travel627

My husband and I have 3 wks to travel to Australia on our first trip there, sometime between mid-June to late July. Interested in nature and doing one or two days diving GBR. Ideas for an itinerary, places to stay (like small, local establishments, b&bs especially) would be greatly appreciated. Best weeks to go during that time? Any suggestions on a day-dive operation for me (as my husband does not swim at all) with a small outfit (not a cattle boat). Thanks in advance!

LizzyF

If you want to stay in the Cairns area in a small establishment then you cannot go wrong by staying with Pat and Mike Woolford at Lilybank B&B. Pat writes on this forum with heaps of information and she can do all your bookings which would pick you up from the B&B. I have stayed there as has other Fodorians and we are all happy to recommend it to everyone.
I have got to rush off but will come back with its email address for you OR you can check up on any of Pat's posts which I think has it on her ID.

LizzyF

The B&B email address is: [email protected]

Bokhara

Here's the link you need:
www.lilybank.com.au

If you have a look at recent posts on this (Australian) Board, you'll see zillions about the GBR and in particular dive/snorkelling etc.

Are you planning on spending all your time in Queensland?

chimani

Dear Travel627,

You say you have 3 weeks to travel to Ausralia and ask for ideas for an itinerary.

I have one question and one suggestion for you.

Question: Have you established to your own satisfaction the size of the country? What did you conclude?

Suggestion: do some research. Try the net. Or there is always that good old fashioned method - a guide book.

Otherwise I could recommend a darling little B&B in Perth when you don't have the slightest intention of leaving the East Coast.

Happy travels.

Pomme949

Travel627-

My friend and i did something similar. I'd suggest ordering a bunch of brochures from tour companies and using that to base you travel plans.

Another suggestion is to fly into one city and fly out of another. You'll save time travelling and get to see more.

We started in Sydney, then flew to Cairns, Ayers Rock and Adelaide. Then rented a car and drove the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne, before flying home.

For Sydney, I'd highly recommend the Russell - http://www.therussell.com.au/.

As for a good dive operation, I'd suggest Calypso http://www.calypsocharters.com.au