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

CAIRNS 279
Coral Tree Inn Value The focal point of this airy, modern resort-style motel
just a 5-minute walk from the city center is the clean, friendly communal
kitchen that overlooks the palm-lined saltwater pool and paved sun deck. It’s a
great spot to cook up a steak or reef fish filet on the free barbecue and join other
guests at the big communal tables. Local restaurants deliver, free fresh-roasted
coffee is on the boil all day, and a vending machine sells wine and beer, so you
don’t even have to go down to the pub for supplies! The smallish, basic but neat
motel rooms have painted brick walls, terra-cotta tile or carpeted floors, and
clean new bathrooms sporting marble-look laminate countertops. In contrast,
the eight suites are huge and stylish enough to do any corporate traveler proud.
They are some of the best-value accommodations in town. All rooms have a private
balcony or patio; some look out onto the drab commercial buildings next
door, but most look out over the pool. Ask about packages that include cruises
and other tours.
166–172 Grafton St., Cairns, QLD 4870. & 07/4031 3744. Fax 07/4031 3064. www.coraltreeinn.com.au.
58 units. A$110 (US$72) double; A$136 (US$88) suite (sleeps 4). Extra person A$10 (US$6.50). AE, DC, MC,
V. Limited free parking; ample on-street parking. Airport shuttle. Amenities: Bar; outdoor pool; access to
nearby health club; bike rental; tour desk; car-rental desk; babysitting; coin-op laundry and laundry service;
same-day dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms. In room: A/C, TV, dataport, kitchenette in suites, fridge, coffeemaker,
hair dryer, iron, safe (at reception).
Flying Horseshoe Motel You will find clean rooms and a warm welcome
from your hosts at this pleasant spot halfway between the airport and the city
center. It is a short bus or taxi ride, or a pleasant 30-minute walk along the
Esplanade to the city. Breathe in the balmy evening air from your balcony,
gather round the pool for a buffet, or soak in the courtyard Jacuzzi. Every room
is freshly decorated and spacious; executive suites are slightly bigger and have
desks and dataports. The apartments are by a main road, so expect some traffic
noise. There is 24-hour reception and free newspaper delivery. The bus to the
city stops just across the road. Nonsmoking rooms are available.
281–289 Sheridan St., Cairns, QLD 4870. & 1800/184 171 in Australia, or 07/4051 3022. Fax 07/4031
2761. www.bestwestern.com.au/flyinghorseshoe. 51 units (shower only). A$90–A$145 (US$59–US$94) double;
A$130 (US$85) double executive suite; A$155 (US$101) double family apt (sleeps 6). AE, DC, MC, V. Free
parking. Free pickup from airport, train or bus station. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; outdoor pool; Jacuzzi; tour
desk; car-rental desk; secretarial services; massage (in room); babysitting; coin-op laundry; dry cleaning.
In room: A/C, TV w/free in-house movies, dataport (suites only), minibar, kitchenette (suites and apts only),
hair dryer.
Lilybank Bed & Breakfast Finds This 1870s Queenslander homestead,
originally a mayor’s residence, is in a leafy suburb 6km (3 3 ⁄4 miles) from the airport
and a 10-minute drive from the city. Guests sleep in large, attractive rooms,
all individually decorated with such features as wrought-iron beds and patchwork
quilts. Each bathroom is a good size. The largest room has French doors
opening onto a “sleep-out,” an enclosed veranda with two extra beds. You can
also stay in the gardener’s cottage, renovated with slate floors, stained-glass windows,
a king-size bed, and a bar. The house is set in gardens with an attractive
rock-lined saltwater pool. Breakfast is served in the garden room by the fishpond.
Your gregarious hosts Mike and Pat Woolford also share their house with
three poodles, an irrepressible galah, and a giant green tree frog. There’s a guest
TV lounge and kitchen, and phone, fax, and e-mail access. Many tours pick up
at the door, and several good restaurants are a stroll away, so you don’t need a car
to stay here. No smoking indoors.