Good morning, <BR>Interested in going to Green Island, or Dunk Island - can one get there from Port Douglas? or, only from Cairns?<BR><BR>My friends and I are flying into Cairns from Brisbane at 9:00 pm. Debating on whether to find a hotel and enjoy the nightlife in Cairns, or, get find transportation to Port Douglas. (we're young, single adults that are on holiday)<BR><BR>We will not be able to scuba dive for 24 hours because of the flight - so, it puts a damper on that aspect, but, Green or Dunk Island and snorkeling might be a great option for that first day - especially a half day trip; then proceed to Port Douglas to schedule a scuba diving day trip the following day.<BR><BR>Can one RENT snorkeling equipment on Green island, or, do we need to bring our masks and fins? Will we need wet suits in October? (I don't know how much more my suitcase will hold and woudl like to rent as muich as possible.) <BR><BR>Can you recommend a great hotel in Cairns for one night that's near the nightclubs and young people (Under AUS $300 preferably). <BR><BR>I'd appreciate your advice!<BR>Mike

Hi Mike,<BR>I can recommend Il Palazzo in Cairns. It was clean convenient and even had washer/dryer in the 1BR apartment. I didn't have a reservation and found it just by walking around Cairns. I paid A$130 in July.<BR><BR>I believe you can go to Green Is. from Port Douglas but it would be a longer trip to get out there. The Low Isles are closer to Port and you can snorkel there too. The boats have masks, snorkels and fins so don't worry about packing those.<BR><BR>I didn't love Cairns; it's definately bigger than Port Douglas but just not as nice. I'm not sure what time the clubs in Cairns close, but Port did shut down earlier than I'm used to.(I'm originally from NY, the city that never sleeps...) Pt. D is small but I managed to find some fun in the town...Iron Bar was hopping and I hung out at Lime Bar a couple of times too.<BR><BR>Enjoy!<BR>Debbie

Thanks so much for the reply.<BR><BR>All suggestions are most welcome.<BR>Mike

Why won't you be able to dive after a flight? It's 24 hours BEFORE a flight that you cannot dive.<BR>Don't dive or snorkel Green Island at low tide, it sucks (visibility and depthwise). So watch the tide tables.<BR><BR>Any boat that takes you out to Green will provide snorkeling equipment and allow you to rent the extra dive stuff.

Thanks,again, for the information.<BR><BR>Another questions: From Cairns, can you recommend a 1/2 day cruise to Green Island? Would like to do this before going to Port Douglas, since Cairns is closer.<BR><BR>Thanks.<BR>Mike

Green island is pretty boring. very crowded in the daytime (overrun with Japanese tourists). compared to the rest of GBR diving it's not really worth it unless if you have nothing else to do then go ahead otherwise take a 3/4 day dive/snorkel trip on a boat that goes out on the reef a little further.

What time do the Port Douglas pubs and restaurants wind down for the night?<BR><BR>Trying to decide whether to stay the night in Cairnes, since the actual arrival of my flight is 9:15 pm.<BR><BR>Or, try to secure shuttle to Port Douglas that night - probably getting me there around 11:00 -11:30 pm, after collecting luggage, etc.<BR><BR>Would midnight be too late to go downtown and enjoy some nightlife in PD?<BR><BR>Arriving that late in PD, would I still be able to book a day-trip for the following morning?<BR><BR>Or, should I just enjoy Cairns for one night, and take one short cruise in the morning from there that doesn't go via Port Douglas.<BR>Thus, my Green Island thought, which apparently didn't get any good reviews.<BR><BR>If overnighting in Cairns, besides Debbie's recommendation, any other ideas of accommodations, and good pubs/restaurants that attract young adults? <BR><BR>Thanks.<BR>Mike

Surprisingly (as it's at odds with other posters) we DID enjoy our time on Green Island. There is Green Island tours that have fast cats that take you out there from Cairns or Palm Cove. The Green Island adventure boats are moored at Cairns. Go with your own feeling and have a marvelous time.

Thanks for the advice.<BR><BR>Now I'm as confused as ever.<BR><BR>Mike

I meant Green I was boring compared to the rest of the GBR and the snorkeling/diving was only fair. I had a good time but it paled in comparison. For a young group this will be boring, mostly families and couples go there as day trippers.<BR>as for what time PD closes down it depends on what night you fly in. sunday monday can be slow. there are places open just ask the hotel people whne you arrive. they are usually young people who know the details better than I. My wife and I didn't go out much late so I can't say.<BR><BR>you can book a trip in advance if you go to PD the night you fly in. check past posts for best operators.<BR>