My sis-in-law and I needed somewhere in Cairns for meetings connected with her research. I was just the ferryman from Townsville. It was a joy to stay in the Yorkeys Knob apartment. It is very well-equipped, opposite a lovely beach (floodlit in the evening for beach games), and above a café and bar (great coffee, and Macalister's local beer on tap). Malcolm is a most helpful and communicative host. The right side of Cairns for the airport, Skyrail/Kuranda train, and Mossman Gorge. Yorkeys Knob is a small, friendly community.
I'm not a Cairns fan (usual Townsville rivalry), but so enjoyed the brief stay that I think that I'll be back. With my wife instead of her sister (!) and for a holiday, not taxiing a researcher.