Thanks for all the advice, will be sure to try the recommendations.  Thanks for the tip SaltyJ, my company  based in Sydney  carries out engineering work on larger pleasure craft and commercial vessels. We are currently refitting a vessel, job duration is approx. 10 months. 

Can anyone recommend a decent hotel in cairns? I spend every second week up there and will for the next few months. Everywhere I've stayed to date is either dilapidated or riddled with rude staff and poor food.