My husband and I are planning our first trip to Australia at the end of February / early March. We will be spending time in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and Melbourne, and also want to spend a weekend on the GBR (not sure where). We thought we might wait until we get to Australia to book our GBR weekend - does this make sense or should we arrange our trip before our arrive? Thanks in advance for any input and suggestions!

You can't go wrong at Hayman Island Resort. Very luxurious, lots to do, great restaurants.

hi claire, <BR>just got back from my trip to australia & new zealand. we found it really easy to just wing it when we got into town. in fact, it's best in the gbr not to have anything prebooked only because you don't want to be stuck on a boat for hours when the water's really rough. all we did was drive to town (we stayed in port douglas) and talk to the tours guy who told us that the water was going to be great the next day (at 15 knots - over 20 knots and you'll be really feeling it!). so that's what we did and it turned out to be the best experience i've ever had. snorkelling was fantastic! e-mail me with any questions. <BR>tina

Claire - <BR> <BR>I'm looking for a good place to stay in Port Douglas. Can you make any recommendations? <BR>Thanks, Martha <BR>

Hi Claire, <BR>Can highly recommend Heron Island, a true coral atoll & only 500k drive or flight from Brisbane. Coral & marine life is spectacular for snorkeling & diving, food at the resort splendid! <BR>I wouldn't prebook, if you have time wait on ideal weather conditions, clear sunlight influences water visibility, you can access Heron by catamaran or helicopter, the latter sensational for Barrier Reef scenic overview. <BR>Cheers & have a great time in Aus. <BR>Barb.

Don't go to Cairns. Try Port Douglas.

Just returned from GBR where we spent 5 nights at Absolute Beachfront B&B in Trinity Beach about 15 minutes outside Cairns. Take a look at their website - it will knock your socks off.

Dear Sandy, <BR> <BR>Took your advice and looked at Absolute B&B website. It looks great...no children? We are traveling with a 17 yr. old daughter...is she still a child? <BR>If she is considered an adult, were there other teenagers there? <BR> <BR>Thanks. Margaret

Is the weather OK at the GBR in Feb? I have the option of visiting in March or April instead, but I was wondering if it gets too cold in Sydney by then.