My family and I are planning a 3 week trip to Oz May/June this year. We are planning a portion of the trip to GBR for snorkelling/diving. I have read that Heron or Lady Elliot are the best choices for being able to walk in off the beach and great locations right on the reef. I have also read posts encouraging stays farther north, where it will be warmer, and then doing day excursions to the reef.

Concerns about the islands: I have read a number of posts on sites describing bad experiences with room cleanliness, bad staff and bad food etc... But I have seen posts from the island management that these issues were going to be taken care of. The posts all seemed to be from early last year--any news from recent travellers?

There are some comments about Lady Elliot (strengths and weaknesses) on the post titled "Travel Agents."

Heron Island has been getting some bad reviews lately, particularly on TA. I'm going later this month so I'll report back.

The resort was much better when it was run by P&O, but now it's part of the Voyages group. The snorkelling and the bird life are fantastic nonetheless and it's incredibly beautiful.

I have been in August and was able to swim without a wetsuit, but not for more than about 20 minutes. Wet suits are available. The website of the resort lists the average monthly temperatures.

More northerly resorts on coral cays are: Green Island and Lizard Island (the latter is very expensive). Cairns would be great to visit at that time of year also.

Thank you Susan7 for your thoughts! I look forward to hearing about your visit to Heron Island. The more I read it seems that everyone rates Heron very high for snorkeling and diving.

I have looked in to Green and Lizard and think they are out of my price range! Green is also so heavily visited by tour boats I think that would distract from the appeal of being on an island.

I think we will probably just plan on using/taking wetsuits to deal with the chilly water. And in all reality it will be very warm compard to what we are used to anyway!

As you may have seen on this forum, I have always been a big advocate of Heron Island. I'll be interested in hearing Susan's report too, as I have not been back since 2001 when it still run by P&O. Though the resort may be different now with new management, I would expect (and hope) the incredible natural beauty of the island (above and below water) not to have changed much.

Susan
I'd really be interested in hearing about Heron island as soon as you get back as we would like to know for an early to mid March visit if we get a window for weather. Thanks.