Christmas in nth Queensland

[RooFlyer]

In 2025 I’m on a cruise through Indonesia that finishes in Cairns a few days before Christmas. Contemplating staying in North Queensland for Christmas so I wonder if anyone can make any suggestions that could fit the following criteria.

* adults only

* not way over the top expensive - but it’s Christmas so I know it won’t be cheap, so I probably need to give a bit of latitude here

* doesn’t have to be on a beach in fact, preferably not

* doesn’t have to be super luxurious/pampering but just a good solid product

 

[RB]

In 2025 I’m on a cruise through Indonesia that finishes in Cairns a few days before Christmas. Contemplating staying in North Queensland for Christmas so I wonder if anyone can make any suggestions that could fit the following criteria.

* adults only

* not way over the top expensive - but it’s Christmas so I know it won’t be cheap, so I probably need to give a bit of latitude here

* doesn’t have to be on a beach in fact, preferably not

* doesn’t have to be super luxurious/pampering but just a good solid product

You might find something in this (1) Cairns & North-A Road Trip | Australian Frequent Flyer

 

[GrahamBRI]

My pick for the area and your criteria would be Accor - The Reef House Retreat in Palm Cove. Accommodation is great and their complementary inclusions are great. Really great food options in Palm Cove...... it does miss your beach avoidance request, but the beach does not interfere with the hotel layout. This is an Adults Only place.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Cairns at XMAS you will melt so hot and humid.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I can let you know how hot and humid it is @RooFlyer we are heading there 3-10 December for nephew Pilot's 30th - what you do for family
We are staying in Palm Cove and agree with Reef House, especially as you are A+

 

[GrahamBRI]

Cairns at XMAS you will melt so hot and humid.

Key to enjoying the Cairns heat, pick somewhere close to the ocean - wonderful afternoon sea breeze...... it just does not penetrate much further inland than a couple 100m.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Key to enjoying the Cairns heat, pick somewhere close to the ocean - wonderful afternoon sea breeze...... it just does not penetrate much further inland than a couple 100m.

Party house is inland, but high on a hill with a pool - and air con @GrahamBRI

 

[RooFlyer]

My pick for the area and your criteria would be Accor - The Reef House Retreat in Palm Cove. Accommodation is great and their complementary inclusions are great. Really great food options in Palm Cove...... it does miss your beach avoidance request, but the beach does not interfere with the hotel layout. This is an Adults Only place.

Looks good! As flyfrequently mentions, I'm Accor+ (Plat) . And not eye-wateringly expensive.

Cairns at XMAS you will melt so hot and humid.

I lived in Darwin for 3 years, so sorta know what I'd be in for. But a decent point to consider.

I can let you know how hot and humid it is @RooFlyer we are heading there 3-10 December for nephew Pilot's 30th - what you do for family
We are staying in Palm Cove and agree with Reef House, especially as you are A+

Good luck!

The Reef House looks a bit densely packed, but can't have everything. I wonder if they'll honour Accor Plat stuff too? Peppers don't. I'll ask the Q in the Accor forum.

 

[GrahamBRI]

The Reef House looks a bit densely packed, but can't have everything. I wonder if they'll honour Accor Plat stuff too? Peppers don't. I'll ask the Q in the Accor forum.

Did not feel packed to us (Peppers felt more packed to me). The veranda rooms gave a nice open space (we did stay over Christmas as well). We were Diamond when we stayed some years back now (before it became adults only). Back then we got welcome drinks and free breakfast...... I believe that is still the case (List of hotels with an Executive Lounge). I believe their restaurant has been dropped from Accor Plus Dining Benefit, so you may have to walk down the road to Pullman for that.