Ladies and Gents...I recently booked a trip to Hayman for the week of November 22nd-Dec 1st. I have a few questions I hope you can answer:<BR>1. Are there any problems with jellyfish or sharks(I have a silly phobia) this time of year?<BR>2. I recently saw a Discovery Channel "Top 10 Aussie Beach Resorts" show, in which Hayman finished 10th. Has the island lost its reputation as being a "top quality" resort? Has its service/reputation diminshed?<BR>3. How much spending money should I bring if I wish to participate in fishing and snorkeling trips?<BR>I would appreciate some honest feedback. Thanks!

Hayman Island is ranked in the top 10 island resorts in the world and I have not heard any change from that although Lizard & Orpheus Islands should be very close to that although they are quite different in many ways.<BR>Out on the reef and in the lagoons on the reef you will not have trouble with either sharks or stingers even though it is the stinger season. The Island will let you know where you will be safe and were not to go in the respect. <BR>I would address your last question to the resort actually because most, if not all, of the resorts include activities like fishing and snorkling in their packages. Be specific though with your question because if its, say, Marlin Fishing you want to do then I would think that that would be outside the Island's activities.

Dear Gary,<BR><BR>We are a National US tour operator. Due to the fact that we sell nationwide we get super bulk pricing from our suppliers. We specialize in the south Pacific and can help you plan a most wonderful Australia experience at a very good price. As for Hayman, have you paid for it? Yes, Hayman has lost it's glory. Hayman is a large resort island mainly for meetings and conferences. It does not have the charm of the small cultural beauty experience.<BR><BR>Call us and we'll help you further,We have many other good suggestions .<BR><BR>We look forward to hearing from you soon.<BR>Regards<BR>Peter<BR>A&A Holidays,Ltd<BR>tel: 1-800-611 7783<BR>[email protected]

Oh really? Hayman has lost "it's" glory? And you are where? Gary, ignore the previous poster, as they clearly have no clue - probably a hoax. Hayman is beautiful, and I second the idea that it's probably best to approach the resort re prices.

Hey guys and girls,<BR><BR>All very interesting, but please note the following:<BR><BR>(1) The 'kind' offer of help by the gentleman to book a holiday for you is very interesting. You should both read the mails on number 28 on this site. Seems no one else shares the view that our helpful travel agent here is worth patronising. Leave that one to the two of you.<BR><BR>(2) The Whitsunday Islands (which Hayman is a part of) have a number of Island resorts, ranging from the high end (Hayman) to the low end (camping only). Take your pick. Contact the Queensland Tourist Bureau for info.<BR><BR>(3) The beauty of the Whitsundays, one of the best sailing spots in the world, is its many small islands all in a very small (in sight of each other in many cases) islands sheltered inside the great barrier reef. The best way to appreciate this is by yahct. <BR><BR>(4) You can either rent your own yaht (Whitsunday rent-a-yahct is one of the operators), whatever size you want. There are a range of options for doing this. Or perhaps sign up for a diving course conducted from an old saling ship (i think they still operate this).<BR><BR>(5) October, November and December are probably the most unbearable months weather wise in this area (very hot and humid, building up to many storms). July, August or Septmeber are much better.<BR><BR>In summary, there are lots of options, but why go to a world renowned island group and stay on ONE island. Better to base yourself on a yahct and see them all at YOUR whim: Unihabited island today, Hayman tomorrow, etc.<BR><BR>My knowledge is a little dated now (live in continental europe now). But I grew up on the coast nearby these islands and visited them many times (including staying on various of them and sharing a rental yahct with some friends. So my advice is first hand and has no commercial interest.).<BR><BR>Good luck in whatever choose.<BR><BR>Jeff<BR><BR>PS. My eldest sister was concieved one of the beaches on Haymen Island, so my parents can vouch for its 'romantic appeal'.

Thank you for all of your suggestions/opinions. I will make sure I give an up-to-date sit-rep of Hayman Island. In the meantime, I will keep my fingers crossed