Planning a 1 week trip to Cairns

[Zeeman]

If it were mid Ausgust I'd go for a dive with you. am going up for a wedding August 18..

Z...

 

[ScubaKai]

thanks everyone for your replies I have narrowed down my options to this

Here is an itenarary Im looking at
Sunday - arrival
Monday - going around Cairns
Tuesday - Diving
Wednesday - Diving
Thursday - Trip to Port Douglas
Friday - going around Cairns
Saturday - going around Cairns

Just want to save you some time. Unless you're into Adrenalin Thrills (sky diving etc), really Cairns and north of it are really good for one of three reasons: The Reef, The Rainforest, The relaxation. Cairns, the city itself, does not offer too much except for being a portal and a party haven.

I would recommend that you include the rainforest in your itinery unless you're a tree hater. Include a 1 or 2 night stay in Cape Tribulation, a rainforest hideaway (cheaper then the Daintree, which is like being in an Ewok fantasy land). There are trips that go out there and include a lot of venues along the way to and from Cape Tribulation. I was there on the weekend of the 9th April 2006 and stayed at the Cape Tribulation Beach House. If you do that, the Sea Kayaking is fantastic if it's sunny. And don't forget the camera for those beautiful sunsets / sunrises. You can actually see the stars without the pollution up there. Note you can also do dives from Cape Tribulation as they have a boat that goes out every day. It's MUCH better then Cains diving for the reason that the reefs are not overdived and in better condition. Cairns diving tends to be damaged due to too many tourists.

If you HAVE to spend time in Cairns, the Esplande and the surrounding streets have all the stores you need within 10mins walk from each other. Regarding accomadation it depends on what you're expecting. I stayed at the YHA Cains Central Hostel. Cheap, Clean and not as noisy as other hostels. Noise is a big factor when choosing Hostels. Hostels are around $22-$30 for dorms. Gilligans is $99 per night for a double/twin room. You can get motel rates for around $70 but that may require a bit of walking to get into the city. If you're not a hostel fan, Gilligans is probably better for you.

If I were coming from overseas (and I'm more into diving) I'd plan something like this:

Sunday - arrival, find travel agent in town to book everything.
Monday - Cairns -> Cape Tribulation with stops inbetween. Overnight Cape Tribulation Beach House
Tuesday - Cape Tribulation -> Cairns with stops inbetween (parks /rainforests/ gorgues)
Wednesday - Cairns Liveaboard
Thursday - Cairns Liveaboard
Friday - Cairns Liveaboard
Saturday - Cairns, Get souveniers.

/This itinery is good for novice divers, and I would actually substitute more dives off Cape Tribulation/Port Douglas then dive off Cairns day trips.

Or

Sunday - arrival, find travel agent in town to book everything.
Monday - Liveaboard (Taka or Spirit of Freedom)
Tuesday - Liveaboard (Take or Spirit of Freedom)
Wednesday - Liveaboard (Take or Spirit of Freedom)
Thursday - Liveaboard (Take or Spirit of Freedom)
Friday - Cairns -> Cape Tribulation (overnight Cape Trib or not, then CT->Cairns same day)
Saturday - Cape Tribulation -> Cairns.

/This itinery is good for more hardcore divers

Just some possibilities depending on what you are after. In my opinion, Cairns is good for getting souveniers, partying and getting drunk. Port Douglas I would skip completely unless you looking for peace and quiet, and Cape Tribulation should be included in any first timers visit if you're not really into 'partying and getting drunk'. Be advised that any one liveaboard experience does not depart daily obviously, so you would have to plan your itinery around that, should that be an option for you.

Good luck