GBR: I'm Narrowing Things Down--But Still Need Some Advice
Jan 22nd, 2009, 03:19 PM
#1
Original Poster
GBR: I'm Narrowing Things Down--But Still Need Some Advice
Thanks so much for your suggestions so far. To end our trip in June we're thinking about 4 or 5 days at:
Hinchinbrook Island
or ...
Daydream Island
or ...
staying at Airlie Beach and taking day trips to various islands. (But we're open to other possibilities.)
Our interests do NOT include snorkeling or diving. We enjoy relaxing in a beautiful natural setting; long nature walks (but NOT strenuous, all-day hikes); wildlife spotting; and exploring part of the reef by boat.
Our budget is limited--but we're not interested in hostels or camping. We're hoping to spend a maximum of $200/night (US) (total for two adults) for lodging--but could go a little higher for someplace very special. Some of the places I've looked at online seem wonderful -- but extremely expensive.
What are the pros and cons of these places?
Is Airlie Beach as beautiful as the islands? (It has the least expensive lodgings.)
What would you do???
Thanks!
Hinchinbrook Island
or ...
Daydream Island
or ...
staying at Airlie Beach and taking day trips to various islands. (But we're open to other possibilities.)
Our interests do NOT include snorkeling or diving. We enjoy relaxing in a beautiful natural setting; long nature walks (but NOT strenuous, all-day hikes); wildlife spotting; and exploring part of the reef by boat.
Our budget is limited--but we're not interested in hostels or camping. We're hoping to spend a maximum of $200/night (US) (total for two adults) for lodging--but could go a little higher for someplace very special. Some of the places I've looked at online seem wonderful -- but extremely expensive.
What are the pros and cons of these places?
Is Airlie Beach as beautiful as the islands? (It has the least expensive lodgings.)
What would you do???
Thanks!
Jan 22nd, 2009, 04:57 PM
#2
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Well, to answer the easiest bit first, Airlie Beach is not really beautiful in an island sense and though it is typical of a tourist destination that is going through an enormous ammount of development, it is not totally ugly and sea side location lends it to some attractiveness and perhaps even more than Hamilton Island which is something of an abomination as far as islands go.
Hinchinbrook is much more of a wildnerness island without a lot of developed trails, there being a main four day walk, end to end and quite strenuous.
Daydream I haven't been to but is probably a good compromise though I'm not too sure that there is a great deal of wildlife to be seen on any of the Whitsunday Islands.
I also recall a recent visitor not being too impressed with an island that could have been Dd - I'll check and repost.
www.hookislandresort.com is another possibility and also http://www.magnetic-island.com.au/ at Townsville you may want to consider.
What would I do??
Where are you basing yourself initially?, and would you consider flying inland or even to Darwin, great time of the year for either, and especially to have greater chance of seeing more wildlife.
Hinchinbrook is much more of a wildnerness island without a lot of developed trails, there being a main four day walk, end to end and quite strenuous.
Daydream I haven't been to but is probably a good compromise though I'm not too sure that there is a great deal of wildlife to be seen on any of the Whitsunday Islands.
I also recall a recent visitor not being too impressed with an island that could have been Dd - I'll check and repost.
www.hookislandresort.com is another possibility and also http://www.magnetic-island.com.au/ at Townsville you may want to consider.
What would I do??
Where are you basing yourself initially?, and would you consider flying inland or even to Darwin, great time of the year for either, and especially to have greater chance of seeing more wildlife.
Jan 22nd, 2009, 06:19 PM
#3
Hi Songdoc,
I was at Daydream Is for a week in November for my nephew's wedding, so have some recent experience which might be useful for you.
www.daydreamisland.com
I thought it was good value for $. We had a ground floor garden view room which had a private outside 'terrace', was a few steps away from one of the swimming pools and the premier restaurant - AUD223. This included a very good buffet breakfast.
There are resident wallabies and a curious bird which wanders around the restaurants and whose name escapes me at the moment - both very quiet. Saw some lizards and quite a few other birds. There's also a mini man-made reef within the resort complex, stocked with a good variety of tropical fish, including a few small sharks and lots of rays.
