This will be our first snorkeling trip to the GBR in October and we've narrowed it down to either Port Douglas or the Whitsundays (Hamilton Island). Which would you pick? Thanks for any advice.

Lisey

Having been to Port Douglas and the Whitsundays, I would say they both are great, and you'd have a wonderful time if you went to either one.

That said, if I was forced to pick one or the other, I would choose Far North Queensland.

FNQ offers more variety. There's the GBR. Well, okay, you can see that from Hamilton Island too, of course. But the rainforest is just that much more tropical in FNQ than it is in the Whitsundays. I found the FNQ rainforest and mangrove swamp ecosystems to be really fascinating. Also, if you stay in FNQ, you have the added interest of the nearby Atherton Tablelands / Cairns Highlands, which provide yet another environment.

I think it depends to some extent what sort of experience you want. If you want to go to an island, relax, and feel pampered for three days, I think Hamilton Island would do that for you.

Since you're seeing Oz and NZ in 14 days, however, I don't get the impression that relaxation and pamering are your main agendas.

Hi Judy - thanks for your recommendation to go to FNQ. I would love to stay at the Lizard Island Resort, but it's so pricey. Do you know of any other great resorts in FNQ that costs less? Lisey

The problem is that Port Douglas is not "on the reef". The snorkeling trips from Port Douglas take 1-2 hrs to reach the reef. Islands like Heron, Hamilton, Lizard and Green, give you the snorkeling right from the beach. If you want a less expensive island up north, look into Green. Of course, just like Port Douglas is difficult for the reef, the islands will be difficult to get to the rainforest. Depends on what you want most. Maybe you break up the stay and spend some time in Port Douglas and some on an island.

I think it would be best to stay on an island, but don't know which one! We want good snorkeling and a nice resort that won't cost an arm and a leg. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Lisey - we have snorkeled at all the islands mentioned and a few others also. Found the best snorkeling and most convenient (accept for Lizard) was doing a cruise. Unfortunately, the Kangaroo Explorer is no longer operating. They operated a great 7 day trip with a lot of snorkeling from Cairns to the northern tip of Australia which we did twice. Perhaps you could find a cruise - I believe there are some in the area. Just an idea.

Lisey - suggest get yourself certified as a diver and do a liveaboard - you can then have one to 5 nights (or more) on the best parts of the reef, including that off Lizard and experience night diving. Pro Dive, Mike Ball, Tusa's Spirit of Freedom are 3 of the best liveaboard operators.

Sorry, meant to add that anyone contemplating a reef trip should spend a couple of hours with Reef Teach - an independent reef education service in Cairns. The above-mentioned Pro Dive includes the service in their PADI diving certicate training cost.

We stayed at Heron Island a few years ago. We have not been to the others, but have heard good things about Hamilton and Green. I agree that Lizard would be nice, but not at that price. The resort is the only thing on Heron Island, not counting a small research center. It's got snorkeling from the beach at high tide or from boats. At low tide you can walk out on the reef with there marine experts and see amazing things. The rooms are very nice and the food is great. I'm not sure you can go wrong at a number of these island resorts.

If you are interested in a cruise, check out the Coral Princess. It's not the 2000 people type. It takes about 40-50 people for a 3,4 or 7 day cruise through the reef. It's a great time.

Lisey, We spent 3 days sailing i the Whitsundays, on the Solway Lass, a 102 year old tall ship. We had a lovely time and visted 45 different island and snorkeled in beautiful fringing coral.
AndrewDavid

oops, that was an unintended exaggeration. We visited 5 islands not 45.
A/D

Lisey - one thing you might do also is a "Search this Forum" at the top of the "Australia & the Pacific" opening page. There is a lot of past information on the different islands.

Thank you all so much for the wonderful information. A cruise around the GBR sounds great, as well as possibly becoming scuba certified (though I must admit I'm a bit chicken). I'm trying to read all the previous messages listed - this is such a great forum! Lisey