Denyse and I love Cairns in North Qld, mainly because we met there in 1973, but we also like the tropical ambience, reef and rainforest and the many things you can do. We had not stayed at Lake Placid Tourist Park for several years, but after hearing of recent improvements, it was our destination this trip.

LAKE PLACID TOURIST PARK

This Top Tourist Park is on the north side of Cairns, adjacent to the tranquil Lake Placid and at the base of the World Heritage-listed area which takes in the Barron River Gorge. As the park lies at the end of the road, there is almost no road noise.

As you enter Lake Placid Tourist Park you are inundated with tropical trees and palms growing on the 14 acres. The resort-style pool surrounded by lush foliage and flowering gingers and heliconias is to the right as you drive to your site. You definitely know you are in the tropics!

The undercover communal kitchen area is adjacent to the pool where many functions such as the Asian dinner nights are held.

Lake Placid Tourist Park has powered sites with sullage and concrete pads, but some sites are cool grass if you prefer. Most have some shade. There are no unpowered sites, but you may occupy a powered site and not use power for a lower rate. Large rigs can be accommodated, but enquire first. The park is terraced, so sites are on various levels, and many have views of nearby rainforest-covered mountains.

There are also several types of cabins and villas. Extra powered and ensuite sites were recently added, and the owner, Philip Jacka, said more ensuite sites are planned.
The four-star rated Lake Placid Tourist Park allows dogs, but check with management first as the policy is strict.
Although the park has around 160 sites, it is very popular in the winter tourist season, so you should book ahead. Shoulder season discounts apply to sites booked for April-May and October-November.

FACILITIES

The park is family-owned and operated with on-site managers. There are two amenities blocks; one has disabled facilities and the other has a baby’s bath. The showers have plenty of hot water and a shelf and hooks, and are large enough not to need curtains. The full-length mirrors are a plus. Hand soap and blower dryers are also provided.
Free gas barbecues are available beside the pool. STD/ISD phones are near the office, which has a tourist information desk with bookings for more than 100 tour options. Most tour operators pick up at the park. All roads in the park are sealed.

Limited van storage is available for those travelling to Cooktown via the coast road or to the Cape.
We had reliable two-bar reception on our Next G mobile phone and wireless broadband as well as good TV reception on all channels, digital and analogue, via our own plug-in extension TV cable. If you do not have one, they are available from the office on payment of a refundable deposit.
Lake Placid Tourist Park hosts several activities during the high season, including Asian dinner nights, sausage sizzles and trivia nights.

THE AREA

The peaceful, scenic Lake Placid opposite the park is suitable for swimming, and boat hire is available. White-water rafting is available a little further up the Barron River. There is a pretty, short drive through rainforest behind the tourist park with good views of the Barron River and rapids. Surprise Creek Falls with a drop of 243m is a little further. This is part of the World Heritage-listed area of the Barron River Gorge National Park.

Nearby tourist attractions include the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Northern Beaches. Ellis Beach lined with coconut palms is a little further on, leading to the beautiful coastal drive to Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, and the Daintree World Heritage-listed rainforest.

You can go far as Cape Tribulation on a sealed road (crossing the Daintree River by vehicular ferry) but it is a dirt 4WD road from there to Cooktown.

A turn-off near the Lake Placid Tourist Park takes you past the Kuranda tourist village and nearby Rainforestation Nature Park, and then south-west to Mareeba to the sealed inland road to Cooktown.

We enjoy the short drive south up the hill towards Copperlode Dam and Lake Morris late afternoon. There is a parking area near the gates, with a magnificent view over Cairns. Take some nibblies and drinks and watch the sun set over Cairns and Trinity Inlet, and the lights of Cairns come on soon after.

THE ATHERTON TABLELAND

There are several routes up the range to the Atherton Tableland, which features cool rainforest, waterfalls and clear lakes.
If time is limited, leave the van at Lake Placid Tourist Park and do a day-drive up to the Tableland. The quickest route is via Kuranda, but you may also drive north towards Mossman and up the Rex Range, possibly returning via the scenic Palmerston Highway which comes out at Innisfail, an hour south of Cairns. The Gillies Highway, leading from Lake Barrine to Gordonvale, is an extremely winding road and in our opinion it is unsuitable (either up or down) if towing a van. The Palmerston Highway is certainly the most caravan-friendly route to travel up to the Tableland.

The Cairns city centre is 14km south-east of Lake Placid Tourist Park if you need a full retail fix, and here you will find all manner of shops, the Esplanade and ocean-front recreation pool, tourist boats, the marina, restaurants and bars and, of course, the casino. Various markets also operate here.

The Paradise Palms Country Club golf course is north of Lake Placid Tourist Park and is a real test for golfers, and the Cairns Golf Club is south of town. Various bowls clubs are located nearby.

THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

Other than the rainforest, the reef is the greatest attraction around Cairns. Tourist boats visit several locations including Green Island (a true coral cay), Fitzroy Island and various reefs and sand cays. You may take a specialised fishing charter, go sightseeing in a glass-bottom boat or try your hand at snorkelling.

When Denyse and I lived in Cairns we spent many days exploring the reefs out from Cairns. This is a magnificent area for diving and snorkelling, and I am told the fishing is still good.

Boats and buses also leave Cairns for Port Douglas, and tour boats continue to the outer reef from there. There are many different options. Check with the booking office at Lake Placid Tourist Park for the trip that suits you.

Cairns is still a fabulous holiday destination and Lake Placid Tourist Park is a good home base after a day exploring.