I too have no idea what this is doing on United Forum and not Travel Buzz but seeing it is still active:

1. Book Virgin Blue for Tues and Wed flights on-line and deals are ALWAYS lower than QF.

2. Do consider the 1 hour flight to Papua New Guinea from CNS. Few folks reaolise it is that close, and the highlands is often the travel experience of your life. Very few toursits go there. POM is dangerous but you'll be OK in the Highlands. I am going there next week for the Mount Hagen Show ... again. It is that kind of experience. QF flies there so you can use AA miles etc for the trip to POM if you have them.

3. Tom is generous with his description of Cairns. 'Smelly mud flats' is more apt.

Mind you, 6 months of the year you cannot swim at Port Douglass due to nasty marine stingers, so be careful of your timing.