The atmosphere in Cairns will take you back to your uni years - backpackers, beer sodden noisy pubs, cheap set menus and a general carefree lifestyle. Whilst the town itself does not hold the glamour or rugged beauty of some of the surrounding destinations, you may as well join in the fun as it's a great base to explore further afield.
Depending how long you have, we recommend a night or two in Cairns to do the reef, islands and beaches followed by an escape south to Mission Beach or north to Palm Cove. About 1 hour north of Cairns is Port Douglas, another Whileaway destination. Cairns Airport is only a 5 minute drive from the centre of town.
