Is it possible (I suppose anything is) to do the Great Barrier Reef from Coolum?? Maps do not seem to give any approximation on distances. CLiff

Hi Cliff,
That's sunshine coast I think. Just what sort of map are you looking at? You need to get yourself one with a scale - shouldn't be too hard - or else a basic knowledge of how big the island of Australia is.

I think you'll find it's about 1500km give or take from there to Cairns. There are bits of the reef and islands closer than that. Check out the airline timetables if you don't have the time and the urge to take a long and very leisurely drive.

Have fun

Assuming you're about talking Coolum on the Sunshine coast, the town of Bundaberg is probably the closest access point on coast to the Barrier Reef (Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands). Bundaberg is around 200 km (2-3 hrs)north of Coolum. Another 200 kms or so north is Gladstone, access point to Heron Island. Beyond that, the next major access point is Mackay, a considerable distance away, a very, very long day's drive from Coolum (about 900 kms, 560 miles).

OK THanks for the help!!

Cliff - if you live in Australia, try ringing toll free number 1800-072-200, which is the reservation number for lady Elliot Island. I believe, there are flights from the following places...Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maroochydore, Brisbane and Gold Coast.
If you are staying at Coolum (Sunshine Coast) then you could fly from Maroochydore straight to the island, without any driving north of the Sunshine Coast.