I have a holiday Apt in Noosa and I would have to agree that it is not the place for a swimming and snorkling holiday in July. I rent it out to New Zealanders for that time of year and stay near a nice warm fire. It can be windy and cold then.
Go further north if possible and both air and water temps will be much better.
Liz gave you the right answer, she usually does. I can never understand why other people think that if she disagrees with them it is a personal insult.
Unfortunately this is a joint/country board between Australia and NZ with some of the South Pacific thrown in so you are always going to get inaccurate information from people who are used to a cold climate if they talk about Queensland. Kiwis come over in droves during the winter here and love it as they are getting away from their ice,wind and snow. I note that Abby is from the north east of USA which is even worse. We who are used to it here find it cold.
Liz provides the most constant and helpful information on this board and we are lucky that she bothers to spare the time in doing so.

Well, well, Gertrude it's okay for you to do a bit of kiwi bashing and okay also for you to take their money. Haven't you got two sets of principles?
Get a handle on it woman and read properly and you will find it is your mate that takes everything so personally.
And Pat, please feel free to drop your 5 cents worth in here.
I'm sitting here laughing so much. Pat, please do make the journey, you will love it and 99.9% of aussies do have a sense of humour.

I thought that you, kathyNZ, were doing a really good job of Kiwi bashing yourself by showing how silly you are. Particularly your outrageous remarks under the topic of George Bush when, because NZ wasn't mentioned, you stated that it was all anti Kiwi when I think that you were the only person here who thought that NZ had anything to do with the post at all.

Anyway Kathy you know its past your bedtime and that Mommy said not to play with the 'puta

Dear Gertrude-obviously you also did not see my point. I could care less if someone does not agree with me. As I also stated previously, we don't always all have to agree with one another. I just was very offended to be told to keep my comments to myself and not reply to a post just because I don't happen to live in that part of the world. I have met some great people on this board who have given me terrific advice about my upcoming trip, and not all of them are from where I am going. I was in no way in the beginning INSISTING Pat go to Noosa, just saying if it didn't work out in Hayman/Lizard than think about it. lizF did not have to bash me to the ground because I said that-so I believe she and you are the ones to get bent out of shape when people don't agree with you. I really thought Aussies were laid-back people but evidently not all of them are. What a shame.

handbags at dawn ...it is then!!!

And once again returning to the posted question....

We spent 5 days of our honeymoon (October last year) in Cairnes and Port Douglas and we loved it.
We flew into Cairnes, stayed there 2 nights in the International (beautiful classy hotel with great balcony views at the right price - request a high floor). Did the skytram up to Karundu (sp?) park and took the train down - touristy but interesting. There are scuba and snorkeling boats that leave from Cairnes but we heard they weren't great.
We rented a car (an Astra convertible - not too pricey and it made all the difference) and drove up the coast to Port Douglas. On the way, we stopped at the Crocodile Center (can't remember the name but it's in the tourbooks) which was lots of fun.
We stayed at the Peninsula Port Douglas and we loved it. It's small and the owners are very nice, breakfast is included and the rooms are large and air conditioned with a balcony and huge bathroom. The pool is romantic and intimate and is open until late at night (when no one's around it's a romantic swim). The hotel is right on the beach and 2 blocks from downtown. The beach is long and beautiful. Ask for an upper level room facing the ocean.
I heard there were some good day cruises that left from Port Douglas but we spent our time driving up the coast to the Daintree National Forest.
There are also boats that will take you up the river to see crocodile's etc. Plenty to do. I wish we'd had more time there. It was VERY warm when we were there (almost uncomfortable), so July would probably be the time to go.
I actually planned this part of the trip based on the postings I read here (from EVERYONE on here) so I want to thank everyone for posting and their comments. Keep 'em coming!! Mindy

I would suggest coming north to Cairns and surrounds,you are sure to find a great place in Port Douglas or on one of the islands near by.The further north the better.
Regards, Lyle
Kuranda Bed & Breakfast

Gee - what a fracas my request for a honeymoon spot in Queensland caused! It was a very entertaining start to my Fodorite membership. I thank you all for your suggestions, especially "mustardmindy" who has me sold on Port Douglas. I'll let you know how it worked out!

LOL


Muck

Hi Pat
We've you bin? You missed all the action ! Have a great time.
Likewise Mucky, LOL.

My experience: Palm Cove, between Port Douglas and Cairns was wonderful. Secluded, relatively quiet, great restaurants, close enough to Cairns to see the sights. Courtyard Marriott Resort was relatively inexpensive. If possible, don't take a one-day reef boat. Too many people and not enough time. We spent three days and two nights on a bare-bones dive boat (bunk beds, etc.) for $210 per person, but the nights offshore (60 miles) and the intimate surroundings were incredible.

I'm leaving tomorrow for Australia and staying part of the time in Port Douglas, at the Thala Beach Lodge and Hibiscus Gardens. I will post soon to let you know how things are! Pat, I'm from Central California and only I, of all these crazy posters, will be able to tell you accurately if its too damn cold (or not) to snorkel! :)