How many days needed to hit Sydney and Great Barrier Reef?
 

Hello...

My husband and I (late twenty somethings) are looking to visit Australia this March. We have about 8-10 days. really 8, but if 10 is a must, we could swing it.

But we would love to explore the city, the wildlife, and some outdoor adventures to get a good taste of the place.

How many days should we spend in Sydney?

We definitely want to see the Great Barrier Reef. Which part of Australia should we fly to? And for how many days?

Any suggestions on timing and places to go would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I haven't been to the GBR, but I would say 3 in Sydney and 7 in the Cairns area, or 4 in Sydney and 6 in the Cairns area.

Liz

we loved Sydney - 4 days min.

If you have 8 days, spend 4 of those in Sydney and 4 in Port Douglas (GBR). Port Douglas is about an hour's drive north of Cairns and is smaller and more scenic than Cairns. It has a great beach (Four Mile Beach) and lots of boats leave from here for snorkel and dive trips out to the reef.

Wouldn't be rushing to any North Queensland beach destination in March, its still stinger season. Four Mile Beach has a small stinger-netted enclosure which is virtually useless at low tide, and the whole beach is closed today due to crocodile sightings there. For reef trips be guided by crew as whether you should rent a stinger suit.

From Port Douglas there's easy access to Daintree and Cape Tribulation, Atherton Tableland has wildlife in abundance and is easier accessed from Cairns area. Both Daintree and Atherton Tableland areas have accommodation with wildlife on site, see www.bnbnq.com.au Check out some of Tree-Roo's posts regarding native animals on Tableland.

There's a far larger choice of reef trips out of Cairns city than Port Douglas, at much more competitive prices. Also reef trips out of Palm Cove (Cairns northern beach suburb)jetty and a couple from Cape Tribulation beach.