It's well laid out, with a number of pools, 3 restaurants and several more snack & coffee places, a couple of gift shops etc.etc. The resort is spread over two main areas, with a 10 minute walk along a boardwalk (or through the bush) between. Both have pools and, of course, beach. Remember to take reef/gel boots/shoes because, in common with nearly all Whitsunday beaches, the "sand" is white coral and very hard on bare feet. It wasn't at full capacity when we were there, but I think even if it were, the layout would cater very well so it would not feel cramped.
They catered very well for our diverse group of 40, with ages from tots to 80yo's. (For those with children - there's an excellent kids club and facilities for children in all the restaurants)
I gather from reading your posts that you're well travelled and will understand that tropical islands are staffed with largely itinerant staff and sometimes an adjustment between the "snap, zing, now" timeframes & standards we become used to in major cities and "island time" is necessary. That said, we certainly did not have any real problems and any complaint/reminder was dealt with promptly and efficiently.
We walk too and enjoyed early morning roamings - although there aren't any walks that would take more than 40 mins or so (or none that we saw). There are lots of little coves where you can get away & pretend it's your own island.
There are plentiful options for exploring the reef(motor,catamaran or sailing), hiring a hoby-cat or a kyak. I had a most enjoyable day sailing (and diving - but this is entirely optional) on a former Sydney-Hobart winner, "Ragamuffin". It's not far from Airlie Beach, so you could go over there for a day if you wished. Quite a few of the staff commute daily.
There's also a very good day-spa if you fancy a massage etc. This is probably the thing that sets it above other Whitsunday Islands in the price-range.
Getting there: We flew Virgin Blue www.virgin blue.com.au to Hamilton Island & took the jetboat transfer (about 40 mins)www.cruisewhitsundays.com
Hamilton Island airport is a mess - too small to handle the traffic. Just grit your teeth - once you're on the water, you'll forget about it.
(Hamilton Is rather than Airlie Beach (Proserpine) because there are more flight options into Hamilton and it saves the bus shuttle down to Shute Harbour (Airlie Beach) for the transfer).
By all means, ask anything specific you think I might be able to answer.
Bottom line: I'd go back again.
I was at Daydream Is for a week in November for my nephew's wedding, so have some recent experience which might be useful for you.
www.daydreamisland.com
I thought it was good value for $. We had a ground floor garden view room which had a private outside 'terrace', was a few steps away from one of the swimming pools and the premier restaurant - AUD223. This included a very good buffet breakfast.
There are resident wallabies and a curious bird which wanders around the restaurants and whose name escapes me at the moment - both very quiet. Saw some lizards and quite a few other birds. There's also a mini man-made reef within the resort complex, stocked with a good variety of tropical fish, including a few small sharks and lots of rays.
It's well laid out, with a number of pools, 3 restaurants and several more snack & coffee places, a couple of gift shops etc.etc. The resort is spread over two main areas, with a 10 minute walk along a boardwalk (or through the bush) between. Both have pools and, of course, beach. Remember to take reef/gel boots/shoes because, in common with nearly all Whitsunday beaches, the "sand" is white coral and very hard on bare feet. It wasn't at full capacity when we were there, but I think even if it were, the layout would cater very well so it would not feel cramped.
They catered very well for our diverse group of 40, with ages from tots to 80yo's. (For those with children - there's an excellent kids club and facilities for children in all the restaurants)
I gather from reading your posts that you're well travelled and will understand that tropical islands are staffed with largely itinerant staff and sometimes an adjustment between the "snap, zing, now" timeframes & standards we become used to in major cities and "island time" is necessary. That said, we certainly did not have any real problems and any complaint/reminder was dealt with promptly and efficiently.
We walk too and enjoyed early morning roamings - although there aren't any walks that would take more than 40 mins or so (or none that we saw). There are lots of little coves where you can get away & pretend it's your own island.
There are plentiful options for exploring the reef(motor,catamaran or sailing), hiring a hoby-cat or a kyak. I had a most enjoyable day sailing (and diving - but this is entirely optional) on a former Sydney-Hobart winner, "Ragamuffin". It's not far from Airlie Beach, so you could go over there for a day if you wished. Quite a few of the staff commute daily.
