Queensland Holiday & Driving Tips Wanted
 

I'm a middle-age male planning a 16-day (or so) solo trip to Queensland in mid October '01. I'd like to start in the far north for some scuba diving on the GB reef then hop into a rental car for a leisurely drive south to Sydney, stopping as the mood and location hit me, before returning to the US. Several questions: <BR> <BR>Will I be running into any school or other holdays during that time? <BR> <BR>Recommendations on dive operations out of Cairns or nearby? <BR> <BR>Tips on driving that distance? <BR> <BR>Lessons learned? <BR> <BR>Other thoughts that occur? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

<BR>On this board, I have posted several messages suggesting that visitors re-think their plans on driving from Cairns to Sydney. <BR> <BR>Among the reasons to avoid driving Cairns to Brisbane: <BR> <BR>*It is a VERY LONG way (think Seattle to San Diego) with VERY LITTLE to see. The road is not directly along the coast & after the first 15 minutes of views of sugar cane fields, it's quite dull. <BR> <BR>*Outside of the cities, the roads in Queensland are not made for tourism, but for large trucks. This makes them not very safe for drivers accustomed or not to driving on the L.H.S. <BR> <BR>*There are very few towns/stops/gas stations along the way. <BR> <BR>My suggestion is to save yourself some time/boredom by flying from Cairns back down to Brisbane -- then take your time exploring the sunshine coast, gold coast, gold coast hinterland, Bryon Bay & then driving down to Sydney from there. This part of the country is quite interesting 7 more populated. <BR> <BR>You'll have a blast.

I endorse the previous comments. Cairns to Brisbane is about 1,700 km of mostly very boring driving. The highway heads inland for large parts and you need to take some major detours to visit the few places of interest. <BR>I agree that a better option would be to fly from cairns to Brisbane and then pick up a car for the drive to Sydney. This leg is about 900km (direct) and far more interesting. You could also criss-cross between the pacific Hwy (which follows the coast) and the New England Hwy (which runs parallel but inland through rural country and mountain ranges). <BR>Queensland school holidays end on Oct 7 and NSw end on Oct 14, so you'll be OK. Port Douglas (1 hr north) is a better option than Cairns. Smaller and more attractive it has a great beach (netted in summer), its own Marina for Reef trips and is closer to the Daintree/ Cape Tribulation area. <BR>

Terry, <BR>We were just up in north Qld and saw heaps of dead kangaroos on the side of the road. Try and avoid driving at dawn, dusk or at night when the roos are about. If you hit one, not only is another wild animal dead but likely your car will be severely damaged and undriveable. I agree with the above posts, there are long stretches with nothing much to see, just miles and miles of sugar cane and bananas. If it was me, I'd drive a shorter sector than Cairns/Sydney. Good luck. www.travelmate.com.au has a distance/mapping feature that is good. <BR>Kay

Thanks, all, for the advice. I'll heed the cautions re: 'roos and the strongly implied sneers re: my plan to drive all the way. Flying to Brisbane makes sense. I'm also planning to stay in Port Douglas. Glad to hear the confirmation. <BR> <BR>Any suggestions on dive operators out of Port Douglas area?

Terry, <BR> <BR>we used poseidon (ww.poseidon-cruises.com.au) and they were excellent. They cater for both divers and snorkellers. The boat is modern, big and fast but only takes about 40-50 people. Haba Dive apparently offer a similar service.