We're planning to be in Cairns in September(mid month). We have no idea where to stay. Looking for something around $120 a night. We would rather spend more money on activities than luxury and want to avoid touristy as much as possible. Any suggestions about accomodations or any activities would be marvelous! Mahalo!

We were in Cairns in April and stayed at the Il Palazzo Hotel. They have a web site at www.ilpalazzo.com. The accomodations are wonderful. Each unit has a living room, dining area, small balcony, kitchen, bedroom, large bath complete with washer and drier. The rooms appeared to be nearly new in their furnishings. The rate was extremely reasonable. They have a lovely pool, but its not really a resort. The hotel is right in town, easy walking to restaurants and shopping. I must say we weren't too impressed with Cairns as a destination, but this hotel was really nice.

You could consider staying at Palm Cove, about 20 minutes north of Cairns. Very un-touristy, several nice hotels and apartments, some restaurants. We stayed at the Novotel Hotel some years - adjacent to the beach, restaurant, ten swimming pools and a golf course, nice rooms with balconies. I don't know their current rates. <BR>There is a bus service between Cairns and Palm Cove, but if you are hiring a car, it's easy to get to, and located between Port Douglas and Cairns.

I stayed at the Righa Colonial Resort for 5 days in May. It's about a 5 minutes ride into Cairns and they have a free shuttle up to 6PM. I'm fairly sure that it is less than $120/night. There were 3 pools, several restaurants, tennis, and a place to book tours. The rooms were fairly decent and clean, and service was friendly. On certain days, you can see the cane toads race. Web page is at http://www.rihgacolonialclub.com.au/

I stayed at the El Centro, located across from the Police station. It's a smaller in size, but not in amenaties hotel. Highly recommended.

I just finished compiling an article on North Queensland for a travel magazine and one or two places really stuck out for me. If you want to avoid "touristy" accommodation venues, you may be interested in a new, boutique property recently opened in the Cairns hinterland - Mt Quincan Retreat. They have lovely cottages for couples and I think you will experience a side of North Queensland that few do. You may be able to grab a car and plan your day trips from there, knowing you have a quiet, unique retreat to return home to. <BR> <BR> I am not sure of their web address, but their phone number is 0740 952 255 (outside Oz drop the 0 before the 740 and add 61). You may also want to contact marlin Waters which looks very comfortable and should be within your price range. Their phone number is 0740 5539 33 and they are not far from Cairns at one of the quieter beach areas. <BR> <BR>If your budget is US $120 a night, I am more than happy to give you contact details for other unique accommodation venues so you can contact them for a brochure. <BR> <BR>Cheers, <BR> <BR>Tanya