Nuut

Hi there
I am attending a conference in Sydney from 15-19 April. I have a plane ticket into Sydney landing on 9 April. I am a keen (but not very good, although I am PADI certified) diver, but my passion is snorkling. I will be traveling alone, and since this is technically not a holiday, I do not have too much cash to spend on the trip.

I would love to go to the great barrier reef. My question is: How feasible is this and is there a way to do it affordably? I assume I would need to fly there and abck from Sydney. This seems to cost between $200 and $300 one way. Once at the reef, where is the best places to stay? Would a live aboard be possible for two days, one night. And me being a lone traveler would that be possible?

Are there nice snorkling spots closer to Sydney? Are there nice scenic coastal drives close to Sydney?

Should I bother flying around in the 5 days I have or should I rather see Sydney and do a day trip. And if so where? I am more keen on beaches than on the Blue Mountains. I am not so much interested in swimming, since I can do this at home; but would be keen on snorkling or scenic beaches - rocks and cliffs and the likes.

I am used to traveling, also on my own, but have never been to Australia and do not know how easy it would be. Is it advisable to rent a car or use public transport for trips outside of Sydney.

Help much appreciated.

longhorn55

If you are passionate about snorkeling, then a trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a must if it is at all financially feasible for you. (They don't call it "Great" for nothing.)

I think your most affordable choice will be to stay in Cairns so you aren't spending more money on extra transportation, e.g. to Port Douglas. You should also be able to find reasonably-priced accommodations in Cairns. You might even consider a hostel to save money.

I have done many snorkeling trips at the GBR, but only as day trips so I don't have much advice about liveaboards. From what little I know, I believe they are mainly geared for divers, but snorkeling is an available option. (This is from a snorkeling-only friend of mine who went on a liveaboard with her diver boyfriend.) As a lone traveler, you might have to pay a supplement for a private room or agree to have a roommate on the liveaboard.

If you decide you can't afford the GBR trip, you won't be disappointed in spending your time in Sydney. You won't find snorkeling there, but you should be able to find scenic places near a beach. Trips to the Blue Mountains are easily done by train, but if you want to explore the coast, I think your best bet would be to rent a car.

Bokhara2

Go to Cairns! Unique opportunity to experience our world heritage great barrier reef.
Of course you can do a live- aboard alone, hundreds of people do. I've done several and the majority have been solo travellers in those trips.You will be able to snorkel or scuba, but as you are PADI qualified it's a great chance to have the additional experience & freedom of exploring on scuba. The visibility is usually so good that you don't have to go very deep at all.

Depending on your dates, you may be able to pick up a cheaper fare, but your trip coincides with Easter school holidays. Join Qantas & Virgin websites to have advance notification of specials.

Nuut

Thank you for both replies. And since they basically say the same thing, I guess that is off to Cairns. Husband and I had a long 'budget meeting' last night. This might just work.
Any specific live-aboards or other vendors you can suggest? Where do I start looking?

longhorn55

I'd start by reading some of the reviews on the "Things to Do/Tours" section in the Cairns forum on Trip Advisor. Just a quick look shows a few well-reviewed liveaboard companies:
Deep Sea Divers Den, Mike Ball Dive Expeditons, Pro Dive Cairns, etc.

As I previously said, I've never done a liveabord trip, so I cannot make any recommendations. But if you read the TA reviews carefully and contact the companies with any questions, you should be able to find a company that suits your interests and, hopefully, your budget.

Susan7

Also, there are some good snorkeling places in Sydney, not of course in the league of Great Barrier Reef but still interesting. Clovelly is one of the ones my friends like best, there's a legendary blue groper there that is frequently mentioned in the local broadsheet.

Cairns would be fabulous at this time of year.

travelkarma

I agree. Great Barrier Reef is a must see especially for a diver like yourself! Just do it

If the budget doesn't stretch, visit Bondi Beach in Sydney. Blue Mountains is nice but missable. Plenty to do in Sydney with bars, restaurants, shopping. April should also be good weather too.

hup234

Barrier reef barrier reef. Amazing snorkelling. Sydneynis great but just another (very beautiful) big city. Beaches here are ok but there are better ones elsewhere in oz. You would not really come to sydney for a beach hol.

lavandula

Given your interests Cairns would probably trump Sydney. But if you are spending any time at all in Sydney, there is a nice drive between Sydney and Wollongong, on Sea Cliff Bridge. The scenery is quite dramatic. Take a break at the Scarborough Hotel - good lunches, good views.

Lavandula

Nuut

Thanks to everyone. I decided to go to the Great Barrier Reef. Really looking forward to it. And now I have no time in Sydney, other than two evenings before and after the conference.

Nuut

Back from Australia. I loved the Cairns area, not just the reef, but the rainforests as well. I did the Kuranda skyrail trip and loved it, spent 3 days on the reef and a day on Fitzroy island, which was really nice. The day I spent on the island it was raining non stop in Cairns, while the island was clear, if a bit windy.
The diving was lovely, although the visibility was not perfect.
Thank you for everyone who adviced me to go to Cairns - it was great

highlander3

Hi! I'm headed to the Great Barrier Reef alone soon. -!6 tips I should know?

Bokhara2

1.Make sure your snorkel top is above water before you take that big breath.
2.Don't walk on the reef
3.Wear sunscreen & a hat
4.Bright coloured clothes bought in tropical locations increase in garishness quicker than the tan fades.
5. Do a wildlife tour with a good guide. They know more, you will see more, than on your own.
6. Have fun