I will be in Australia for about 6 weeks, spending the majority of the time in Melbourne as I will be studying. I just recently decided to take a side trip up to Cairns to see the Great Barrier Reef. I dont have a lot of time, but I cant imagine coming all the way from the states and not seeing it. I will only have a 4 day weekend to visit up the region. I plan on flying out on Jan. 25th, a Friday and return to Mel on the 28th a Monday. My itinerary looks like this:

Friday afternoon- Depart MEL arrive CNS, spend the evening in the city
Saturday- Take a cruise to the reef through Ocean Spirit Cruises
Sunday- Take a trip to the rain forest (not sure on the name, I dont have my guide book with me). I plan on taking the tram up to the top of the mountain and then taking the train back down.
Monday- Fly back to MEL in the afternoon
(This is Australia Day observed)

Do you all think this is eneough time or should I just not go? It is going to cost around $800-$850 USD to do this. I dont mind spending the money, I just dont want to be disappointed and wished that I saved my money.

Will there be any problems with this being Australia Day weekend?

Thank you for all your help!!

Ken

First, you will not be disappointed by a trip to the GBR. You are right that it would be unfortunate if you can all the the way from the U.S. and did not see the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. It would, of course, be nice if you had more time and if you could go up to Port Douglas, but considering your time restraints, a couple of days in Cairns for a college student will be great.
Second, even though it will be hot and humid up there, you can still plan on there being a lot of folks since it is not only a school holiday but a national holiday as well. You should book your flight and accomodations well in advance of travel.
Third, the place you describe as the "rainforest" is Kuranda. There are some attractions there and markets, but you might want to look into a tour north to Daintree National Park and/or Mossman Gorge. The drive to Daintree would be close to 2 hours from Cairns, but you might enjoy it more than Kuranda. (I don't know what you enjoy doing, so I'm just throwing this out as a something you might want to consider.) I know they have tours for young people/backpackers out of Port Douglas to Daintree so perhaps they'll have something similar from Cairns.

Kuranda Village is highly touristed but that doesn't detract from the views from both Skyrail and scenic train.

There are day tours to Daintree River and beyond to Cape Tribulation out of Cairns, this does make for a long day (approx 7.15am-6.30pm). There's other World Heritage Rainforest far closer to Cairns which pick up at your accommodation:

www.cairnswildernesswalks.com - for those who like to hike and walk the rainforests, very small groups with expert guide - includes Crystal Cascades near Cairns which is like Mossman Gorge without the tour buses. Safe swimming at Cascades with clear, fresh mountain water, no crocs or stingers - in January, after a hike, you'd appreciate a swim.

www.wildernessecosafaris.com - genuine 4WD country through to Atherton Tableland - operator has access to highly restricted areas, so no crowds.

www.wooroonooran-safaris.com.au - World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforests just south of Cairns, again no crowds.

You've chosen well with Ocean Spirit to reef out of Cairns, sure you'll enjoy it.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I have been busy with school. Thank you both for your responses. I have actually been able to add an extra day in Carines. I am now there for three days and then fly back to Melbourne at 8 pm on the fourth day. Now we are able to make a trip to Daintree. Does anyone recommend any certain trip to take? Any other

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I have been busy with school. Thank you both for your responses. I have actually been able to add an extra day in Carines. I am now there for three days and then fly back to Melbourne at 8 pm on the fourth day. Now we are able to make a trip to Daintree. Does anyone recommend any certain trip to take? Any other advice? We will be staying in one of the youth hostels. Is it best to vook tours in advance or just wait till we get there to book? Thank you all for help!!

sorry for the double post, I posted these posts from my iPhone and somehow posted thatpost twice.

Hi there,

So you'll be back in Cairns Sat after the trip out to the reef. And you'll now have Sunday and Monday and half of Tuesday to see what else there is to see. That's great.

May I suggest skipping Kuranda? A trip up there is OK but if it were me I'd take a 2 day trip up to the Daintree. Pretty much all the tours include a visit to Mossman Gorge, and they all go boating on the Daintree River to see crocs.

Some stop at a boardwalk, or a fruit farm. It varies. But the bottom line is you get to spend a day somewhere out of the city, and you have an opportunity to take a night safari (highly recommended).

you could check out www.jungletours.com.au

I've travelled with them twice - nine years apart - and on both occasions they stopped in Port Douglas on the way back to Cairns. If they still do that, then you could take a two day trip, staying overnight up in the Daintree on Sunday, and get them to drop you off in Port Douglas Monday. Then you get to spend a night in PD too, and are close enough to the airport not to have to worry about being there on time for an afternoon flight.

Just my 2 cents worth. There are lots of other possibilities.

Cheers.

Good advice all round but do take the advice from Pat . The places and sites she recommends will not disappoint . I loved the Kuranda Sky Rail tour .Do not miss it .I did not love the train trip down but , it is a unique experience . The coastal drive up to Mossman Gorge is wonderful as is the Gorge .Too little time and too much ( potentially ) to do and see. Be selective .