Where to find the best local discounts for accommodation and travel in Cairns and FNQ

Amid the Far North region’s third Covid wave, it may be easier to holiday at home and treat yourself a last-minute staycation with local operators offering big local discounts. SEE THE LIST

TOURISM operators who lustily courted Far North residents through pandemic shutdowns have turned their charms back on amid the region’s third Covid wave.

Cairns families browsing for a reasonably priced staycation can face an uphill battle, with hotels across the region largely booked out or too costly to justify for a cheeky weekend by the pool.

The Cairns Post has however, waded through some of the specials from around the region to give savvy locals a chance to nab a bargain.

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Pacific Hotel

The Pacific Hotel in Cairns, which is opposite the Esplanade, is offering locals 15 per cent off their best available rate for its rooms across the resort, starting at just $197 per night.

Crystalbrook Collection

Crystalbrook Collection, which offers guests three locations across Cairns, is offering locals a 15 per cent discount on its accommodation and food across all three locations in the region.

Crystalbrook Hotels spokeswoman Belinda Danks-Woodley said locals can book their stay using the local promo code on the website.

“Our locals’ offer is subject to availability but is a continuous offer, so locals can go on the website and check for available dates by using the promo code Locals15,” she said.

Shangri-La Marina

For those locals who enjoy a bit of luxury, the Shangri-La Marina is offering its local staycation package which includes a buffet breakfast for two, complimentary carparking, and a one-night stay in a standard deluxe room from $245 per night, saving locals hundreds.

Tinaroo Lake Resort

Until August 12 you can score three nights accommodation at the Tinaroo Lake Resort.

Starting from just $364 dollars guests can enjoy an extra night of relaxation and stunning lake views.

A Tinaroo spokeswoman said availability is good.

“We have really good availability over the next few weeks and encourage guests to book direct with us to get the best rate,” she said.

Kuranda Scenic Railway

No staycation is complete without some magical experiences that the Fair North region has to offer.

One way to see the natural beauty of the region is through the Kuranda scenic railway, which offers locals a 20 per cent discount on Gold Class heritage seats all year round, seeing 4,672 locals take up the offer this past financial year.

Tropical North Queensland: Kuranda Scenic railway. Picture: Supplied,

Queensland Rail Executive General Manager Regional Operations Louise Collins stressed the importance of local tourism and supporting local.

“This discount applies to those people living from Port Douglas to Cardwell, including Atherton Tablelands,” he said.

“At Queensland Rail, we’re all about connecting communities, so it’s very important to us that locals are able to be tourists in their own backyard and experience this world-class service.”

Fitzroy Island

The Far North is globally known for its picturesque island escapes, and locals have plenty of opportunities to explore Fitzroy Island, which is just a 45 minute boat trip away from Cairns.

Locals can save up to 40 per cent on day tours to the island and transfers, as well as 15 per cent on accommodation and 10 per cent on island activities.

Fitzroy Island Manager Glen McDonald said the island appreciates all of the community support and aims to reward locals accordingly.

“Fitzroy is always known as the locals’ island and locals have been very supportive of us, which is why we encourage visitations from locals, who are a big market for us and we reward them accordingly,” he said.

Green Island

If one island adventure was not enough, Green Island is offering locals 15 per cent off on tours.

Green Island boasts Clear Island Waters and activities like the semi-submarine tour getting you up close and personal with island creatures while staying fully dry.

The Island also offers locals with interstate friends or family the opportunity to book discounted tours for them using the promo code LOCALF.

CaPTA Group

Wildlife loving locals can enjoy 20 per cent of CaPTA Group annual passes.

A CaPTA Group annual pass will get you unlimited entry to Rainforestation Nature Park, Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas and Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife.

You will also receive the following discounts:

10 per cent discount of photos and souvenirs.

10 per cent discount on entry for accompanying guests.

20 per cent off ZOOM activities at Cairns ZOOM & Wildlife Dome.

20 per cent off Pamagirri Rainforest Walkabout at Rainforestation.

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Staycations are remaining popular across the region, Port Douglas and Daintree chief executive Tara Bennett said.

“Staycations in the Port Douglas and Daintree area are very popular and you see a lot of locals head towards Cape Tribulation and the reef for overnight stays as well as visitors from Cairns for the Douglas markets on a Sunday,” she said.

Wotif Travel Expert, Daniel Finch, said Cairns was continuing to grow in popularity for holiday makers and locals should be flexible in order to get the best deals.

“Looking at the most recent school holiday period, Cairns was the third most popular destination in the country excluding capital cities,” he said.

“Locals wanting to get a good deal on their next staycation should embrace some flexibility and look directly at independent providers. The beauty of a staycation is that it’s often easier to jump on a great last-minute deal.”

Originally published as Where to find the best local discounts for accommodation and travel in Cairns and FNQ