2/3 day stay on the GBR from Brisbane

Old Jul 4th, 2015, 07:51 AM
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2/3 day stay on the GBR from Brisbane

Were are staying in Brisbane(Aug 6-15th) but would like a few days to see the GBR. Hope August isn't too cold for snorkeling. I start seeing all the names and get overwhelmed . So , any reasonable way to do this without breaking the bank.
We could fly in but to which spot? Also accommodations for a family of 5??.Budget please, we are not picky.I have read Cairns but didn't really know if this was the tourist route and there was a more local secret place/way that wasn't hit with tourist prices? I am trying to make the most of our few days there. Thanks for your help!
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Old Jul 4th, 2015, 01:40 PM
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Fly to Cairns.

Have a look at bookings.com for accommodation & the GBR & Cairns/ Far North Queensland websites for various trip options & prices.
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Old Jul 4th, 2015, 08:48 PM
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Fly to Cairns but stay in Palm Cove (about 25 minutes north) or Port Douglas (about an hour north). Cairns itself has little to recommend it (unless you like clubs/pubs/McDonalds/partying backpackers etc.). Although any of the hotels can arrange transport from/to the airport, with 5 of you, it may be more cost effective to rent a car.

Both Palm Cove and Port Douglas have accomodation at various price points (though none of them may be particularly "cheap"). In addition to the site already suggested, also check out www.wotif.com.au
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Old Jul 5th, 2015, 06:45 AM
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You might consider Lady Elliott Island on the southern end of the Barrier Reef. It has a landing strip and you can fly there from Brisbane. It has a single budget resort that caters to snorkelers and divers.

I haven't been to Lady Elliott but have been several times to nearby Heron Island, which like Lady Elliott, is a small coral cay right on the reef - excellent snorkeling and diving, even right off the beach. Weather in August should be warm, but water temperatures will be on the cool side. As on Heron, you should be able to rent wet suits for extended snorkels.

I like this option because it makes the most of the limited time you have. You get to spend a couple of days right on the reef and you get there with minimal fuss - no boat from the mainland for example.
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Old Jul 5th, 2015, 11:11 AM
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Thanks for your help. I was looking into both and even tho Lady Elliot makes since I found up by Cairns is Kuranda to add a little extra fun. I'd like seeing something on Aboriginals and their history.We won't have a car for Palm cove sadly. So leaning towards Cairns way... looking at tours for a day on the reef to snorkel and I see so many. Anyone have a preference? Idea? We have never done this so I am lost. Thanks!
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Old Jul 8th, 2015, 05:46 AM
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if you go to PD, you can do a day trip to Mossman Gorge where there are several tours you can do with the indigenous people - and the hotels in PD will organise a transfer to the resort for you too; once there, or even in advance, you can book a tour to Mossman.


http://www.mossmangorge.com.au/exper...reamtime-walks

the website also has details of how to get there by bus from PD:

http://www.mossmangorge.com.au/getti.../getting-there

you can also do a tour from Cairns:

http://www.mossmangorge.com.au/exper...airns-day-tour

I strongly recommend staying in PD - it's got a lovely feel and a terrific beach. and easy access to the reef of course.
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Old Jul 21st, 2015, 02:19 PM
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Cairns was dumpy when I was there, but that was awhile ago. PD was a small and semi-sleepy town.

The worst part of GBR at Cairns and PD is it's nearly 2 hours away by boat, for a 3.5 to 4 hour round trip.

Remember, aboriginal history is no more homogenous than Native American history - you'll be on a large land mass whose aboriginal inhabitants have had very different histories.
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Old Aug 9th, 2015, 09:39 PM
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Hi Julie,

If you're interested in seeing the Great Barrier Reef (snorkelling or diving), I would recommend you stay in Cairns. It's not only the closest to the reef but you'll also have the widest choices. Below is a good brief on visiting the GBR from Cairns.

http://www.remotetraveler.com/cairns...-barrier-reef/

I did my Open Water Diving Certification with Pro Dive and would highly recommend them. They are fairly reasonable and not over the top. Great service and very professional.

If you have a few extra days, I would recommend you stay at one of the northern beaches near Cairns either before or after visiting the reef. Palm Cove and Port Douglas are quite exclusive and therefore expensive. Ellis Beach is just as nice, quieter and cheaper. I didn't like Cairns and only used it as a base for diving the reef.

http://www.remotetraveler.com/cairns...airns-beaches/

For accommodation options, I've started looking at Airbnb which have really good accommodation options and are cheaper than booking regular hotels. They're esp good if you have a family and would like apartment-style accommodation or even a house.

Happy travels!!
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Old Aug 10th, 2015, 01:45 PM
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mmm - we actually thought that PD accommodation was quite reasonably priced, and the food was good too; we had a one bed apartment with a full kitchen so we could eat in if we wanted to, though mostly we ate out.
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