The cheeky hack that will save you hundreds on your next visit to Cairns

2024 has not been kind on the back pocket, but as we hurtle towards Christmas and the long stretch of school holidays, there’s one place that can save you hundreds.

Cairns is the place to be this summer holidays.

2024 has not been kind on the back pocket, but as we hurtle towards Christmas and the long stretch of school holidays, most of us are still sorely in need of a break.

The beckoning reef and ancient rainforests of Cairns draw a steady crowd of travellers year-round, but the tropical favourite doesn’t immediately conjure an image of budget-friendly fun.

But here’s a little-known secret: the steamy summer break brings with it some surprisingly budget-friendly options for the savvy family traveller, providing you know where to look.

While planning a family holiday in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis takes some extra consideration, it can be done: and we’re about to show you how.

Cheap and discounted family accommodation options

It is a truth universally acknowledged that as long as kids have access to a pool, they’re happy anywhere on holidays.

That said, considering a holiday park or campground can save serious accommodation coin over the Christmas holidays.

A family of five can stay in a powered campsite at the Big4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut for a week for $560, or if camping in the tropical heat is a bit outside your comfort zone, you could opt for a cabin instead - for just over $1500 for the week.

Big4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort has cheap camping sites over the Christmas period. Picture: Stewart McLean

Big 4 Ingenia Park in Cairns is popular with the kids.

Better yet, the park has a Stay 4, Pay 3 deal valid up until December 15. More of a hotel family? Cairns accommodation royalty, Crystalbrook, have a family summer holiday discount running right now across all three of their local hotels, where not only can you upgrade your stay to include free breakfast each day, but score an additional 10 per cent off the booking price when you join the hotel’s loyalty program.

Build your holiday to fit the airfare … not the other way around

Depending on what day you choose to fly, a fare from Sydney or Melbourne to Cairns can vary by literally hundreds of dollars.

Flights leaving a week or two before school holidays start offer the best deal, but plugging a wide range of dates into Google Flights (every budget traveller’s secret weapon) and following the deals could wind up saving a family of four over $1000.

Google Flights is a budget traveller’s secret weapon to snag a good plane fare deal. Picture: iStock

For example, Sydney to Cairns on December 27 will set you back around $580, while the same route on December 7 is just $222.

Free activities that cost nothing at all

While there are some Cairns outings worth splurging on (you can’t very well come within spitting distance of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef and not at least book a snorkelling tour), much of the lush natural wonder of the region is completely free to enjoy.

Elevated, accessible walkway through the Barron Gorge National Park with views to the Barron Falls below. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

Kuranda Scenic Railway. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

Inland from the city lie the Atherton Tablelands, a tropical wonderland all its own: dappled water holes, crystal clear streams and steamy, Jurassic Park-esque rainforests beg to be explored.

The mountain top village of Kuranda - accessible either by car or historic wooden railway - is perfect for a family wander, while Lake Eacham - a volcanic crater - offers the perfect swimming spot to cool off.

Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets offering Aboriginal artefacts, handmade leather goods, wood and jewellery. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

Friends walking along the rainforest boardwalk on Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Picture: James Vodicka / Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

An hour north along the Cook Highway from Cairns will bring you to the Daintree National Park, another heritage-listed treasure and well worth a day spent exploring.

While there are several tour options available, finding a self-drive itinerary that takes in highlights like Mossman Gorge will only cost you the fuel - and ferry fare across to Cape Tribulation.

Get more from your family meals out

Travelling with kids can get expensive at mealtimes, particularly given the heartbreaking reality that tiny humans regularly relish in leaving half of their (costly) chicken tenders untouched.

Luckily, Cairns is peppered with restaurants catering to families, many of which feed kids for free when their parents order dinner.

Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns has a breakfast offer in place.

Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns also dishes up a free kid’s pizza for every main meal ordered.

Boardwalk Way at Crystalbrook Flynn dishes up a free kid’s pizza for every main meal ordered, while the Ellis Beach Bar and Grill, as well hosting a program of live music every weekend, have a ‘kids eat free’ special every Thursday night. The Shangri La has an offer running until December 31 that allows kids to eat free with a paying adult, while Moku, at the Cairns Novotel Oasis Resort, not only lets non-guests who dine there utilise the pool and swim-up bar, but also offer an entire kilo of chicken wings for $28 on Sundays.