We are planning a 3 week trip to Australia in September 2001 and would like to spend 4 nights at the end of our trip on one of the GBR islands. On an initial trawl through brochures I thought Hayman would be ideal (I love the 5 star treatment) but I'm now considering Lizard or Orpheus. We went to the Maldives a couple of years ago and loved to snorkel off the beach (we're not divers) and I'm concerned that at Hayman we'll need to take reef trips to do any decent snorkelling. Snorkelling at Lizard or Orpheus seem to be better options (I think) and they both seem to be upmarket albeit on a smaller scale. Given the gushing praise of Hayman I can only imagine that snorkelling access and access to the reef is the reason why lizard and orpheus are more expensive than hayman. Can anyone help?

You've answered your own question ... yes, Hayman is in the Whitsunday Islands group and is only a few kilometres off the mainland ..far enough to escape the reach of box jellyfish but it suffers from poorer visibility (from coastal runoff) and consequently poorer reef growth. It is NOT on the true GBR outer reef but there are regular tours out to the true reef. Lizard however is on the true reef and in the northern (cf central) sector of the GBR. Originally only a scientific research station it is still a small operation as you rightly say, upscale, and catering mainly to rich divers <BR>Each cater to different clients ..depends what you want

you're right ..Hayman is in the Whitsunday Island group not far off the mainland. It therefore suffers a bit from sediment runoff (lower viz) and retarded reef growth ...the nearest reef is probably Bali Hai but even this is affected compared to the true GBR outer reef. From Hayman you can however access the outer reef via daytrips but not "snorkling from your doorstep <BR>Lizard is in the northern sector of GBR (north of Cairns), used to be just a scientific research station now also caters to upscale divers but definitely has more pristine reef nearby ..some great dive sites like codhole and shark pitstop

I second Lizard Island. (although I didn't stay at either of the other two mentioned, we chose Lizard becuase it was on the reef) In addition to Graul's comments there are the Giant Clam gardens which are right off one of the beaches there which was some great snorkling. Additionally most of the activities/full board are included in the room rate, which I don't believe is the case with Hayman, so that would also add to the reason for a more expensive rate. <BR> <BR>There is no nightclub, etc. though if you are looking for that, but there is a spa.

Lizard hands-down. Orpheus is very mid-market and Hayman is too close to shore.