Try checking out www.tidd.com.au as they often have good travel industry deals for accomodation etc in Australia. Email the hotels shown to get up to date rates. For Cairns area look under the attractions for Reef Magic Cruises who offer Industry Discounts ( I got the 'intro' diving trip and snorkeling for the price of the normal snorkeling trip ). If you want to stay on the beach Palm Cove is a nice quiet place just outside Cairns. Details about the local buses around Palm Cove and Cairns can be found here <a href="http://www.sunbus.com.au" target="_blank">http://www.sunbus.com.au</A>. and may give you an idea of where to stay if you do not have a car and want to have access to the bus routes.