HELP with 4 nights in Cairns
 

We (4 of us) are taking a 2 week trip to Australia (YEAH!) from New York in December and spending the first 4 nights in Cairns at the Hilton. Using points so it is free. We land at 3 PM so I figure we will be wasted when we land and the next day, Of the 3 full days we will have, 2 of us will spend the second day on a dive trip. The next day, since we cannot fly, we plan on taking a trip to cape Tribulation with a river cruise.

I am not sure what we should do the first day, since I think we will still be adjusting to the time. Also, what should the other 2 people do the day I am out diving.

If we all do,something together the one day, what do they do the next.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

The first suggestion would be to stay in Palm Cove or Port Douglas and not Cairns but I guess it's a bit late for that ....

Although derided by some as touristy, many people do the trip to Kuranda - take the train up and the skyrail back. We've done it a few times and always enjoyed it as it makes for a pleasant day out. Visit the bird sanctuary and the butterfly sanctuary and the markets at the top of the village.

Rent a car for a day and drive up the coast to Port Douglas.

Rent a car and spend a day out on the Atherton Tablelands.

Do the two non-divers not want to go snorkeling out on the reef? That's what most people go there for....

http://www.kuranda.org

http://www.visitportdouglasdaintree.com.au

http://www.athertontablelands.com.au

We found the half-day tour of Cairns very interesting. I presume it is still offered.

If poss rent a car as tt7 has suggested and do both suggestions.
Another couple of ideas using a rental car:
visit Mareeba - go to the Coffee Works for a tour;
visit the Mareeba Wetlands;
just on the outskirts of Cairns is a lovely man-made lake that is the reservoir. Can't think of the name at present but it is very peaceful and serene.

ttt

Thanks! Good suggestion! No, we have one person who will not snorkle. I thought of the trips that go to the platforms with glass bottom boats, but being with 300 people does not appeal to me.

Am I wrong to think that my first day I will be too jet lagged to enjoy myself? Can I plan a trip that day? What would be a good half day trip?

Boors, each time we have flown from the US Midwest to Australia the jet lag upon arrival was not bad at all (but coming home took forever to get over). I find it much easier to adjust than going from the US to Europe, for example. I simply stay up as late as I possibly can the night before leaving so that I am tired once I get on the plane, then sleep almost all the way there. When you wake up, it's morning in Australia. For a few nights we went to bed a bit earlier than others, but, it really isn't bad at all. Each time we took showers and did things immediately upon arrival in Australia.