Travel & Holidays Last minute family holiday searches / suggestion

Discussion in 'Living Room' started by Tonibell, 30th Nov, 2015.

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  1. MTR

    MTR Well-Known Member

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    We go regularly, love the place. So much to do, my partner is into boating/fishing, some good fishing trips.

    We have also found accommodation in Port Douglas is excellent/cheap compared to some other holiday destinations in Australia.

    I am paying $3000 for 6 days accommodation in Margaret River, WA (South West winery region), OK its peak holiday season, but it is outrageous, you will half this or less in Port Douglas.
     
    MTR, 1st Dec, 2015
    #21
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  2. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    But it's peak in Margaret riv, and coming into off peak into port Doug.it will be swapped when all the cash up'd divorcees get back to port Doug in the dry.

    Palm Cove is my pick up there, or better yet up the Cape!
     
    Last edited: 1st Dec, 2015
    bob shovel, 1st Dec, 2015
    #22
  3. Tonibell

    Tonibell Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for all the suggestions - the oranguntans sound great but probably too rushed for this time.

    North Queensland is a great idea - we have been to Hamilton Island before (and Reefworld) but I think we can go again. There are airfares to Townsville or Cairns for around $400 which fits the budget - Asia all seems to be around $1,300.

    I'm leaning towards Townsville because we have relations at Ayr that we could see and also because they are the NRL premiers. Although it looks like it might be easier to organise a PC Meetup at Cairns :)

    What are the best resorts (considering the ages of our boys) at either Townsville or Cairns (and their surrounds) ?

    I think it will come back to the best resort or best resort deal.

    Thanks again.
     
    Tonibell, 1st Dec, 2015
    #23
  4. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    1 vote Cairns. So much to do there, favourite place in Oz I would say. Palm Cove is nice but with the boys they might prefer to be at the espy "people watching".... Backpacker variety :)
    they can go white water rafting or there's the water park. Croc zoo. Hire a car and go for a drive up to Cooktown,along the coast road? It's a 4wd track. Cape trib?

    Brownsville is alright too I guess :p and being premiers that is a valid argument! Magnetic Island trip?
     
    bob shovel, 1st Dec, 2015
    #24
  5. Bran

    Bran Well-Known Member

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    Just saw an ad: Gold Coast - Japan $399
     
    Bran, 1st Dec, 2015
    #25
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  6. Azazel

    Azazel Well-Known Member

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    Woah, sounds pretty fancy, but a bit rich for my blood ;)
    Just booked 3 nights in a semi-fancy hotel for a bit over $300 on lastminute.com.au
    Thanks for leaning me more towards Cairns, will drive up to Port Douglas at least for lunch. That road right on the water is pretty awesome.
     
    Azazel, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #26
  7. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    Be sure to check out gilligans in Cairns, popular restaurant in Cairns... :D ask for a kryptonite

    Where is @Kinnon Bell with the locals advice??
     
    bob shovel, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #27
  8. Azazel

    Azazel Well-Known Member

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    I don't know about that, not my 1st rodeo mate ;)
    Last I heard she was heading to The Woolshed.
     
    Azazel, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #28
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  9. Kesse

    Kesse Well-Known Member

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    Ha, can't say I've had the (dis)pleasure of Gilligan's and I left the Woodshed before all the cool kids got there.
     
    Kesse, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #29
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  10. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    Gilligans is an institution! Although I doubt I'll go back. I'll stick to my gay bar if it's still there :)

    I did like fettas Greek restaurant but think it may have declined as it wasn't as good last year as we remember.
    Also pies in paradise is great, went to school with the owner. Family of bakers and pie award winners
     
    bob shovel, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #30
  11. Tonibell

    Tonibell Well-Known Member

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    So for Cairns there seems to be a few clusters of hotels at :
    Cairns CBD, Trinity Beach, Halloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove or Fitzroy Island.

    I think Bob said to go for Palm Cove - just wondering if there are any recommendations on which location and / or which hotel to go for ? Working with a budget - so apartments would be preferred.

    Looking for water based activities, good pools etc.

    Thanks for all the information - been really helpful.
     
    Tonibell, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #31
  12. bob shovel

    bob shovel Well-Known Member

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    Peppers at palm Cove is really nice. But probably not ideal for the boys?

    depends on what you your goals are and your strategy for you holiday? The plane is your chosen vehicle, but the strategy need to be refined.

    Targeting water activities you might want to be near the lagoon and also the water park.I like closer to the CBD to walk everywhere, night markets and esplanade etc. Then hire a car and go for a drive to palm Cove for a massage and lunch/dinner
     
    bob shovel, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #32
  13. Lacrim

    Lacrim Well-Known Member

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    Same Jamie that's how I've found great fares in the past
     
    Last edited: 2nd Dec, 2015
    Lacrim, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #33
  14. hobo

    hobo Well-Known Member

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    I'd stick with either Palm Cove or Port if you aren't planning on hiring a car.

    If you are hiring a car, then additionally Trinity or Cairns Esplanade / city are would be good.
     
    hobo, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #34
  15. Lacrim

    Lacrim Well-Known Member

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    Lacrim, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #35
  16. See Change

    See Change Well-Known Member

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    any sites for last minute , discount cruises ?

    Cliff
     
    See Change, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #36
  17. Jamie Moore

    Jamie Moore MORTGAGE BROKER - AUSTRALIA WIDE Business Member

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    It's how I ended up in Rarotonga and Samoa :)
     
    Jamie Moore, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #37
  18. Lacrim

    Lacrim Well-Known Member

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    Click the link above Cliff - ozcruising, vacationstogo, etc. Caveat - I've never been on a cruise, not sure I like the crowd but everything's worth a try.
     
    Lacrim, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #38
  19. Azazel

    Azazel Well-Known Member

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    Spot on, closer to the centre and walking distance to the lagoon pool is my preference.
    It's going to be hot and sticky this time of year.
     
    Azazel, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #39
  20. legallyblonde

    legallyblonde Well-Known Member

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    That is an awesome site!!! I love driving holidays!
     
    legallyblonde, 2nd Dec, 2015
    #40
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