Hi new member, first time posting.
We are currently in Weipa on the west coast of Cape York heading for Cains. Has anyone go any firsthand info on the Cains marina. There is also another one about 7 miles north of Cains. Are they expensive or reasonable. We are on a jeanneau 49 and expect to arrive around 25th November and staying for a month.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Select to expand quotesvxpat said..
Hi new member, first time posting.
We are currently in Weipa on the west coast of Cape York heading for Cains. Has anyone go any firsthand info on the Cains marina. There is also another one about 7 miles north of Cains. Are they expensive or reasonable. We are on a jeanneau 49 and expect to arrive around 25th November and staying for a month.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated
My only piece of advice is that the locals prefer to call the city Cairns. 
Yorkeys Knob is much prettier than Cairns central, but it comes down to whether you are looking for civilization and services (Cairns) over scenery (Yorkeys).
One word of advice, if the locals tell you there are crocs about, take it very seriously. I spent weeks in Cairns commissioning a fibre optic network in Cairns Port and got into a bad habit of sitting on a dock with my feet over the side. It took the locals wandering past to suggest having my feet dangling near the water is not the best idea, before pointing out a croc watching me from the shallows.
I haven't got time for a full response but I have stayed at the the marinas
1. Ports North at Cairns Pier- the most expensive, poor parking and amenities, but on the doorway to the city and the most fun, they will kick you out if a cyclone comes, to protect the commercial wharf, before the cyclone you will tie up in Trinity Islet in the mangroves. The least sandflies and mosquitoes. My preferred if you have deep pockets
2. Yorkies Knob, has a community feel, good bar and restaurant, can remain in during a cyclone, however the access road will likely flood. Mid priced, and a good stay, bus into Cairns or Smithfield for supplies.
3. Bluewater Marina, cheapest, you may not make it in with 49ft and a deep draught? Good amenities, possibly the most protected in a cyclone, reasonable bar, sandflies and mozzies. A good place to leave the boat if needed.
Also consider renting a pile berth out of the cruising yacht club or anchoring in Trinity Islet.
If it was me for a month I would spend first few night in Cairns Marina to refresh. Then anchor in Trinity Inslet (upper reaches for serenity but sandflies, mouth for no sandlies or mozzies but wash from tourist boats-your choice) the rest of the time, paying the fee to park the tender at Cairns Marina.
It's a nice problem to have, all the options work well. Get off the boat and enjoy the areas around Cairns.
I'm in Cairns and can confirm, Marlin Marina is pricey but closest to everything. Also nice that the Bosun meets you at the berth to help tie up. Be aware of the tide it can roll through. Yorkeys is nice, cheaper but a bus away from everything but has lots of liveaboards. Bluewater is cheapest but is pretty much full most of the time. It's been dredged recently/currently.
