Property
These family friendly, contemporary apartments put you right next to the waterfront in the center of the lovely town of Cairns. Request an apartment that overlooks the marina–your children will love watching the boats come and go. And you will love the easy walking around Cairns pretty city center. Apartments come with separate sleeping and living areas, ensuite bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens. There is an on-site pool but no restaurant or store. Not to worry, plenty nearby.

Location
Conveniently located in the centre of Cairns city, it is mere minutes walk to the Reef Fleet Terminal, departure point for all Great Barrier Reef cruises. All Daintree Rainforest, Atherton Tablelands and other Cairns tours will pick up out the front of the hotel.

Highlights
Convenience to Cairns. Sitting on the balcony, watching the boats.

Good to know
The hooting noise between 8 and 9 am are the boats leaving the harbour for Green Island. Let’s face it, you’ll be up by that time anyway.

Written by Jane Rytina

Property
Oceanfront is a literal description for these self-catering cottages–they are right on the beach. Part of a quiet, pleasant campground of the same name, the clean, well-maintained bungalows are surrounded by palm trees and come with private verandas overlooking the Coral Sea. They have kitchens, private baths and weekly maid service. There is a grocery store nearby, but you need a car to get to any restaurant. With a swimming pool, wading pool and laundry facilities, Ellis Beach is a charming out-of-town alternative to the costly tourist hotels.

Location
Ellis Beach is equidistant to Cairns and Port Douglas, about 25 minutes drive from each. It is ideal for North Queensland sightseeing, and most of the local tours will pick up from here.

Sleeps
Up to 5 in 2-bedrooms cottages.

Highlights
Glorious beach for walks and play. Serene and private setting.

Good to know
Don’t panic, but November to May is jellyfish season in North Queensland. The locals are geared up for it and nets keep the sand safe, but there is no swimming in the ocean anywhere along the coast.

Written by Jane Rytina

Property
As though Cairns wasn’t fabulous enough, a stay at The Lakes’ 11 acres of lush tropical gardens really puts the icing on the cake. The apartments are pleasantly furnished and spacious, with laundry facilities, full kitchens and private balconies. The resort has 4 pools, a kids’ playground, a kids’ games room, tennis, basketball and bocce. An on-site convenience store saves a trip to the supermarket, and a family-friendly restaurant saves a trip to the store! The resort will be happy to arrange your day trips from their tour desk.

Location
The Lakes Cairns Resort & Spa is adjacent to the lovely Botanical Gardens and Centenary Lakes, which is worth taking a walk through just to try and spot a Kookaburra. It’s about 1 1/2 miles (5 minute drive) from Cairns, and has a shuttle that runs into town every hour (for a small fee).

Highlights
Gardens. Pools. Spacious apartments. Great value for money.

Written by Jane Rytina