There's also a very good day-spa if you fancy a massage etc. This is probably the thing that sets it above other Whitsunday Islands in the price-range.
Getting there: We flew Virgin Blue www.virgin blue.com.au to Hamilton Island & took the jetboat transfer (about 40 mins)www.cruisewhitsundays.com
Hamilton Island airport is a mess - too small to handle the traffic. Just grit your teeth - once you're on the water, you'll forget about it.
(Hamilton Is rather than Airlie Beach (Proserpine) because there are more flight options into Hamilton and it saves the bus shuttle down to Shute Harbour (Airlie Beach) for the transfer).
By all means, ask anything specific you think I might be able to answer.
Bottom line: I'd go back again.
Jan 23rd, 2009, 04:00 PM
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Hey Songdoc!
Between the two Daydream is a tourist type island and Hinchinbrook is an eco-type island. You just need to decide which fits your style and personality.
As Bokhara mentioned, there are many activities and is very much a family style resort.
For my clients who stayed at Hinchinbrook it suited their personality. He's a college professor, she used to be a Park Ranger and they live next to a national park in NY. They're into hiking, birds, aniamls, plants - the thing that clinched it was when the husband told me "we like to go where there's no people".
Hope this is helpful!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
p.s. Bokhara - I know the bird you're talking about!! Several of them got "trapped" in the other part of the dining room they'd zipped up with plastic. I want to say "curlew" - is that it? If not, they sort of looked like them!
Between the two Daydream is a tourist type island and Hinchinbrook is an eco-type island. You just need to decide which fits your style and personality.
As Bokhara mentioned, there are many activities and is very much a family style resort.
For my clients who stayed at Hinchinbrook it suited their personality. He's a college professor, she used to be a Park Ranger and they live next to a national park in NY. They're into hiking, birds, aniamls, plants - the thing that clinched it was when the husband told me "we like to go where there's no people".
Hope this is helpful!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
p.s. Bokhara - I know the bird you're talking about!! Several of them got "trapped" in the other part of the dining room they'd zipped up with plastic. I want to say "curlew" - is that it? If not, they sort of looked like them!
Jan 23rd, 2009, 06:02 PM
#7
Original Poster
In case I haven't said it lately ... I DO LOVE THIS FORUM
You've all been so generous and your comments have been tremendously helpful. I'd probably enjoy either of the islands, as well as the additional suggestions ... and I love the idea of resident wallabys on Daydream Island ... but from your comments, and the text I copied from Hinchinbrook's website I suspect I'm better suited to Hinchinbrook.
I much prefer peace, quiet, long walks, and pristine beauty to "activities."
************************************
From the Hinchinbrook website:
Be warned, this is not the place to come if you are looking for one of those extreme full on holidays riding jetskis, paraflying, waterskiing and loud nightclubs. But if you want first class accommodation and service in a splendid tropical wilderness then you owe it to yourself to experience Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge.
Children are more than welcome, however, in keeping with the nature of the Lodge, there are no child minding facilities or scheduled kids activities. Let them enjoy all the natural activities with you ... a truly enjoyable, relaxed educational experience!
************************************
My only concern is whether the meals will be terribly expensive. It worries me being "hostage" where there is only one place to get food. I guess I could send them an email asking for a sample menu and price range.
I also have to decide how long to stay. I was able to use American Airlines frequent flyer miles, which is a miracle right up there with the parting of the Red Sea. But to do so, I had to add a couple of days to my trip. So I'll have a full week for this portion of the trip -- but will probably not want to stay that long at Hinchinbrook.
I could go somewhere else in that area for a few days -- or return to Sydney (where I have to fly out of) a few days early.
This will be end of an exhausting, demanding six week "working vacation" -- so I don't want to do anything that involves a lot more travel. It helps knowing that I don't have to cram everything in because I'll be coming back next year.
Any thoughts?
Again, thanks SO MUCH!
You've all been so generous and your comments have been tremendously helpful. I'd probably enjoy either of the islands, as well as the additional suggestions ... and I love the idea of resident wallabys on Daydream Island ... but from your comments, and the text I copied from Hinchinbrook's website I suspect I'm better suited to Hinchinbrook.
