We decided to stay in a Bed & Breakfast in Kewerra Beach which is about 30 mins north of Cairns. We were told that we could use public transport to get around, my advice, if you can hire a car. We did and were glad of it, the weather when we were then mid nov was very very hot and humid, who wants to stand around waiting for a bus. Yes we did the tourist thing and took the train to the Kuranda Markets but the trip is a good way to see some of the country and the markets are a good place to pick up a bargain. Cairns is the main town and is worth a visit, the do have a pretty amazing lagoon built right on the seafront, great for swim and chilling out in the evening. We did go to the Zoo to see the Kangroos and ok if you want a picture of you with a Kola Bear then go there, miss out feeding the Kangroos. They have so many people feeding them that they totally unintrested in the food and you just waste your money. If you want shopping then you will not be disappointed as they have a large mall next to the train station and a large one on the road from Cairns to Palm Cove. If you have the time taking a trip up the Captain Cook Highway from Cairns to Portt Douglas is a good day out, great views of the Coral Sea as you drive up, be warned it is a twisty road and don't expect to drive at more than 50mph.