North Queensland boasts an extremely broad and diverse range of accommodation, designed to suit all budgets, time-frames, comfort zones and lifestyles. We have attempted to categorise all accommodation styles under the following titles, yet styles vary considerably and at times it is difficult to sort individual accommodation for the purpose of categorisation.
It is very wise to book accommodation well in advance if visiting during school holidays or peak season (June - November). In non-peak periods, accommodation is often plentiful and readily available.
Apartments are ideal for families and longer stays and anyone looking for a little independence and privacy. There is a great selection of self contained apartments throughout the region but particularly well catered for are Port Douglas and the Northern Beaches. Ranging from luxurious to budget, all have some sort of cooking facilities, most have the modern conveniences you'd desire, and many include fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. Usually apartments range from 1 - 3 bedroom, as a minimum the apartment will be open plan studio style. Normally a minimum 2 - 3 nights stay applies, booking for a week is usual.
Note, unlike hotels and motels, apartments are usually serviced weekly, not daily.
Cabins, Bungalows, Cottages or Houses
Mostly located along our beaches, there are a select number of private homes available for holiday rental. Most have modern facilities and conveniences, pools, spas and all the comforts of home. Some offer magnificent views and close proximity to the beach. Not the cheapest style of accommodation, but often worth it. Minimum stay is usually one week.
There are so very many three, four and five star hotels in our region - most in prime locations, well maintained, and with excellent views and facilities. Usually multi-storey, offering on-site dining, room service, mini-bar, some sporting & recreation activities and/ or facilities, a variety of suites/ rooms to suit, private bathroom facilities, linen, laundry service, comfortable to lavish furnishings and off-street parking.
Far North Queensland offers some of the best resort style accommodation, set in stunning locations, some of which is surprisingly inexpensive. Most include excellent pools and a large range of recreation activities and sporting facilities. The kids may also be well catered for, giving mum and dad a little time alone to pursue their own interests. Along with a choice of bars and restaurants, you can expect some form of evening entertainment and all the frills you might dream of on holiday. Health and beauty facilities are also commonly available. Please note - some resorts are remotely located, perhaps in the heart of the rainforest or on a remote island, and may not have all the usual facilities one would associate with a resort title.
Motels, Motor Inns or Motor Lodges
Motels are traditionally an affordable type of accommodation, in Australia, for those on the road. Usually lower density than hotels, with car parking accessible at your front door or near by. Room facilities are basic but as a minimum one can expect comfortable furnishings, en suite bathroom, tea and coffee facilities, phone and colour TV. Family units are also often available. Reception hours can be limited and prior arrangements may need to be made for late arrival. Many motels have a restaurant onsite offering affordable dining, or at the least a basic breakfast.
Pubs
Staying in pubs is one of the cheapest forms of accommodation, and there are plenty to choose from in North Queensland. A great way to meet the locals, many pubs are a hundred years or more old and have some fascinating memorabilia on the walls. Rooms are often fairly basic, and bathrooms are usually shared. Meals are generally very good value, though in the more remote locations many ingredients, except the steak, come from the freezer.
Bed & Breakfasts and Farm Stays
An often unique experience, and an increasingly popular and economic style of accommodation. Most B&B's in Far North Queensland are traditional homes converted to suit home stay, usually double room with en suite or shared bathroom facilities, and often with access to kitchen facilities. Normally owner operated, you can expect taste and styles to be as individual as the owners. If located in a remote area, complex directions may be needed. Meals might not always be provided so find out what is locally available.Smoking, pets and even children may not be allowed, yet Farm Stays are a growing market in Australia and make for a fun and novel holiday, particularly for families with young children.
The backpacker market is extremely well catered for in North Queensland, and competition between hostels results in some of the cheapest accommodation available. Accommodation is normally dormitory style but most hostels offer double rooms (motel style). Linen is usually not included, so BYO or enquire whether linen is available to hire. Mission Beach, Cairns and Port Douglas all have an excellent choice of backpacker hostels, some in quite delightful locations. Cheap and cheerful.
There is a multitude of caravan parks throughout North Queensland, from absolute beachfront to remote rainforest locations. Facilities can vary from park to park so it is advisable to check them out before booking in. Most caravans parks offer on-site vans and some have cabins available. As a minimum, you can expect to find shared bathroom, laundry, and kitchen facilities, BBQ and playground for the kids. Check on availability of groceries, you may need to stock up before you get there. Pets may not be allowed and linen may not be supplied.
Camping at these parks is about the cheapest form of accommodation you'll get, but camping almost anywhere else will require a permit. These permits can be in short supply during peak season.