I much prefer peace, quiet, long walks, and pristine beauty to "activities."
************************************
From the Hinchinbrook website:
Be warned, this is not the place to come if you are looking for one of those extreme full on holidays riding jetskis, paraflying, waterskiing and loud nightclubs. But if you want first class accommodation and service in a splendid tropical wilderness then you owe it to yourself to experience Hinchinbrook Island Wilderness Lodge.
Children are more than welcome, however, in keeping with the nature of the Lodge, there are no child minding facilities or scheduled kids activities. Let them enjoy all the natural activities with you ... a truly enjoyable, relaxed educational experience!
************************************
My only concern is whether the meals will be terribly expensive. It worries me being "hostage" where there is only one place to get food. I guess I could send them an email asking for a sample menu and price range.
I also have to decide how long to stay. I was able to use American Airlines frequent flyer miles, which is a miracle right up there with the parting of the Red Sea. But to do so, I had to add a couple of days to my trip. So I'll have a full week for this portion of the trip -- but will probably not want to stay that long at Hinchinbrook.
I could go somewhere else in that area for a few days -- or return to Sydney (where I have to fly out of) a few days early.
This will be end of an exhausting, demanding six week "working vacation" -- so I don't want to do anything that involves a lot more travel. It helps knowing that I don't have to cram everything in because I'll be coming back next year.
Any thoughts?
Again, thanks SO MUCH!
Jan 23rd, 2009, 08:11 PM
#8
I think you might be right about Hinchinbrook, Songdoc ... it looks gorgeous! Looks as if there will be more opportunities for quiet time wandering around and probably more wildlfe, too.
I 'phoned them just now re the menus for you. They're closed for a month or so for maintenance etc., but the office on the mainland is open.
They can't really give a menu sample because the chef changes the dinner menu nightly. However, as an indication, dinner costs are around $25 mains, $10-12 Entrees and a bit less for the sweet stuff. Lunch would be less. The person I spoke with said if you ate 3 courses lunch & dinner and a full breakfast, it would probably run out around $100/day. They offer meal packages at $90/day.
Self catering: Tree Top bungaloes only have very basic - refrigerator, jug, toaster, but the Beach cabins have fully equipped kitchens. So, if you wanted to do some meals yourself, you could bring some provisions across from the mainland. Note - there aren't any shops on the Island so, apart from fresh milk which you could get from the kitchen, you would need to bring everything you need. Still, not a bad option if you wanted to do snacks, breakfast etc., and maybe some cold meats etc for light lunches.
(Mind you if the USD:AUD stays the way it is now, you'll think you're in Bali
I 'phoned them just now re the menus for you. They're closed for a month or so for maintenance etc., but the office on the mainland is open.
They can't really give a menu sample because the chef changes the dinner menu nightly. However, as an indication, dinner costs are around $25 mains, $10-12 Entrees and a bit less for the sweet stuff. Lunch would be less. The person I spoke with said if you ate 3 courses lunch & dinner and a full breakfast, it would probably run out around $100/day. They offer meal packages at $90/day.
Self catering: Tree Top bungaloes only have very basic - refrigerator, jug, toaster, but the Beach cabins have fully equipped kitchens. So, if you wanted to do some meals yourself, you could bring some provisions across from the mainland. Note - there aren't any shops on the Island so, apart from fresh milk which you could get from the kitchen, you would need to bring everything you need. Still, not a bad option if you wanted to do snacks, breakfast etc., and maybe some cold meats etc for light lunches.
(Mind you if the USD:AUD stays the way it is now, you'll think you're in Bali
Jan 23rd, 2009, 08:12 PM
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For the extra time, split between locations and down at the Whitsundays you might want to go on a few days sailing trip - Whitehaven Beach being rather glorious.
and there are companies that will take you, some food and camping gear out to your own island beach for camping overnight.
and there are companies that will take you, some food and camping gear out to your own island beach for camping overnight.
Jan 23rd, 2009, 08:29 PM
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I was thinking of saying that for the smaller resorts, $20-30 range would be what to expect and Bokhara has confirmed that.
Depending on size of eater you are, I'd expect that you ought to get away closer to $50/d as I do not know of too many people who always go three courses a meal.
