The biggest reason of all to stay in a holiday home is because it is just so convenient to work out of a home when trying to explore an area as big as a European country.

• Cheaper than a hotel or motel with more facilities, space and privacy
• Self-catering leaves more money for having fun
• Organising day trips and packed lunches/picnics is easier from a home
• Arrive home late knowing you have food and drink in the fridge
• You can bring your dog
• You can park right next to your home

North Queensland is huge. Making the best of a 1-2 week holiday it is best to plan for contingencies. Although it is always warm in NQ, the weather can be very variable and it can rain and blow hard at any time of year. This can affect plans for a reef trip or fishing expedition. So give yourself enough time. Why spend 4 nights in Cairns if you can stay 2+ weeks and really explore the area. See our itinerary suggestions.

If you are going to be out and about every day you may not need a swimming pool – especially in the winter months. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a fantastic pool – you may choose to use that if you are only going to swim a few times.

There are also beautiful places to swim around Cairns – the beaches , of course, but have you ever been swimming in a beautiful freshwater creeks or been pummeled by a rainforest waterfall? Crystal Cascades, Stoney Ck, Behana Gorge, Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls all offer wonderful swimming experiences as well as the opportunity to explore the rainforest.