I am traveling to Australia next month and am planning on spending 5 days in Queensland after visiting Sydney. Am still finalizing itinerary - Port Douglas area vs. Heron Island. Since Heron Island is considerably farther south, will weather be significantly sunnier and less humid? Am concerned about large average rainfall in February for Cairns area. Plan snorkeling and nature trips with my active, elderly father. Will return to US via Brisbane. Any advice appreciated!

Port Douglas is lovely and I think it has a lot more variety of things to do for 5 days. You can visit the rainforsest, the reef, Kuranda etc whereas Heron Island is a pretty much all inclusive resort. I didn't particularly enjoy my entire holiday on heron Island as I were a bit stir crazy after a few days. It depends on what you want to do.

There is also a lot of birds that next around the resort and conquequently LOTS of bird poo. I found in some places it smelled quite whiffy.

I would say Port Douglas if you want to have a more active and interesting holiday, Heron island if you just want to roll out of bed and onto the beach.

Can't answer the question re: weather. However, if bringing your dad there are more options for other activites in Port Douglas. Rainforest Habitiat, Daintree walks, the town of Port Douglas is v. nice with restaurants like Salsa and on the water edge. 4mile hard sand beach you can bike, ride on and different accomodations. Peninsula Boutique hotel is nice and walking distance to restaurant, small pool, restriction on smaller children, and across v. quiet road from the beach. Sheraton has large golf course. A car would be helpful. The nicer dive boats seem to leave from here.

Heron we didn't get to but is for those really into snorkelling and diving and only 5-15 mins. from the activity versus PD which takes about 2 hours to get to so is whole day trip. Lots of birds too at Heron island.

Hope that helps.

Go to Rainforest Habitat for their "Breakfast with the Birds" activitiy which also includes a tour around the property. V. nice.

Yes, I agree... for a greater variety of things to see and do, then PD would be the choice. But Heron is a top spot to see the reef, no question. There will be a lot of birds on the island in Feb. The decision may depend on whether or not you'll ever get back to Australia...if not then you might want to go for variety. I wouldnt make weather too much of a consideration...not that hugely different and just as unpredictable.