I'm a big bloke and can get buy on a modest breakfast and lunch and even with two courses in evening or just an entree and a desert I'd be looking at about $50.
Depending on size of eater you are, I'd expect that you ought to get away closer to $50/d as I do not know of too many people who always go three courses a meal.
I'm a big bloke and can get buy on a modest breakfast and lunch and even with two courses in evening or just an entree and a desert I'd be looking at about $50.
Feb 1st, 2009, 08:15 AM
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Songdoc....did you look into Brampton Island? We took our kids there in 2002. It is very, very beautiful, just the one resort, not that touristy. It is famous for its walks. One goes up Brampton Peak (not very steep) with fabulous views of other Whitsunday Islands The other goes right around the island (maybe a 2 hr mostly level walk) with side trails to lovely secluded coves and beaches. Brampton has a resident population of kanagroos, which can often be seen grazing around the resort.
I had hoped to go to Hinchinbrook last year, but given the poor exchange rate with the US dollar last July and the cost of meals at the resort, we had to bag that idea, unfortunately.
I had hoped to go to Hinchinbrook last year, but given the poor exchange rate with the US dollar last July and the cost of meals at the resort, we had to bag that idea, unfortunately.
Feb 1st, 2009, 10:28 AM
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My husband and I spent three nights in the self-catering beach cabins on Hinchinbrook last June. It was totally awesome. Interestingly, there were only two other couples staying there while we were there -- the staff outnumbered the guests. It was like we had our own resort with a few fun guests. One couple was from Melbourne and the other was from Germany. We had great conversations, had some meals together, and boated/hiked together. The manager and wait staff were very friendly. They were kind of on edge personally because the resort was in the process of being sold, but that never affected their interest in helping us have the best stay possible.
The cabins were a lot nicer than they look on the web site. They were located close to the beach (maybe 20 steps down your own private trail), though the water wasn't very visible from the cabin because of the vegetation between the cabin and the beach. Each cabin had two bathrooms and two bedrooms, along with a combination sitting area/kitchen that is screened and close to the vegetation. The bathroom we used (there were only 2 of us) was very nice (great shower!), and the bed was comfortable. We brought a box of food with us on the boat from the mainland, so we cooked one night and had stuff for picnics on during the day. We got a great price (we had booked in 2007 before the price for the cabins rose to $200+ Australian dollars), but we did choose the worst year ever in terms of exchange rate for U.S. dollars! Nonetheless, we loved every minute of our stay.
The Melbourne couple were celebrating a special occasion so they had booked on of the in the tree houses. Much more expensive, and after looking at our cabin they decided to move to a beach cabin at about 1/2 the price. They had their choice of accommodations, of course, since there were so few people staying at the resort.
The restaurant served large portions, so we ended up splitting the meals that we ate there. The breakfasts were delicious, cooked to order. The bar was informal and the bartender made good drinks.
Kayaks were provided for free, so if you like sea kayaking it's a great opportunity. We paddled around in the bay but didn't go far (I love to kayak but don't like waves!).
There are excellent day walks/hikes on the island -- you don't have to do the 4-day trek of the island (though we encountered several hikers who were doing so and they raved about it). With the fare for the boat trip over to the island comes the added attraction of use of the ferry to take you to other areas of the island as it makes its way to its various destinations. One day we hopped on the boat after it dropped off the new guests (the German couple) and took it to another part of the island, from which took a 2-hour or so walk back along the main trail back to the resort. Fantastic! Another day we too a hiked to a beach and met the boat for the return trip to the resort. At one of the beaches we walked along during the hike I saw more shells in one place than I had ever seen before in my life. There was a foot-wide line of shells the length of the beach at the high-tide mark. I stopped at one point and pointed my camera down. That picture has at least a hundred beautiful shells in it!
At the beach where we were to be picked up by the boat, there were crocodile warnings and an anti- crocodile fence enclosing the campground near the beach (didn't look like it would be too effective to me!). We scrambled over some rocks to explore another part of the beach while waiting for the boat and saw some tracks in the sand--my husband was sure they were crocodile tracks so we skipped out of that area as fast as we could. But not before I took a picture, which I showed to some Australian campers at the campsite. No, they laughed--not crocodile tracks, but wallaby tracks. A fast-jumping wallaby, they thought, because there were no tail marks. That was a memorable, if embarrassing, moment!
