Should you opt for the popular, vibrant Cairns, or the more relaxed, picturesque Port Douglas?
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| Cairns, Queensland |
Read our guide to both to help you decide for your next trip to Tropical North Queensland.
Tropical North Queensland is home to some of Australia’s most famous attractions including the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. So, if you are heading to explore this amazing region, should you stay in Cairns or Port Douglas? Both have their pros and cons, so read on to see which one will better suit your holiday in tropical paradise.
Cairns
Located conveniently close to the Marlin Marina and the airport (about a 15-minute drive), Cairns is a popular location for travellers to stay and explore the myriad of attractions of Tropical North Queensland. From here you can easily join tours to Fitzroy and Green Islands and Great Barrier Reef from the marina, located in the centre of town and walking distance from most central hotels. Tours are also available to attractions out of town including Kuranda, Atherton Tablelands and the Daintree Rainforest.
While a walk along the foreshore is a pleasant way to enjoy the tropical surroundings, there is no beach in Cairns. Most hostels and hotels will have a pool, or you can laze about in the water at the Lagoon, a man-made beach close to the foreshore that offers a safe stinger and crocodile free environment for enjoying the water.
Cairns’ popularity means there are a range of accommodation options, from cheap backpacker hostels to upmarket seafront resorts. Foodies will also be satisfied with the range of international dining options, from delicious street food at the Night Markets to fancy restaurants utilising fresh local ingredients. But where Cairns shines compared to its northern neighbour is the nightlife. The vibrant international atmosphere means there are plenty of places to keep partying after dark on any night of the week.
Port Douglas
A one-hour drive north of Cairns, Port Douglas has a reputation as an exclusive destination for the rich and famous after Christopher Skase financed a fancy resort here in the 1980s. Nowadays, the town still has an upmarket appeal compared to Cairns, but is more accessible to the regular Joe with backpacker and budget accommodation options available. The competition and range of dining options are not as large as Cairns, but you can still find cheap eats and there is a supermarket for preparing your own food to keep costs down.
The distance from Cairns means you will probably want to rent a car if you plan on joining any tours to Fitzroy or Green Island or Atherton Tablelands. Tours to the Great Barrier Reef and Low Isles depart from the Crystalbrook Marina, and the town is closer to the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge than Cairns.
But what Port Douglas really has over Cairns is the spectacular natural setting. The Lagoon cannot compare the stunning Four Mile Beach and the proximity to the rainforest, which give your holiday a truly tropical vibe.
So, which one is better?
Honestly this depends on what you! Port Douglas undoubtably offers a more picturesque natural setting, but you can expect to pay more for your accommodation and eating out, and will be isolated without your own car. Meanwhile Cairns is a cheaper option with more of a ‘big city’ vibe (in a relax Queensland kind of way) and is more convenient for most tours. Whichever one you choose, you will be sure to enjoy a magical holiday in Tropical North Queensland.
Recommended Cairns Tours: Half Day Cairns City Highlights Tour
Price: $84
Company: Last Minute Day Tours
Related article: Why you should visit Cairns?
This post was originally posted on https://lastminutedaytoursaustralia.wordpress.com/2020/04/18/where-to-stay-cairns-or-port-douglas/
