Southern GBR Recommendations
 

We've a few days in early November and are thinking of staying out in the GBR. On our previous visit, we flew out to Lizard for the day and had a great time. On this visit, we're looking at options further south. Hayman, is being remodeled, and given the hefty price tag, I'm not certain it's worth the price. Hamilton has a number of options, but we were looking for something not quite so crowded. Any suggestions on other islands that we may have overlooked? My wife will snorkle and I will dive. If all else fails, we may fly out to Lady Elliott for the day from Brisbane. Pricey, but so was Lizard and we've had no regrets.

What about Heron Island? Unlike Hayman and Hamilton it is a true coral cay and water should be quite warm in November.

Haven't been in several years, but Heron Island is fantastic, and it would be my pick.

I was at Heron two years ago, I'd recommend it, it's very good for snorkelling and diving being right on the reef.

It has recently been sold but I doubt it would make that much difference; food, service and accommodation was never their strong suit, with young gap year staff who were erratic at best. The appeal is that it's a national park with amazing wildlife.

Another option could be to stay in Agnes Water/The Town of 1770 and take the Spirit of 1770 tour to Lady Musgrave Island (another coral cay). The trip is great and well organised, you get to to an accompanied walk of the Island, tour in a semi-submersible and snorkel the coral. It was one of our best days in Aus, having returned via Singapore and landed at 6.00am this morning.