many of the reef trip depart.
Have a wonderful trip!
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Old Oct 12th, 2014, 10:55 AM
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Hi Ellen,

We stayed in PD for 5 nights and had a terrific time. it's an easy drive from Cairns, and like cristeen says, you are in easy reach of Daintree and Mossman as well as many reef trip options.

BTW, we also stayed at By The Sea. it's very close to the beach [very nice food down at the life saving club] but an easy walk to the restaurants and shops and the staff are great. only downside is that the pool is very small, which in November - February, when you can't use the beach because of stingers, is a bit of a pain. I say you can't use the beach - you can of course lie on it and there is a small area netted off where you can swim, but you can't really go in the ocean. So if having a decent swim matters to you, you might want to look at somewhere with a better pool.
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