Great Barrier Reef
 

I would like to go to see the Great Barrier Reef. My time share found a location for me on the Gold Coast, in a place called Surfers Paradise in Collagatta. Is it possible to see the Great Barrier Reef from here? If not, where is the best place to go to?

Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta (which assume you mean) are two different towns, about 24kms apart on what is known as "Gold Coast". Unless you're talking about a time share called "Surfer's Paradise" in Coolangatta. Either town is nowhere near the Great Barrier Reef, the nearest point would be Lady Elliot Island, the southermost point of GBR and there are flights there from Coolangatta (Gold Coast) airport. The GBR stretches north from Lady Elliot for about 2,000km, the most popular mainland areas to access the GBR are Whitsunday Islands (Airlie Beach is the mainland point), Cairns, Port Douglas.

Easiest place to access the GBR has to be Cairns. So many options at so many price level;s.

There are some good deals to be had now.

Thank you for your posts. I turned down the time share and reset the search for Cairns. Can anyone suggest things to see a do at the GBR to help me plan? Thanks.

Hey Cooltone,

Glad to hear you turned down the timeshare (when I think of the Gold Coast, I think of Miami Beach).

Re: Cairns is a pretty big city, though tropical; you might want to consider staying at Port Douglas, which is just a very pretty 20 minute drive (or transfer if you're not driving) north. You'll be able to experience a more tropical / rainforest type experience as well as be in a location for tours of the surrounding area as well as any number of choices for trips to the Great Barrier Reef.

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist