calibill

Hi all, In late March 2019, we are heading to Australia after 2 weeks in New Zealand where we'll be hiking. We'd like to spend 9 days/nights in Australia with a combination with a couple of days in Sydney and the remaining at a relaxing luxury resort where we can explore the Great Barrier Reef. We've been told that the areas off Cairns and Port Douglas will likely be rainy and full of jellyfish so this might not be a good option for us. We've heard that the Whitsunday islands might be a better option. We are hoping for suggestions about places to stay that are not too touristy, have lovely accommodations with options for great snorkeling. Thanks for any advice.

RoamsAround

Check out the following private island resorts:

Lizzard Island
Wilson Island
Hamilton Island
Haggerstone Island
Hayman Island

KayF

I don't want to put you off coming here but the whole of the northern part of Australia experiences the wet season, including the Whitsundays. The wet lasts roughly from November to April and can mean rain (it won't be cold), storms and sometimes cyclones. People do still holiday at that time of year but just so you know....

Kay

calibill

Thanks for that info! We may rethink and head to Tasmania instead.

calibill

Thanks we'll look into these. Much appreciated!

KayF

Hi, if you change your mind and head to Tasmania and still want a luxury resort, check out the Saffire Freycinet at Coles Bay. I haven't stayed there (too pricey for us) but Coles Bay is beautiful. It would be too cold in Tassie in late March for swimming though. There are also excellent hotels in Hobart. There's lots to see in and around Sydney and NSW if you don't want the extra flights to and from Tasmania.

https://luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au/plan/

Also I'm not sure when Easter is next year but be careful of your dates as accommodation will book up over Easter, including the week either side. Easter is one of the most popular times for people to go away and probably school holidays too.

Kay