debsy

Hi
When we arrive in Brisbane in October we are hoping to go straight up to the Barrier reef for a few days.

I have had a look and the virgin blue holidays website but I have not got a clue where we should be staying - ie the best place (which resort).

What tours should we go on etc? We have two children aged 7 & 9.

All comments welcome

queenie

Do you want to splurge or budget it?

debsy

Well Queenie, not too much splurging

As you know we are heading for the Gold Coast but would like to have a few days off before we start the estate agents etc

BKate

Hi Debsy,

I've just come back from visiting my boyfriend in Brisbane we stayed in Port Douglas for 8 days don't know if thats too far for you but it's just gorgeous there.
We stayed at www.thepavilions.com and went out to the Barrier Reef with Quicksilver to the Low Isles, fantastic trip they're really well organised and the Low Isles trip is good for kids because you snorkel off an island they have a glass bottom boat too and a marine biologist does a guided snorkelling tour.
http://www.quicksilver-cruises.com/wavedancer/index.php
I've also done a barrier reef trip to the outer reef too but I'd say the Low Isles is better suited to younger children.

If thats too far then Airlie beach is lovely too and you can do trips from there as well.

Have got loads of links to accomodation in Port Douglas and Airlie beach if you'd like any.

debsy

Thanks Kate
Did you book a package tour or go independantly?
Yes the low isle trips sound great.

Will have a look now.

Thanks

BKate

You're welcome well I'm abit of an organisation freak. So I spent countless hours doing research on the internet which is why I have so many links!!
I booked the flights through virgin blue the car hire through www.rentnewcars.com even though really in Port Douglas you don't need a car and most places organise airport transfers. The reef trip was booked through the local tourist office in Port Douglas. It's great weather up there this time of year as it's the dry season.

debsy

Kate
The Virgin Blue website seems to have some packages which seem to be good value inc flights, transfers and reef tours.

Dont think we will bother hiring a car then.

thanks for your help.

debs

jugsy

Snorkling on the barrier reef was my favourite part of my trip to Aus. I was scared of getting in the water at first but once I saw the beautiful reef and fish I forgot my fear and was mesmerised. It is a fantastic experience. The only bad thing was seeing the amount of damage that has been done to the reef. The boat that took us out there let us get out right on top of reef. I put my foot on it. It shouldn't be allowed.

debsy

Yes Jugsy I am really looking forward to seeing the reef.

It is sad when people let things be destryed though isnt it.

biba

We visited the reef two years ago. Stayed in Cairns in a hostel - it was brand new, big, modern, we had a separate room with bathroom, big swimming pool, quiet - it was much better than we thought it would be.

We also did scuba course - v. cheap 5 day course (around 200 dollars). Also plenty of excursions available - we opted for a 2-day trip to Cape Tribulation - it was excellent. Loads of other stuff too - you can get all excursions info in hundreds of tour shops in Cairns.

Enjoy!!
B.

tinaj

We went on a day trip to Lady Musgrave which cost $125 per adult and around $80 per child, it works out a lot for just a few hours.

Heron Island is lovely but pretty pricey to stay on, there is a resort there.

We are going to Great Keppel in Sept. we are staying at a hotel and goina over to dive for the day. There is a diving place there and it is only 30 mins on the boat and $80 for family ticket. I will let you know what we think.

We are doing the 4 day diving course in a months time, my 65 yr old MUm wants to do it when she comes out!!

debsy

Blimey your mum is brave Tina

We took the kids whitewater rafting last Sunday and we had a great time.
Let me know how you get on in Sept.
Debs

Grayling

Debsy
We once stayed in Airlie beach and got a cheap 'last minute' package to South Molle (whitsunday Islands).
They also did packages to other places.
Our sons went on a 3/4 day diving trip to the GBR.
Better to book in advance if you have children but the'standby' rates were much cheaper.
It is a long drive to the GBR from Brisbane so take that into account.
Have a good trip

G

debsy

Thanks Grayling. Won't be going by car though

Sherie

Depends what sort of place you want to stay in but everyone we spoke to recommended PORT DOUGLAS as a place to stay rather than Cairns. Quiksilver also go to the reef from Port Dougas and they were recommended to us as the best GBR operator.They operate the biggest boats but may not be the best experience if you want a small specialised trip to the reef.
Cairns is OK but is more of a busy town/port than a beachside resort. We have 3 kids and stayed at the Rydges in Port Douglas which is more suited to families than some of the smaller boutique type hotels in PD.
If you want somewhere that caters for kids with kids club activities we would recommend the Rydges, which we booked thro' the Trailfinders branch in Cairns- we got better deals from them than booking direct with the hotel.
I think Rydges hotels in Australia have a website you could check this out. Another place we stayed was the Rydges in Yeppoon, nr Rockhampton midway between between Brissie and GBR, this is our all time favourite we got walk in rate of 100A$ for the 5 of us per night and lots of activities for adults and kids .
We would definitely like to go back here also!
I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip whatever you decide, theres something in the area for all kinds of people and budgets
Best wishes,
Sherie.