Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 6 . QUEENSLAND & THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
WHERE TO STAY
Cairns has a good supply of affordable accommodations, both in the heart of the
city and along the northern beaches. You can also stay in the peaceful village of
Kuranda, or get away from it all at an island resort.
IN CAIRNS
Unless noted otherwise, shops, restaurants, cinemas, the casino, bus terminals,
the train station, and the Reef Fleet Terminal for Great Barrier Reef cruises are
all within walking distance of the following accommodations.
Bay Village Tropical Retreat A swimming pool tucked in a lush garden
courtyard adds to the charm at this two-story hotel about 1km ( 1 ⁄2 mile) from
the city center. After a major renovation in 2002, it now offers standard rooms,
studios, and one and two bedroom apartments. All are smartly decorated with
rattan cane furniture and have cool tiled or polished floors. There’s lots of space,
and helpful staff members are always around. Facilities include an Internet
room, free barbecue, and a restaurant.
Corner Lake and Gatton sts., Cairns, QLD 4870. & 07/4051 4622. Fax 07/4051 4057. www.bayvillage.
com.au. 63 units (most with shower only). A$130 (US$85) double; A$145 (US$94) studio; A$175 (US$114)
1-bedroom apt; A$205 (US$133) 2-bedroom apt. Extra person A$42 (US$27). Children under 15 stay free in
parent’s room. AE, DC, MC, V. Limited free parking. Free city center and airport shuttle (7am–11pm). Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; outdoor pool; room service; coin-op laundry. In room: A/C and ceiling fans, TV, kitchenette
(apts only), coffeemaker, hair dryer.
Cairns Bed & Breakfast Norah and Bernie Hollis’s B&B is 5km (3 miles)
away from the airport or city in a pleasant suburb close to good restaurants and
the bus, and on the edge of a conservation wetlands area popular with birdwatchers.
Guests share the house with Bill the dog, Martin the cat, and dozens
of Norah’s teddy bears. Each cool, tile-floored room has its own entrance; all are
furnished in Laura Ashley, with throw rugs, embroidered towels, and framed
prints. Hair dryers are available. Breakfast is served by the pool. Your hosts are a
good source for advice on tours (Bernie is a tour guide), which mostly pick up
from the door. No smoking.
48 Russell St., Edge Hill, Cairns, QLD 4870. & 07/4032 4121. Fax 07/4053 6557. www.cairnsbnb.com.au.
3 units (all with shower only). A$85 (US$55) single; A$95–A$135 (US$62–US$88) double. Rates include full
breakfast. No credit cards. Free on-street parking. Free transfers from airport, trains, and coach terminals
(arrange when booking). Amenities: Outdoor pool; laundry service. In room: A/C, TV.
Club Crocodile Hides Hotel Time has left this colonial three-story hotel
overlooking a pedestrian plaza in the center of town a little worse for the wear,
but it does have redeeming features, such as the high ceilings with ornate plasterwork,
new carpets, and fresh paint in all the rooms. Choose from smallish
rooms in the original 1885 building, or larger, lighter tile-floored rooms in the
1960s wing. Most rooms have no views, but a few open onto a huge veranda
that overlooks the busy streets. This is a great spot to eat your basic breakfast,
but it gets very noisy on Friday and Saturday nights when the public bar below
starts to roar. There’s 24-hour reception, and even a hairdresser on the premises!
Dive training classes are held in the pool.
87 Lake St., Cairns, QLD 4870. & 07/4051 1266. Fax 07/4031 2276. www.clubcroc.com.au. 105 units, 80
with bathroom (68 with shower only). A$80 (US$52) double without bathroom; A$118 (US$77) double with
bathroom. Rates include continental breakfast and dinner. Ask about packages. AE, DC, MC, V. Free security
parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; outdoor pool; tour desk; room service; coin-op laundry. In room: A/C and
ceiling fan, TV, fridge, coffeemaker, modem, safe.