Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Safe Swimming
All of the northern beaches have small, netted enclosures for safe swim-
ming October through May, when deadly box jellyfish (stingers) render all
mainland beaches in north Queensland off-limits.
Tips
(US$182-US$260) double rooms with Jacuzzi; A$340-A$480 (US$221-US$312) double 1-bedroom suite;
A$430-A$510 (US$280-US$332) double 2-bedroom suite with Jacuzzi; A$650 (US$423) 2-bedroom pent-
house suite. Extra person A$30 (US$20). Minimum 3 night stay at Easter and Christmas to mid-January. AE,
DC, MC, V. Bus: 1, 1B, 1X, 2X, or N. Security car parking.
Amenities:
Restaurant; coffee shop; heated outdoor
pool; golf course nearby; spa; gymnasium; concierge; tour desk; nonsmoking rooms. In room: A/C, TV w/pay
movies, dataport, kitchen (suites only), fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe, Jacuzzi, washing machine
and dryer (suites only).
Moderate
Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows
Located on what is arguably
the loveliest of the northern beaches, about 30 minutes from Cairns, these bun-
galows and cabins are set under palm trees between the Coral Sea and a back-
drop of mountainous rainforest. Lifeguards patrol the beach, and there are
stinger nets in season as well as a shady swimming pool and toddlers' wading
pool. There's plenty of privacy, and the accommodations are basic but pleasant.
You can sit on the veranda and gaze at the ocean. Keep an eye out for dolphins.
Each bungalow and cabin sleeps four and has full kitchen facilities (with
microwave, fridge, and freezer), but cabins have no en-suite bathroom. There are
coin-operated barbecues and phone and fax facilities.
Captain Cook Hwy., Ellis Beach, QLD 4879.
&
1800/637 036
in Australia, or 07/4055 3538. Fax 07/4055
3077. www.ellisbeachbungalows.com.au. 15 units (all with shower only). A$68 (US$44) double cabins; A$155
(US$101) double bungalows. Extra person A$15 (US$9.75) cabins, A$24 (US$16) bungalows. AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; 2 outdoor pools; golf course nearby; tour desk; car-rental desk; coin-op laundry.
Inroom: A/C and ceiling fans, TV, kitchen, iron, no phone.
The Reef Retreat
Tucked back one row of buildings from the beach is
this little gem—a low-rise collection of contemporary studios and suites built
around a swimming pool in a peaceful grove of palms and silver paperbarks. All
the rooms in the newer or extensively renovated wings have cool tile floors and
smart teak and cane furniture. The studios are a terrific value and much larger
than the average hotel room. In the oceanview suites, you can even lie in bed and
see the sea. The extra-private honeymoon suites (and some oceanview suites) have
a Jacuzzi and a kitchenette outside on the balcony. There's a barbecue on the
grounds and a Jacuzzi. There's no elevator. Units are cleaned twice weekly; one
free cleaning for stays of 5 days or longer. Extra cleanings A$20 (US$13).
10-14 Harpa St., Palm Cove, Cairns, QLD 4879.
&
07/4059 1744.
Fax 07/4059 1745. www.reefretreat.
com.au. 36 units (16 with shower only, 20 with shower and Jacuzzi). A$140 (US$91) studio double; A$150
(US$98) suite with Jacuzzi; A$160 (US$104) oceanview suite; A$260 (US$169) 2-bedroom apt (sleeps 4).
Additional person A$25 (US$16). Children under 3 stay free in parent's room with existing bedding; crib A$25
(US$16). AE, MC, V. Free parking. Bus: 1, 1B 1X, 2X, or N. Airport shuttle A$15 (US$9.75) per person one-way.
Amenities:
Outdoor saltwater pool; nearby golf course; nearby tennis courts; Jacuzzi; tour desk; car-rental
desk; coin-op laundry; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV, dataport, kitchenette, fridge, coffee-
maker, hair dryer, iron.
ON AN ISLAND
Several island resorts are located off Cairns. They afford you safe swimming
year-round, because the October-to-May infestations of deadly marine stingers
don't make it to the islands.
Finds
