Ok I'm feeling a little better - I had left booking my accommodation until now and I was worried I wouldn't find anything.
I've had to pay a little more no doubt, but I'm booked in now so I'm happy.
Have booked at the Villas at Palm Cove for 3 nights, 13th, 14th and 15th. I'm taking the family so needed a 3 bedroom room, and it's costing us $290/night.
So I'll be there a day early to scope out the best locations to set up. Palm Cove seems to be in a good spot, halfway between Cairns and Port Douglas and pretty much right on the centre line.
Having a look on Google Street View, the Captain Cook Highway runs along the coast but there's very little area to pull over on the side of the road and walk down to the beach.
Perhaps there'll be a view from the Villas -
the view to the East doesn't look too bad, but it will depend on trees etc as the Eclipse will be down low.
It looks like a really good spot
down here on the Esplanade with parking and right on the beach, but I hope the Eclipse doesn't rise right behind that island, Double Island.
Does anyone know?
Now to figure out flights to get my family and my gear there, and organise car hire for when we're there.