Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Airport shuttle.
Amenities:
Restaurant; 2 bars; outdoor pool; health club; concierge; tour desk; limited room
service; babysitting; coin-op laundry or laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport,
coffeemaker, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe.
Moderate
Tuna Towers
The harbor views at this multistory motel and apartment com-
plex are better than those at most of the more luxurious hotels in Cairns. Two
blocks from town, the accommodations are good size, with fresh, appealing fur-
nishings and modern bathrooms. If your balcony does not have a water vista,
you overlook a nice aspect of the city or mountains instead.
145 The Esplanade (at Minnie St.), Cairns, QLD 4870.
&
1800/117 787
in Australia, or 07/4051 4688. Fax
07/4051 8129. www.tunatowers.com.au. 60 units. A$120-A$135 (US$78-US$88) double; A$131-A$146
(US$85-US$95) studio apt double; A$150-A$170 (US$98-US$111) suite. Extra person A$12 (US$7.80). AE,
DC, MC, V. Limited free parking. Airport shuttle.
Amenities:
Restaurant; small outdoor pool; golf course
(1km/
1
⁄
2
mile away); 4 lit tennis courts nearby; access to nearby health club; Jacuzzi; tour desk; car-rental desk;
limited room service; massage; babysitting; coin-op laundry; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV w/free movies,
dataport, kitchenettes in suites and studios, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Inexpensive
Coral Tree Inn
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 pri-
vate 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). Additional 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, safe (at reception). In room: A/C, TV, dataport, kitchenette in
suites, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Lilybank Bed & Breakfast
This 1870s Queenslander homestead, origi-
nally 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 open-
ing 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.
Value
