Elaine

My husband and I will be touring New Zealand and Australia from March 9 to April 8,2000 and will end up in the Great Barrier Reef Area approximately April 1st. <BR> <BR>From reading previous forum responses, it appears that Port Douglas is a better choice than Cairns for a mainland stay, but I can't determine whether a) it is better just to stay on the mainland and take reef tours, such as on the Quicksilver, for snorkeling or b)if we should also stay on one of the islands for a couple of days and do the snorkeling there instead? Is Hayman worth the splurge? Dunk and Fitzroy are offered in many of the packaged tours, which we are not interested in taking, but no one mentioned them in the forum replies. And Green Island, which is one of the few coral cay islands, also has not been suggested. As this is a once in a lifetime trip for us, we don't want to make a costly or time wasting mistake. <BR> <BR>Please can anyone make a firm suggestion? (I hope no one recommends Lizard, because that one is WAY!!! above our budget.) <BR> <BR>One more question, if I may. Keeping the rain season in mind, should we visit the Reef before we go to the Daintree area so that we end up in the Rainforest as late as possible, which would be around April 4th or 5th, or would a few days earlier or later at that time of year not make any difference in the weather? <BR> <BR>I must admit that I am having a difficult time planning my itinerary for both New Zealand and Australia with so much to see and not enough time. The question and answer forum has helped me eliminate some places, but, unfortunately has whetted my appetite for others that I hadn't even thought of. <BR> <BR>Oops. I did just think of one more question. Many of the responders mentioned the insect infestation around Ayres Rock. Is it that bad around the end of March? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance to anyone who might help us out with advice. I can't wait to hear some answers. I think that planning the trip is half of the excitement.

Dick

Elaine, <BR> <BR>Port Douglas is a great little town. My wife and I loved it. If you are there on Sunday, the outdoor crafts market is worth checking out. <BR> <BR>We went on the Quicksilver and thought they did a very good job. You do not need to book the trip very far in advance, because the boats are quite large. One thing to watch..the Quicksilver leaves from Port and another company leaves from Cairns. Book in the town you are in...or else they bus you to the other town...and trust me ...we saw 10-15 buses at a time leaving Port douglas for the trip back to Cairns. <BR> <BR>Can't speak for the other islands, but I definitely would spend any nights at the Green Island Resort. We did...and found the island was crowded with "daytrippers" on numerous all day excursion( if you want to go to Greeen Island ..thats the best way to go..for the day) However, the Resort's hotel guests are 95% Japanese(majority on honeymoons). During the day , the island has a theme park feel and at times we were the only english speaking people in the dining room. <BR> <BR>Feel free to email me directly for more info.

Louise

Elaine - we just returned from the Cairns area. This has been our fourth trip to that area and our second doing the same seven day cruise from Cairns to Thursday Island. If you really like snorkeling and being away from the crowds we found this the best solution. We disliked many of the islands we have previously stayed on because of the crowds and limited snorkeling. Cannot tell you for sure of the weather in the time period you are going but you can find it on www.oztravel.com.au. If you are interested in cruising on a 100 foot catamaran (average l5 passengers) for a week and snorkeling at seven different spots along the reef including Lizard Island please feel free to get in touch with me. We think the price very reasonable.

Jody

Elaine, <BR> <BR>My husband and I toured Australia for about 2 weeks last March/April 99. We stayed at the Hayman Island resort for three nights and I would highly recommend it. Everything about the resort was first class. You can take trips from the island out to the reef for snorkling/scuba diving. I'm afraid I can't offer advice on the other islands. <BR> <BR>We also spent a couple of nights at Ayers Rock. It probably wasn't the highlight of our trip as the lodgings weren't very comfortable, but Ayers Rock and the Olgas were wonderful to see. We took a sunrise hike around the base of Ayers Rock and loved it. There were a lot of flies which could be annoying but I wouldn't let that stop you from going if you are very interested. <BR> <BR>If you have time I would also highly recommend Tasmania. We drove from Hobart to Cradle Mountain and then to Devonport. Tasmania has some of the world's most beautiful natural scenic areas. It was a completely different side of Australia that was great to see. <BR> <BR>Feel free to e-mail me directly if you want more info <BR>

Joanna

Hi— <BR> <BR>Just a note about the flies around Ayers Rock—you can buy head nets for about $9.00 at outdoor stores like REI. That should help keep them off your face. <BR> <BR>Joanna

Patrick Ashton

can't speak too much about the individual islands, but we did a four day "sports cruise" on a small boat with about 60 people from Townsend to <BR>Cairns (goes either way) with snorkeling, beaching, scuba diving (even crash course and fully supervised for beginners, glass bottom boating, etc. at 6 different sites in the barrier reef (also a night time trip to one of the island resorts for "clubbing". This was the highlight of our 2 month Australian trip -- and we hate cruises!!! If you are interested, email me for more infor. I know there are several companies which do this. Sure beats the hundreds of people crammed into the day trips on Quicksilver and other boats. And cost wise, probably no more than staying at one of the nicer resorts (possibly less).

Vickie

I stayed at the Brampton Island Resort about 4 years ago - it was OK, but nothing great. Hayman is where I'll be heading on my next trip to FNQ.

Barbara

Dear Elaine <BR>I am having the same trouble you are having. We are leaving Nov 2nd for 3 weeks in Australia and New Zealand. I too am having a problem with the Great Barrier Reef. I thought I would like to stay on Green Island, but was afraid of all the day trippers. After reading some of your responses, I think we will be day trippers as well. From all I have read, the best Island is Heron. I wish it wasn't so far South. <BR>I think what we are going to do is only book into the Kuranda Rainforest Resort for the first two nights, go to Green Island out of Cairns and head north to Port Douglas (book lodging as we go) and possibly do another Island out of there and other day trips. <BR>I hope you have a wonderful trip. <BR>Barbara <BR>

Elaine

I appreciate the responses I have had to date, and thank all who wrote. There is quite a range of opinions about this area, and your suggestions have been helpful. If anyone else has any advice, I would love to hear from you.

dave.dixon

Elaine - <BR> <BR>Hayman is very much worth the splurge. It is perhaps the finest resort my wife and I have visited in the world. The setting, the service, the food, the diving/snorkeling options, the sunset cruise, the hiking trails..... I could go on all day. It was absolutely delightful. We plan on returning soon. <BR> <BR>Please feel free to email with any additional questions. <BR> <BR>

danielle

Hi there <BR>Please don't miss out on going to Hayman Island. It is definitely worth the cost. You can do just about anything there, food and service is THE best, it isn't over crowded - huge pools, safe beach etc...and the best thing is that they don't allow daytrippers!It's the ultimate relaxing, luxury beach holiday.

elaine

Danielle, do you have a new e-mail address?

Michael

The best is Hayman, everything else is miles behind, spend the extra and enjoy yourself.