Originally Posted by tiger222

OK, we're finally getting around to planning our family trip to the GBR. We're a family with 6 - children ages 7, 11, 13, 16. We're planning to travel in September - hoping for a little off season. No set dates. We enjoy snorkeling.

Any suggestions? Recommendations? http://britishexpats.com/forum/image.../lightbulb.gif

Originally Posted by bobbyftm

Well if i was going to base myself on the mainland and doing the touristy thing to the reef via boat or plane the choice would probably be a toss of the coin between Cairns and Airlie Beach. Both great places imho ,Cairns being like a mini city with a population of approx 150,000 with access also to the Tablelands whereas Airlie is a little town of approx 9.000 people(also one of the few backpacker places left on the Eastern Coast) which reminds me of a European Spain/ Greece holiday resort with only a couple of main streets.
Can't help with the island stay as the only time we holidayed on an island was a few years ago on Lindeman Island but it unfortunately it had closed the last i heard

Originally Posted by tiger222

Thanks for the advice. I like the sound of a quiet little town of Airlie Beach.

Originally Posted by tiger222

Which town should we fly into from Sydney?

Do you have a recommendation of time of year? Is September considered off season? Jellyfish?

Originally Posted by GarryP

Hmm, well it wasn't really a quiet little town when I was there, it was backpackerland. I doubt it's got better.

Quite pleased i never said it was quiet and did refer to it as one of the only backpacker places left on the East Coast There are indeed 3 backpacker bars left but never seen any hassle in any of them as they usually are full of Europeans who tend to respect other places when on holiday as opposed to the local eeeejits who don't One of the beauties of the place is that there are other bars in town so you can have it as noisy or as quiet as you prefer And into the bargain there is a lovely lagoon in the middle for all !


It would be remiss not to suggest Hamilton Island. Not what I'd call cheap, but you can fly directly to the island, there's lots of activities, the reef is easy to get to, etc.

http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/reef-view-hotel/

IIRC september would be off season for jellies - although that far north they are around year long.

Originally Posted by tiger222

Bobbyftm -

Thanks for the advice. I like the sound of a quiet little town of Airlie Beach.

Which town should we fly into from Sydney?

Do you have a recommendation of time of year? Is September considered off season? Jellyfish?

Thanks

Catherine

Originally Posted by tiger222

Hey Bobby -

Thanks for the great photo and airport information.

Considering the size of our family, we have usually looked for stand alone holiday accommodation - hotels don't usually work for us.

I'll take a look at what's available in Airlie area. I'm always open to suggestions/recommendations.

Thanks again!

Catherine

Originally Posted by DeadVim

I did Airlie Beach a few years ago and "quiet town" wasn't really the vibe I picked up on.

I liked the place but "backpackers steamed up on cheap booze and numerous wet t-shirt competitions" was more the focus.

Needless to say given I left my family behind and went with a drinking buddy I enjoyed it a lot.

For a family holiday.

Originally Posted by DeadVim

I did Airlie Beach a few years ago and "quiet town" wasn't really the vibe I picked up on.

For a family holiday.

Originally Posted by tiger222

OK DeadVim - I get the vibe you're sending. Maybe Port Douglas for the family ?

Originally Posted by tiger222

OK, we're finally getting around to planning our family trip to the GBR. We're a family with 6 - children ages 7, 11, 13, 16. We're planning to travel in September - hoping for a little off season. No set dates. We enjoy snorkeling.

Any suggestions? Recommendations? http://britishexpats.com/forum/image.../lightbulb.gif

Originally Posted by Amazulu

I spent some time there during my backpacker days. At the time, major storms prevented any GBR activity, so heavy drinking, drug taking and the (attempted) shagging of Danish backpackers was the order of the day - much more fun than looking at coral and brightly coloured fish