comet555

My mother-in-law is coming to visit for the month of December. This means my husband and I will have a much needed long weekend away from the kids.

We are going up to the Whitsundays area around Dec 7-9th. We're hoping to fly up Thursday night and return to Brisbane on early evening.

Does anyone have any ideas about where to stay, what to do etc?

We were thinking about trying one of the islands and maybe catching a tour of the great barrier reef. Other than that I'm just starting to research the whole thing.

Is there anywher eyou can swim with dolphins up there?

Also, can you swim in the ocean there in December? Might be a stupid question I just thought I read something jellyfish or something.

sasbear

Hamilton Island is excellent - we went in early November a few years ago - lots of boat trips across to the other islands , you hire a buggy to drive around. But it will be jelly fish season then so take care in the water. We went to a place of the reef - close to whitehaven beach and snorkelled. The fish are awesome

sassie

If I was going to the Whitsundays, I would probably base myself in Airlie Beach, which is the gateway to many of the islands (Hamilton, Heyman, Daydream, South Molle, etc), and just go on the various day trips, great barrier reef, etc. It will also be a lot cheaper than staying on one of the islands.

comet555

We might stay at on the mainland too, we're undecided yet. We'll actually only be there for about 3 days and nights so it doesn't matter if it's a little more expensive.

This is the first real trip we've been on alone since we got married 5 years ago. We didn't even go on a honeymoon since my husband only had about 5 days off from work. So I'm not as concerned about spending a little extra. We certainly won't be staying in a 5 star resort though, we just want to be able to relax a little bit for the weekend.

biggy

virgin blue have a special just now Brissy to Mackay $89 each way

comet555

Thanks I'll check that out.

Vim Fuego

Yup, Airlie Beach is cool, went up there for a long-weekend earlier in the year (April) and the atmosphere was very good.

Went out to the Reef to one of those there Fantasea floating platform things ... helicoptered out (departs just south of Airlie) and cruised back, ahhhhh, dat's the life ...

comet555

That's what we were thinking of doing. Taking some sort of cruise or boat out to the reef, and then doing a helicopter tour.

How long of a tour would you need to go over the reef? How much does that cost?

gedge

you could consider a couple of nights sailing round the islands
great fun and a bit different to your normal beachside holiday
get on board one of the smaller boats with say 6-8 people, you just have to bring some grog and your swimmers - i'd do it again if i could

Vim Fuego

We just did a day tour which started with a helicopter out of Shute Harbour (a 15 minute bus ride from Airlie) via Hamilton Island (had to pick up a couple on the way) and the rest of the day on the viewing platform (Reefworld).

Then you get to cruise back (choppy on our day, cue lots of sick-bags for the un-seaworthy )

You get a good 5 hours on the platform and there is plenty to do there, lunch included.

It was a great experience, thoroughly recommended if you're short on time and want to get an overview.

Just had a brief surf and I think is the package:
http://www.viator.com/tours/Queensla...3HAM_REEFWORLD

$430 sounds a bit strong, I'm sure you could find it for a bit less than that.

(edit) This was whistle-stop, ideally spending more time out there would've been good (you can stay on Reefworld if you wish, limited spots though).

Cheers,
Matt

russmcp

Thats what we did, and I'd say that's the most relaxing thing you can do, the pics of me on that boat I have never looked so chilled! There was 8 of us and 2 crew and we had a whale of a time. You'll have to wear stinger suits that time of year cos of the jellyfish mind.

surreyfamily

We are flying into Brisbane end of Jan next year and would like to do a sail around Whitsunday Islands, who did you use? I've had some prices of a cruise and these arn't to bad.. but the logistics/costs of travel to & from Brisbane and accommodation at Airlie bumps the price right up!!
br
karen

doub

We found the Corel Sea Resort at Airlie Beach was perfect for us, our balcony jutted out over the sea - sit in the spa and watch the dolphins ....

snappy

You just have to book the bubble helicopter ride out to Whitehaven beach, go early in the morning and you can have the beach to yourself then enjoy a nice bottle of champers. It was an amazing trip and has to be my number one highlight since being in Oz.

russmcp

Blimey can't remember which one, we arrived in Airlie Beach and found a company at one end of the beach. I think a friend recommended it, or we used the Lonely Planet as a recommendation.

You could always book a flight from Bris then fly to Mackay, hire a car and drive to Airlie, (about 70 miles) do the cruise then drive back to Mackay for flight back to Bris. May be cheaper than staying in Airlie for a couple of nights. Jetstar fly from Bris to Mackay for about $99 each way.