The vegetation on the island is gorgeous, the sunsets are beautiful, the fishing is apparently spectacular (we sat on the dock as the restaurant staff fished for the evening's catch), and all in all Hinchinbrook was a highlight of our trip. Highly recommended! Three days were not too much by any means. From your description of what you are looking for, I do believe it would meet your needs perfectly.
Have fun!
The cabins were a lot nicer than they look on the web site. They were located close to the beach (maybe 20 steps down your own private trail), though the water wasn't very visible from the cabin because of the vegetation between the cabin and the beach. Each cabin had two bathrooms and two bedrooms, along with a combination sitting area/kitchen that is screened and close to the vegetation. The bathroom we used (there were only 2 of us) was very nice (great shower!), and the bed was comfortable. We brought a box of food with us on the boat from the mainland, so we cooked one night and had stuff for picnics on during the day. We got a great price (we had booked in 2007 before the price for the cabins rose to $200+ Australian dollars), but we did choose the worst year ever in terms of exchange rate for U.S. dollars! Nonetheless, we loved every minute of our stay.
The Melbourne couple were celebrating a special occasion so they had booked on of the in the tree houses. Much more expensive, and after looking at our cabin they decided to move to a beach cabin at about 1/2 the price. They had their choice of accommodations, of course, since there were so few people staying at the resort.
The restaurant served large portions, so we ended up splitting the meals that we ate there. The breakfasts were delicious, cooked to order. The bar was informal and the bartender made good drinks.
Kayaks were provided for free, so if you like sea kayaking it's a great opportunity. We paddled around in the bay but didn't go far (I love to kayak but don't like waves!).
There are excellent day walks/hikes on the island -- you don't have to do the 4-day trek of the island (though we encountered several hikers who were doing so and they raved about it). With the fare for the boat trip over to the island comes the added attraction of use of the ferry to take you to other areas of the island as it makes its way to its various destinations. One day we hopped on the boat after it dropped off the new guests (the German couple) and took it to another part of the island, from which took a 2-hour or so walk back along the main trail back to the resort. Fantastic! Another day we too a hiked to a beach and met the boat for the return trip to the resort. At one of the beaches we walked along during the hike I saw more shells in one place than I had ever seen before in my life. There was a foot-wide line of shells the length of the beach at the high-tide mark. I stopped at one point and pointed my camera down. That picture has at least a hundred beautiful shells in it!
At the beach where we were to be picked up by the boat, there were crocodile warnings and an anti- crocodile fence enclosing the campground near the beach (didn't look like it would be too effective to me!). We scrambled over some rocks to explore another part of the beach while waiting for the boat and saw some tracks in the sand--my husband was sure they were crocodile tracks so we skipped out of that area as fast as we could. But not before I took a picture, which I showed to some Australian campers at the campsite. No, they laughed--not crocodile tracks, but wallaby tracks. A fast-jumping wallaby, they thought, because there were no tail marks. That was a memorable, if embarrassing, moment!
The vegetation on the island is gorgeous, the sunsets are beautiful, the fishing is apparently spectacular (we sat on the dock as the restaurant staff fished for the evening's catch), and all in all Hinchinbrook was a highlight of our trip. Highly recommended! Three days were not too much by any means. From your description of what you are looking for, I do believe it would meet your needs perfectly.
Have fun!
Feb 1st, 2009, 10:41 AM
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Oops -- sorry for all the typing mistakes in my previous post. I should have previewed my reply!
Anyway, here's a link to some of my pictures of Hinchinbrook. That scarey wallaby track is included. (smile)
http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/v...#1233517037321
Anyway, here's a link to some of my pictures of Hinchinbrook. That scarey wallaby track is included. (smile)
http://www.shutterfly.com/lightbox/v...#1233517037321
Feb 1st, 2009, 02:29 PM
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So sorry! Here's a better link to try. (I hope this works!) The Hinchinbrook (and a separate Australia folder) should be at the top when you open the site. I haven't had time to enter any captions, but I think you'll get the idea.
http://aprillilacsphotos.shutterfly.com/
http://aprillilacsphotos.shutterfly.com/
Feb 8th, 2009, 06:46 PM
#18
Original Poster
I'm just back from a Caribbean cruise (partly work -- but very pleasant) so I haven't been able to check back to this site in a week.
