Hi: <BR>My husband and I will be in Australia for 5 weeks Nov. 16-Dec.21/00. Sydney (5 days) and Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast (Landmark Resort) for the rest of the time. We would like to see the GBR and were thinking of 2 days on Heron Island as the best way of seeing the most in the shortest time. We don't swim well but do want to snorkel. Also, are there jellyfish on the beaches of the Sunshine Coast at that time of year!!!!?? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Shirley, <BR> <BR>The Box jellyfish does not venture that far south so you will be safe in the water. <BR> <BR>Heron Island is okay, so is Lady Elliot Island and for a great day trip Lady Musgrave Island is very good. Both the ladies can be reached from Bundaberg. <BR>Both have excellent coral lagoons. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps

Thanks Paul. Glad to hear about the jellyfish but didn't sense you are greatly impressed with Heron Island. Would the ladies be preferable and can you stay over on Lady Elliot Island? The coral lagoon sounds great. Any other suggestions would be much appreciated.

Shirley, <BR>I grew up near Heron and it is absolutely brillant. The snorkelling is fantastic and the resort is great. The basic difference between Heron and Lady Elliot is the quality of accomodation - LE is definitely more low key /basic accomodation with cheaper rates. Heron is more upmarket with probabaly better resturant facilities including a seafood buffet on Sat nights. You might be able to catch some turtle watching at both places during Nov - Dec. Have fun. <BR>Heidi

Heidi: <BR>Thanks for your input. We are leaning toward Heron Island. I'm hoping we can do some shallow water snorkeling as we are not strong swimmers. Heron is quite a bit more expensive but sounds like it's worth it! <BR>

Shirley, <BR> <BR>I did not mean to give you the wrong impression, Heron is a nice destination I merely wanted to point out that the Ladies are closer to your accommodation. <BR> <BR>If I had the choice I would stay at one of the Whitsunday Islands and take a day tour to the outer Barrier Reef. <BR> <BR>I am sure though that you will be very comfortable on Heron Island. <BR> <BR>By the way I had a home at Bundaberg and know the Ladies well and as Heidi says Lady Elliot Island is a more eco-tourism environment but I think if you seriously want to learn about the reef it is the best island on the southern GBR. Having said that I will also say that it does lack some creature comforts which I personally like. <BR> <BR>Hope this clarify's things.