My friend and I who are mid 20's want to find a great location for singles enjoying the Great Barrier Reef (we'll be there 3-4 nights). We're checking out the islands in the area, but does anyone have any good suggestions from personal experience???? We'd like to avoid places that are primarily families or honeymoon couples.

The best known place for singles is, I think, Great Keppel Island, in the Whitsundays. However, this maynot be a great place for the Reef itself. There's a Club Med on Lindeman Island, also in the Whitsundays. <BR><BR>Where you stay depends on what you want to do. A couple of years back, Crocodylus or Jungle Lodge at Cape Tribulation were great places for people of all ages, but this may have changed.<BR><BR>There's plenty of activity around Cairns, but, in my opinion, if the Reef is where you're visiting, Port Douglas is better.

Thanks, Margo, for the suggestions. My friend thought that Hamilton Island might be a great place to see the reef and meet other singles. We're also looking at a sailing cruise through the islands chartered by a company based in Arlie Beach. We're mostly interested in seeing the reef, as we'll be able to go out in other locations throughout our trip.

try the australian branch of the thorn tree message board at www.lonelyplanet.com<BR><BR>only middle aged fogies here

Hi,<BR>I'm 10 yrs older than you and your friend (Please tell me John, that doesn't make me middle aged, does it??) and thought Port Douglas was fun. It's a cute small town and saw plenty of people in their 20's and 30's, some even younger hanging out next to me in the bars...I think you would be able to find some action in Port! <BR><BR>I also spent a couple of nights in Cairns. There were tons of backpackers, loads and loads looked like they were early 20's. Cairns is bigger so you have more choices for nightlife but if you're only going to be on the GBR 3-4 nights, I don't think you'd find it too boring in Port. Personally, I think it's nicer.<BR><BR>I didn't make it to Airlie but my Aussie friends think it's a blast. <BR><BR>Hope this helps! You're going to have a blast no matter where you end up! Australians are FUN people!<BR><BR>Debbie

Hi CMo, if you specifically want to go somewhere with lots of young singles than Great Keppel (already recommended by Margo)sounds ideal. The resort is owned by Contiki which targets 18 - 35 year olds. http://www.contiki.com/resorts/entry.asp<BR><BR>By the way I am also in my 20's so am by no means a fogie as John seems to think we all are.