Port Douglas, Cairns and Sydney

[exceladdict]

I am significantly underexperienced when it comes to the East Coast of Australia and was hoping to draw on recommendations from AFF'ers about what to do in these three places.

What's booked:
PER-BNE-CNS
6 Nights in port douglas
(one spare night)
CNS-SYD(10 hr stopover)-PER

Hoping for advice on:
- Activities in port douglas (quicksilver etc)
- Where to stay, what to do for the night before we fly out of CNS (6.45am flight to SYD) - I was thinking of staying overnight in CNS
- What to do, how to travel in the 10 hour day in SYD (arrive 9.45am, depart 7.30pm). Keen for ideas and efficient transit options. Would consider harbour bridge, etc.

As always - thanks in advance.

 

[rxguru]

Well Sounds like a nice trip!
Not sure when your going. The Sheraton Mirage is just nearing the end of its renovations. It's a great place to stay on the beach.
The Outer reef and Low Isles Cruises with Quicksilver are also great.

 

[exceladdict]

Well Sounds like a nice trip!
Not sure when your going. The Sheraton Mirage is just nearing the end of its renovations. It's a great place to stay on the beach.
The Outer reef and Low Isles Cruises with Quicksilver are also great.

Thanks rxguru. Heading over July so the Sheraton Mirage will be done but we already have accom in Port Douglas - any recommendations for Cairns?

 

[kermatu]

I'd definitely stay a night in Cairns. My advice is hire a car out of Port Douglas and spend the day driving down to Cairns but via Kuranda, Mareeba and Atherton. Should be doable in a day if you leave at a reasonable time. Will give you an evening in Cairns for a nice meal or just time in,for example, the Hilton hotel - a favourite of mine - with a decent exec lounge.

 

[iRobbo]

Are you hiring a car in Port Douglas (or in Cairns for the drive up to Port)?

take a trip to the reef, either Quicksilver or one of the others.

Drive up up to Cape Tribulation, a fantastic drive crossing the Daintree River (ferry only) beautiful views from multiple spots on the way. This is a long day but well worth it.

Mossman gorge if you have the time, I can take it or leave it, from memory a bit of a trek.

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in Port, quite a few bars and restaurants with water views that are very pleasant to watch the sunset.

 

[exceladdict]

Are you hiring a car in Port Douglas (or in Cairns for the drive up to Port)?

take a trip to the reef, either Quicksilver or one of the others.

Drive up up to Cape Tribulation, a fantastic drive crossing the Daintree River (ferry only) beautiful views from multiple spots on the way. This is a long day but well worth it.

Mossman gorge if you have the time, I can take it or leave it, from memory a bit of a trek.

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in Port, quite a few bars and restaurants with water views that are very pleasant to watch the sunset.

Was thinking of hiring a car ex CNS, comparing price to a transfer from CNS airport to Port Douglas.

Mrs Excel and I were planning on spending a fair bit of time relaxing, strolling and reading books but I will definitely check out those locations if they're within a drive.

Great to hear about the places to eat and drink - just what we're looking for.

 

[Muppet501st]

My favourite hotel in Cairns is the Pullman Reef Casino.
If you feel adventurous, you could take a drive up to Cooktown. The road is great and it's a nice drive, full day up and back.