Hi Nathan,
I'm native to the Tablelands (Atherton),but i work up in Weipa and only get home about a week every Month plus.
Best bet close to Cairns would be Mareeba to Dimbula. Thats within 2hours drive. Mareeba boasts 300 days a year of sunshine.
Best i've found in the north is Chillagoe. If you are married /Partner,make a w/end of viewing and do some caving as well. Chillagoe is only a tiny place so no light pollution.
Hope this helps you.
Cheers,
Duncan
