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.

 

[markis10]

Cairns is off peak in December for a reason, dead during the day as everyone is hiding inside in the aircon, swimming pools become hot water spas, and at night they come out to go troppo at Gilligans. At least at Palm Cove you should miss the last part.

 

[RooFlyer]

Interesting. Quite different pricing and packages booking direct Vs booking via Accor; book direct mostly cheaper (prob not surprising), although Accor has 'red hot rooms' for all categories (but 100% payable, no refund).

 

[Flyfrequently]

At least at Palm Cove you should miss the last part.

At least at Palm Cove will miss hanging with my Troppo fam staying on Cairns Esplanade @markis10

 

[RooFlyer]

Cairns is off peak in December for a reason, dead during the day as everyone is hiding inside in the aircon, swimming pools become hot water spas, and at night they come out to go troppo at Gilligans. At least at Palm Cove you should miss the last part.

I guess there are stingers in the water, like Darwin? Will I need to pack the pantyhose?

I'll bet Gilligans had nothing on Lim's Bar in Darwin in the '80s when i was there:

https://www.ntnews.com.au/business/the-old-bar-from-the-rage-in-the-cage-days-at-lims-hotel-sold/news-story/ad5d3e04ce815b901f7e5708862b36f5

KEVIN Bloody Wilson called Lim’s Hotel the only place in Darwin you had to wipe your feet on the way out.

I'm happy to pretty well veg for a few days, soaking in G&Ts. Most times when I go away I can't keep still, always doing stuff, won't be bad to be forced just to stop and read etc.

 

[docjames]

Thala Beach would fit much of those criteria, not insanely expensive but not cheap either….

Plenty to do in the surrounding area too


Www.thalabeach.com.au

 

[RooFlyer]

Thala Beach would fit much of those criteria, not insanely expensive but not cheap either….

Plenty to do in the surrounding area too


Www.thalabeach.com.au

Thanks - the individual bungalows is a big plus for me.

 

[jastel]

It might not be hot...it could be pouring rain or have a cyclone...

Yes, there will be stingers, and crocs as well in the ocean. But far more dangerous are the local underage car thieves, hopefully some new laws may have culled the 3rd menace by then.

Wherever you stay be prepared to self cater or book in advance and shell out big $$$ for Xmas dinner as last year there was literally 3 places open due to the new penalty rates.

Palm Cove will need a car or rely on public transport.

If you dont want the beach and want to stay in the CBD the newish Crystalbrook Hotels of Riley, Bailey and Flynn are getting decent reviews.

 

[ausfox]

Can anyone advise if takeaways and convenience be open in Cairns on Christmas day ?

 

[jastel]

Last year it was only Maccas and KFC etc opened...
IGA type stores opened.

The penalty rates are more damaging sit down and be waited on type restaurants.
The few places that did open had to charge a lot, I think $150 for Xmas lunch with soft drink only was one of the cheaper prices I heard.
It could also be they cant get any staff to work even if they agreed to the rates...and people are generally watching their money. But compared to a few years back the town was basically closed last year on Xmas Day.

Get back to me next year to see what happens this year...

 

[ausfox]

Thanks jastel

 

[RooFlyer]

Scrubbing this stay. Got a good offer from home. But many thanks for the suggestions.