Barbara

Has anyone stayed at the Jemby Rinjah Lodge in the Blue Mountains? If so, is it a decent place for adults with 2 youngish kids (10 and 5), and what is the driving time to Sydney (I think it's near Blackheath)? Once back in Sydney, we plan to fly to Brisbane and fly out to Lady Elliot Island the following day for 3 nights. We need a little advice on whether to stay the night in Brisbane and whether to drive or fly to Hervey Bay or /Gladstone for the night. Also, has anyone stayed at Lady Elliot Island Resort? I know it's rustic, but it looks like a beautiful island from the website. Can we snorkel there? Any comments and advice are appreciated. Thanks, Barbara

Bob

My wife and I have been to Lady Elliott Island twice (the last time to celebrate our 25th anniversary). Don't expect swaying palm trees, golf courses and staff waiting on your every whim. Rustic is one key word for the resort and the island. The other is relaxing. The staff is friendly and will go out of their way to be helpful, but your stay will largely be what you make it. Snorkeling is very good with areas for rank beginners to the experienced. The day can start pretty early if you fly out of Brisbane. Hervey Bay, Gladstone and Bundaberg are pleasant towns and a good excuse to get out of the big city and meet Australia. If you are in Bundaberg, be sure to go to the rum distillery.

Patrick

Spent three nights at Jenby Rinjah a couple of years ago and loved it. No kids there when we were, most was rented out to a group of men for a business retreat, but great cabins and lots of things to do in the area, particularly nice hikes. The kids would love the birds they feed at Jemby Rinjah. I think it's only about an hour to Sydney as i recall, plus whatever time to get to the harbor through Sydney's traffic. We made the mistake of staying and doing laundry before leaving and got caught in afternoon city traffic.

Barbara

Thanks for the replies. Any suggestions on where to stay in/around Gladstone for a night?

D

There's not much to do in Hervey Bay, but Brisbane is 4 or 5 hours away. The decision is up to you. Lady Elliot is fabulous. Can you snorkle? Yes. Yes. Yes. It will be a trip you will never forget.