As soon as I get past the jetlag I'll be trying to lock in my decision.
Aprilllilac -- those pictures are FANTASTIC! Wow! I loved the story about the croccaby -- or is it a walladile? What was that thing in the tree?
RalphR -- I'll check further into Brampton Island as soon as my brain arrives back home
Thanks so much for the great info. Very helpful!
As soon as I get past the jetlag I'll be trying to lock in my decision.
Aprilllilac -- those pictures are FANTASTIC! Wow! I loved the story about the croccaby -- or is it a walladile? What was that thing in the tree?
RalphR -- I'll check further into Brampton Island as soon as my brain arrives back home
Thanks so much for the great info. Very helpful!
Feb 13th, 2009, 03:59 AM
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I'd lean towards a cruise of The Whitsundays, bit I always do . Why stay on one island when you can visit the best of them. There are some very good cruises available and they show you the best of The Whitsundays.Places Like Whitehaven Beach and Langford Island as well as Hill Inlet and many other beautiful spots.
You don't have to do daytrips as you see more than any daytrips can show you and on the better cruises, you do it in style.
Boats like Pacific Sunrise and Whitsunday Magic as well as Reef Odyssey come to mind for you. Excellent accommodation and food and awesome itineraries.
Daydream is only a very small island and their walks are not great. The best Whitsunday resort islands for walks are South Molle(although the resort is in disrepair) and Long Islands. Long has 3 resorts on it and Peppers palm Bay might be a good option. If you're budget is a decent one Paradise Bay Eco Resort would be the best choice out of all of them.
I like Hinchinbrook, but it can't stand up to 74 closely located islands with the most beautiful locations in OZ and the most beautiful beach in the world.
Again i would suggest you get in touch with a Local Whitsunday agent and tell them what you want and make sure that is what you get. These guys know their products and offer great service so it may be wise to contact them.
Libby & Bob www.whitsundayaccommodation.net
Kerry www.vacationsaustralia.com
Mike&Tina www.whitsundaybookings.com
You'll love The Whitsundays and the islands without the rsorts are the best ones and the best way to see them is to cruise.
OH Airlie offers nice views of the islands, but certainly not the natural beauty they possess. The only reason you stay in Airlie is to go to the islands, it is the gateway to God's country, but the accommodation is half the price of the island resorts. That is what makes the cruises such great value.
Good luck in your choices. cheers airlian
You don't have to do daytrips as you see more than any daytrips can show you and on the better cruises, you do it in style.
Boats like Pacific Sunrise and Whitsunday Magic as well as Reef Odyssey come to mind for you. Excellent accommodation and food and awesome itineraries.
Daydream is only a very small island and their walks are not great. The best Whitsunday resort islands for walks are South Molle(although the resort is in disrepair) and Long Islands. Long has 3 resorts on it and Peppers palm Bay might be a good option. If you're budget is a decent one Paradise Bay Eco Resort would be the best choice out of all of them.
I like Hinchinbrook, but it can't stand up to 74 closely located islands with the most beautiful locations in OZ and the most beautiful beach in the world.
Again i would suggest you get in touch with a Local Whitsunday agent and tell them what you want and make sure that is what you get. These guys know their products and offer great service so it may be wise to contact them.
Libby & Bob www.whitsundayaccommodation.net
Kerry www.vacationsaustralia.com
Mike&Tina www.whitsundaybookings.com
You'll love The Whitsundays and the islands without the rsorts are the best ones and the best way to see them is to cruise.
OH Airlie offers nice views of the islands, but certainly not the natural beauty they possess. The only reason you stay in Airlie is to go to the islands, it is the gateway to God's country, but the accommodation is half the price of the island resorts. That is what makes the cruises such great value.
Good luck in your choices. cheers airlian
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dayandryan
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Apr 8th, 2007 05:09 PM
