We are planning our first ever trip to Australia and will be flying into Cairns. DH would like to dive, I would like to snorkel and teenage child would also probably snorkel - he has never dived before. Planning to arrive on 20/21 December - I know the worst time to be there, but have no choice really - and spend 4-5 days there. If we go to one of the islands (lizard, Green, any other suggestions?), would we be able to snorkel?

Another question - will we have to book 2 rooms or one with the 15 year old? Thanks!

I would not say the worst time to be in Cairns. Can get hot/humid so make sure you have a swimming pool to have a nice soak in.

You will be able to snorkel.

Why an island?, maybe go to the reef itself on an outer reef trip. Lizard Island is very expensive but if you can afford it top location for the reef. Green island has degraded coral but is still nice but better places to be seen.

Perhaps get a one bedroom apartment with pull down sofa. One word of warning though many one bedroom apartments will only have air conditioning in the bedroom. It stays hot all night.

Thanks for your reply. I have not made any bookings as yet, so am very open to suggestions. What are the other places you would suggest? Will start looking at apartments too.

Look at apartments in Trinity Beach or Palm Cove, too. Easy access to the reef trips, but you will need a car here. All central A/C, and too nice for a pull out sofa. You may run into problems if not staying a full week. Get after this now, this is a crazy busy time in FNQ.

Been reading about live aboards and I have a very basic question - what do you do with all your luggage - take it with you or are hotels in the area willing to keep it for you? is there a charge usually for that? I will follow the other threads for suggestions on live aboard...

We were in Cairns in Feb. We are both divers. The reefs that the day trips go to are in very sad shape conpared to other places we have dived. Just too many people very day.

I hate to say that since the GBR has such a great reputation, but if you can afford it/have the time,do a live aboard or go to Lizzard Island. We were in Cairns and went out on one of the diving/snorkel trips and were both very disappointed in the condition of the coral especially at the cost for the trip. There were about 100 people on the platform for about 5 hours which was three hours too long. We would have gone to Lizzard Island if the weather had been good. So far the best diving/snorkeling we have done has been first in the Red Sea= pristine coral and second around St John USVI= very good coral.

I've heard about Red Sea from some friends also. So many places to see...But your input is very helpful. I am leaning towards a day trip to Lizard Island with Daintree Air, but my husband would love to do at least one dive. Staying at Lizard even for 2 days with 2 adult children at peak time is prohibitively expensive for us! Another option is live aboard with Reef Encounter - they have overnight ones. Not too sure if I want to do a 2-3 night one. We are in Cairns for 4 days only. If anyone has done one of the overnight ones with them or somebody else, pls let me know how it was.

Is there an outfit that can take you to Cod Hole on an overnight trip? Thanks.