Hi all
going for a week to Cairns in November for 1 week.
we sort of have an idea of what we're going to do, but as the ozbargainer i am, i want to make sure i get the best bang for the buck.
we have 1 day for snorkelling and it seems green island is the way to go.
are there different boats that take you there?
how does it all work?
thanks!
Learn to scuba.
It takes more than one day but there are few experiences that can beat it.
Port Douglas is up the road and through the daintree. Nice drive.
Port Douglas is worth a visit and it is a nice drive. But it's technically not through the Daintree if you're coming from Cairns.
Fitzroy Island might be a better option than Green Island? At least that's what a local Cairns girl told me while we were looking at Green Island from Fitzroy Island.
For activities at Cairns I noticed that the best deals seemed to be on bookme.com. Even better than what the local booking agents were offering.
Hotel and car already sorted.
I got 6 days for $111 at able rentals, Getting travel insurance to cover for the excess in case for another $30ish
Hotels sorted on booking.com.
on an earlier thread i found this link
https://www.experienceoz.com.au/cairns
it's got $88 to go to green island and snorkel, seems reasonably priced.
the remaining activities (inclucing going to the Daintree and Kuranda railway) we'll just drive and pay there.
i think it'll be cheaper than any tour.
would be nice to get some discounts for kuranda though, as it seems pricey.
Ok, kuranda railway wise…
No discount anywhere.
I found the best way to do this cheaper is to go one way, and come back on the trans north bus for $6.70
Do you mind me asking for your itinerary for self drive to Daintrees? Also have you considered Compass Cruises?
Highly recommend xtreme white water rafting in the Tully river (Raging thunder adventures). Ask for Cal as your guide. What a legend! Had one of the best times of my life.
Best beer and feed in town at low price is Cairns RSL on waterfront, take a scenic 1 hour drive up to Port Douglas to 4 mile beach, good feed at the Tin Shed.
Good day out is go up to Kuranda one way by train and back by Skyrail over forest canopy.
Has anyone tried Compass Cruise? their packaged deals are unbeatable from what I see.. $154 for dive + snorkel.. Most (ospreyV, passions of paradise, day reef tripper) are around $200+. Can anyone comment their experience with Compass Cruises?
Just came back from there. Kuranda train was disappointing. Pretty stinking hot and you can't see you much. I bet the cable car is better. Should have done that instead
You should have taken Foxtail's advice, above. Take the train up and the Skyrail down-fantastic trip.
Also-pay a bit more and go in the "first class" Kuranda train carriages. They give "free" food and booze, so it works out cost effective.
I'm in Cairns right now.
Visit the info centre (on the esplanade) on day 1, and ask if any events are on. Make sure to plan a trip out to Kuranda via skyrail. Casino is a waste of time (but as an OzB you knew that).
If you're going to rent a car, there are places advertising $29/day in the CBD, but the place is small enough that you could get about on foot + shuttle bus.
Some good bargains at the DFO, especially if you want classy brands like oroton or ralph lauren.