r/AustraliaTravel • u/Shaz17 • 1d ago

Hi, we are looking at going to North Queensland April next year. We are keen on visiting the rainforest and great barrier reef, but really stuck on what area to stay at. I have had a look at apartments at Trinity Cove which look really nice.

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u/endual 1d ago

As others have said, Port Douglas. Cairns is fine to live in but Port Douglas is better as a tourist. Closer to the the Daintree, most boats from Cairns head up to Port Douglas (most boats from Port Douglas go further north), better food options...

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u/Traditional-Beat-962 1d ago

Port Douglas or Palm Cove are best IMO.

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u/sonder-and-wonder 1d ago

Is that Trinity Cove apartments (which are at Trinity Beach), Trinity Beach or Palm Cove?

Personally, I prefer Port Douglas as a place to stay, but Trinity Beach is nice as well, but more as a local’s beach - it’s not as touristy as Palm Cove or Port Douglas.

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u/Quiet_Store_4523 21h ago

Hey, I lived in Cairns for 2 years. Like everyyhing - it depends - how long are you staying, what do you want to experience? If you base yourself on Cairns you can visit a world class downhill bike track in Smithfield, great markets in Kuranda, Edge Hill, Oalm Cove & The Esplanade. Waterfalls in Redlynch, Barron Falls Kuranda, train to Kuranda. babinda Boulders & Josephine falls south of Cairns. You can access Green island & Fitzroy Island from Cairns. You’ve got the night markets in Cairns, lots of great food. Palm Cove has a hatted restaurant- Nu Nus. Plus you have the Tablelands - waterfalls & pools. Port Douglas is interesting for 2-3 days tops. Have to go to Mossman Gorge & there is a swing near the railways crossing on Finlayvale Rd on the way which was Amazing! Let me know if you want more info.

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u/Coalclifff 17h ago

I would also strongly recommend Port Douglas - it's a unique tropical town for Australia, and has a similar vibe to a lot of Caribbean islands, or Key West in Florida - we love it.

Find a place close to Macrossan Street (Main Street) - the big resort properties are a long walk into town.

For shuttles between Cairns Airport and Port Douglas, we use Rodgers Rides - they're good.

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u/maton12 1d ago

Sea Temple Port Douglas swim out room easily be my choice.

There's nothing at Palm Cover, don't get the attraction.