Cairns, AU
 

I will be visiting Sydney and Cairns early February 1999. I realize Cairns is very hot in Feb., but how hot? My husband plans to dive at the Great Barrier Reef and one day we both will have a day trip on the water and the boat will stop at an island for us to explore the island and do whatever. I'm worried about th heat because I don't do well in hot humid weather if I'm outdoors all day in it. Has anyone been on a boat for most of the day in Feb. in Cairns? Was being on the water comfortable or too hot? I think the boat has some cabin-type shade, not sure. Need information about being on a boat in Feb. in Cairns, please.

Beverly, <BR>You'll be fine, feb is not the worst month for humidity but it will be very hunid and sticky. The good news is that on the boat naturally you'll be on the water and it will be cooler than inland and if it is a bit breezy then all the better. I don't think you'll have a problem at all, <BR>Michael

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Hi <BR>We just got back from Cairns and it was very hot. THe best place to stay is at the Sheraton Pt. Douglas. Be sure to eat at Salsas downtown. Have fun <BR>Stacy <BR>

Hi Beverly <BR> <BR>I am not sure that I agree with these guys. February in Cairns is hot - damn hot! Also, diving in the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns - Port Douglas actually is where most of the boats leave from - is not as good as from the Whitsundays which is south of Cairns, nearer to Brisbane. The reason for this is because Cairns is the greater tourist destination as regards Reef visits. As a result, the Reef, sadly so, is in bad state. The Whitsundays is more pristine and far superior. It also has cheaper islands to stay on - the dive boats are far more numerous too and the weather is not as hot. <BR> <BR>If I can help any more as I have been out of both Cairns and Whitsundays, don't hesitate to call. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

<BR>t/Oct. with a family from Cairns. I'm interested in getting your opinion - i.e. weather, is it 'tourist hell" or will it be a good place to spend two weeks? Are the reefs trashed around Cairns? How far is Whitsunday from Cairns? We're also thinking of doing a side trip down to Sydney - Can one buy airline tix pretty cheaply? <BR> <BR>Thanks if you get time to respond - we're excited to visit Aus. but don't want to walk into a boring, crowded situation! <BR> <BR>-Kathy

Kathy, <BR>Cairns is an average town, Port Douglas is a much nicer place stay in the part of the world, it is true that if you take a normal day trip to the reef you could end up in an average part of the reef however I would suggest rather than thinking of going as far south as the Whitsundays you look at taking a trip to the reef on one of the more unique operators and in reality north of Port Douglas away from the big operators the reef is sensational, a side trip to Sydney from Cairns is a rather large event with a 3 hour flight and an "average" airfare around $500 - $600 if advance purchased. If you can stay in Port Douglas ahead of Cairns you should, if you can afford the Sheraton Mirage then that would be a bonus.

We notice that you have already had 6 reponses to your query. However, yes, it is hot and humid here at the moment but beautiful out on the water and most of the boats have plenty of shade and the larger ones have airconditioned rest areas for guests. Why don't you consider staying with us at our lovely relaxed B&B. Courtesy coaches for trips will pick up from our front gate. <BR>Have a look at our website http://beaches-at-holloways.com.au <BR>Cheers <BR>Josephine