If you’re planning a bit of Great Barrier Reef exploration, I can think of no better base camp than the Shangri La.
It’s within walking distance to all of the cruise operators, situated directly opposite the jetty.
The hotel forms a circle around a beautiful swimming pool big enough to accommodate large quantities of guests without feeling crowded – and if that’s not big enough, next door there’s a huge public pool and man made beach.
The rooms are spacious and beautifully laid out with large balconies overlooking the pool or the waterfront.
Breakfast is served overlooking the jetty with seating mostly outside every table has a view. Along the front there is also a great range of restaurants to choose from in the evenings and the Shangri La itself has a gorgeous waterfront bar.
The hotel’s location next to the marina means you’re well placed to wander along the promenade and explore the Cairns waterfront for more places to eat and drink. The Bavarian Beer Cafe is a good spot to stop for drink on the Esplanade and next door there’s a fabulous Turkish restaurant, Mado.
A little further along (and back a block) on the corner of Lake and Gatton streets is a fantastic Balinese restaurant called Bayleaf where you can order Rijstaffel – a selection of everything on the menu.
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