Port Douglas or Cairns ???
 

After a cruise beginning in Hawaii and ending in Auckland , on January 5, we want to visit Australia on our own. I have been reading about PD and Cairns as a place to stay but I'm not sure which would be the best. Of course we want to see GBR, rainforest..etc. We are both 50 years old but very active, would like a little night life..but enjoy quiet also. Any advice on the two cities would be appreciated. We are staying about 4 to five days.

PORT!

Based on what you're looking for, I'd say Port Douglas, without question.<BR><BR>Enjoy.

Definitely Port Douglas. Visit Cairns for a day, but stay in PD.

With out a second thought Port Douglas, night life however is limited at both places

Karen,<BR>Cairns is a small city, Port Douglas is a large village, they have a different feel. Depends on what you like. Most people, us included, prefer PD. There are stacks more shops and restaurants etc in Cairns and more places to stay, cinemas, etc but no beach, there are mudflats in Cairns. Lots of backpackers in Cairns but didn't see any in PD. <BR><BR>PD has a nice beach, is closer to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation and most of the reef trips leave from the marina there (they bus people up from Cairns which adds hours on to your day).<BR><BR>You could always stay 2 days in Cairns and 3 in PD to get a taste of each. They are only an hour apart by local bus or hire car.<BR>Kay

Thanks to all who replied !! Looks like it will be PD. Any suggestions as to a nice place to stay ?<BR><BR>Karen