Where to sleep in Cairns — the neighborhoods and the picks, siesta side to fiesta side.
Cairns Esplanade — the lagoon strip
Swim the saltwater lagoon (the sea here is croc-and-stinger country), reef boats at the door.
Palm Cove — the spa village
Paperbark-lined beach calm 25 minutes north.
Port Douglas — the polished gateway
An hour up the coast: marina resorts between reef and Daintree.
Northern Beaches — local quiet
Trinity and Yorkeys Knob's low-key sands.
