What to do in Cairns? :)

So after ummming and ahhhing over where to go for a holiday...we have finally decided (agreed ;) ) on Cairns. We are going in the last week in May for 7 nights and staying at the Novotel. This is my distraction holiday as we are leaving on (what was)the EDD of my Jellybean so I want lots of ideas of fun things to do with DH and DS (who will be 22.5 months)

I have looked at the Barrier Reef and Island cruises which look fun (if expensive) and I'm sure ds would love the glass bottom boat etc and maybe swimming.

I also like the idea of the railway/skyway day trip as Ds LOVES trains (toot toots :) )

We are staying in Cairns itself to avoid having to hire a car. Hopefully it's warm enough to spend some time by the hotel pool but we'll still need some other ideas... So if you've been or you're a local, any tips, ideas etc? A good day spa would be nice, good restaurants (family friendly) plus I'm coeliac so if you know any places with a clue about gluten?

Thanks in advance :D

Egg my MIL house? :D

Sounds good A :) send me directions lol

You little one might like the Sky Rail trip up to Kuranda or a trip out to one of the islands.

I second the skyrail. It is awesome. DS was 2 when we went and we all loved. The heritage train to Kuranda would be good as well but it is cheaper doing skyrail both ways. There is a good playground in town too.

Thanks, we'll definitely do a reef/island cruise and the train/skyrail gondola thingy :)

Any other suggestions?

there is a free public pool at the espanalade in carins itself which is pretty cool
i would suggest the train up to karanda and the skyrail back
green island is a good one to go with a little one- its not too far and family friendly and yes they do have a glass bottom boat
also there is a produce market called rusty's on every friday in town- something free to go and have a look at
umm- there was a resturant called charlies which was family friendly- its a smorgasbord but filled with seafood
ohh and there was a mini zoo on the top floor of the casino in town too- i took my twins when they were little and they loved it
most of the other attractions are outta town
might be worth hiring a car and going for a drive north- even up to port douglas for the day- if you are game to drive further there is also mosman gorge and even the daintree
northern beaches are cool too- palm cove is one of the nice ones with some resort style shops
hopes this helps!!
you can also do tours and they will pick u up from your accomodation
HTH and enjoy i love it up there been there over a dozen times

:bump:

muddies is water playground on the esplanade. closed tuesday mornings for maintenance (if i remember correctly)

I would go to green island, you can use the resort pool while there (more of a plus if it were stinger season but it won't be)

villa romana is yummy discount if you eat and leave before ?? forgot the time sorry.. but lots of resturants on the waterfront!

night markets are good for a wander, also on the waterfront, cheap massage (not quite the dayspa lol)

let me think and i will get back to you.....

theres a couple of places here that do gluten free meals. I second egging Kobys MILs. If the weathers miserable and you need an afternoon to let the kids let loose with other little people, my door is open.

Great thread Amaunet - we are heading up there Sept/Oct so I am also looking for ideas. We will be in Trinity Beach though.