If you're wondering where to base yourself for your tropical north Queensland holiday, read below to see the different features of the three main choices.

Cairns

The main attraction of staying in Cairns is that you're close to major shopping centres, nightlife, restaurants and facilities. It is a tourist-based town, so it's not the best choice if you're after a relaxing holiday.

Pros - Shopping. Nightlife. Restaurants. Tourist Outlets. Traveller Facilities. Large number of reef excursions leaving directly from the wharf. Easy access to Atherton Tablelands & Kuranda. Close to the airport.

Cons - No natural beach. City noise, traffic etc.

Palm Cove / Northern Beaches

Palm Cove is situated about half way between Cairns and Port Dougas. Palm Cove and the Northern Beaches of Cairns are a great choice for those wanting a very quiet, relaxing holiday. Most tour companies will pick you up from your accommodation for a small fee and there are lovely beachfront hotels to choose from. 

Pros - Lovely beaches. Quiet, relaxing. Short drive to many places - Cairns, Kuranda, Port Douglas.

Cons - Not many options for shopping, every day facilities. No direct access to the reef - you'll have to transfer to Cairns or Port Douglas. 

Port Douglas 

Port Douglas is situated about an hour's drive north of Cairns. It is closest to the outer barrier reef and Daintree rainforest and is a mixture of Cairns and Palm Cove. It is a resort town, so has more facilities than Palm Cove, but it is still much quieter and smaller than Cairns.

Pros - Lovely beach. Relaxing. Closest to Reef and Rainforest. Good mix of Cairns and Palm Cove.

Cons - Fewer facilities and shopping than Cairns.