1st Ironman Cairns

Hi,

I live in Huntington Beach, Ca, and I'm training to do my first full ironman 2019 in Cairns. I always wanted to travel to Australia for vacation, and also do an Ironman, so why not do both at the same time. I am currently looking for recommendations on where to stay(budget of course), weather expectations, course conditions and any other pertinent advice for traveling and racing at this location.

All advice is welcome!

Thank you,