Hi, we are going to be in Australia for about a week next month. Will arrive in Sydney. Was planning to spend a couple of days and then fly to Brisbane, rent a car and head up coast. Is it practical to drive to Townsville. How far is it. <BR>Would it be better to fly to Cairns to see the reef or take the south approach via Bundaberg?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Stuart

Stuart,<BR>If you only have a week, I'd definitely fly to Cairns and either stay there or in Port Douglas (an hour's drive north). It's a very long drive from Brisbane to Townsville (check the map section on www.travelmate.com.au ) and you'd spend your whole holiday driving. There are lots of reef trips from Cairns and PD and I have heard the reef is better the further north you go.<BR>Kay

Don't go to Bundaberg - there is not much there for tourists. Much better to fly to Cairns for the reef, you could stay at Cairns, Port Douglas or Palm Cove if you want a very quiet but nice place. Stacks of things to do around there so hire a car and spend your time there rather than driving up the coast.

I grew up in Bundaberg and let me tell you you are about 1000 klms from the reef proper. There is nothing there and there is not much to see and do between Bundaberg and north of Mackay - so your answer would be to fly to Cairns. Bundaberg to Cairns is a full 2 day drive. On the other hand you may be better just staying in Sydney as there is plenty to see and do there.

Virgin Blue airlines is offering discounted flights now. You might have to stop in Brisbane. Check it out.

Hi Stuart-<BR>Definitely fly to Cairns. <BR>Brisbane is a lovely city to stop if you have time to explore (I know, I lived there), but it seems your time is very limited. It's NOT worth the trouble of driving from Bris to Townsville. The trip is long, monotonous and exhausting by car. Also, there is so much more to see and do in Cairns than in Townsville or Bundaberg. From Cairns you can explore the stunning mountain rainforests with the scenic railway and eco-tourism places, try a million water sports, snorkel or scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef (naturally this is a MUST!!!! it is incredible, I've been twice), enjoy gorgeous beaches and try skydiving over the coastline. I didn't get to try the last one, sadly, but I've heard it's spectacular. If you would like to drive a little, you could hire a car and go from Cairns to Port Douglas along the coastline, I have heard from locals that the scenery is beautiful although I haven't done it myself.<BR>If you don't want to be right IN the centre of Cairns (although it would probably be most convenient since you have little time) then there are quieter spots called the Cairns Beaches, just outside the city. <BR>Even if you don't have much time, be sure to visit Cairns. North Queensland is one of the greatest places to visit, and certainly a unique travel experience.<BR>Have a great time, and since you're travelling in December - wear LOTS of suncreen!