Which GBR Island ?
 

Am planning a trip to Oz next December with the kids - ages 10 and 13. Which GBR island would be most appropriate. We do have a tendency towards motion sickness so a long boat ride would be tough. Also we would like to see the reef, so the closer the better ( i.e. right on our doorstep or maybe a short helicopter ride). Suggestions?

Went to Heron Island last September and enjoyed my trip. They do have a nature walk that I'm sure the children (and adults) will enjoy. We went by catamaran but they do have a helicopter service. Check the web pages on Heron for more information.

We just spent 5 nights on Heron with our 11 year old daughter. Saw several children in age from 5 or 6 to late teens. If you go in December, you need to be aware that you will be there while the Mutton Birds are nesting. They are harmless creatures, quite interesting to kids, that HOWL all night. These birds nest in burrows in the ground and surround all of the cabins/suites that are not on the water. By surround I mean on 5 sides as they burrow under the cabins as well as around them. Friends of ours who opted for a "Reef" Suite (a nice suite not on the water) had to wear earplugs to sleep. The sound is between doves on steroids and babies howling. We stayed in a second floor "Heron" suite that was right on the beach. We only had the birds behind and to part of the side of us. We kept our balcony door open all night (surf noise) and the paddle fans on high, we slept fine with out earplugs. Our friend tried to upgrade, but no water side suites were available. <BR> <BR> <BR>PS...Heron is excellent. <BR> <BR>We took the boat out and my wife got quite ill (it was rough) We flew back. <BR> <BR>If you can afford it, take the Heli to and from the Island. It gets you almost an extra day of play. The boat ride is about 3 hours and you arrive with a hoard of other guests, by the time you are 'welcomed, situated and get your resort gear, it is the end of the day. The Heli gets you there in 30 minutes, ahead of the crowd and in time for lunch and an afternoon snorkel. Likewise leaving. The boat left at 1 pm, we flew out at 4 pm. We played all afternoon and had a final snorkel, followed by a leasurely shower at the departure lounge. The heli deposited us 50 feet from the terminal at the airport, we checked our luggage and had a beverage all befor the folks on the boat arrived.

Gary, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the great and honest appraisal. <BR>Did anyone have any motion sickness problems with the helicopter?

Hi: <BR>Just returned from Oz which included 3 days on Heron Island (not enough time!). Would highly recommend cause you walk walk right into the water and are on the reef. You can see the most amazing sites (huge turtles, rays) snorkelling in shallow water which is great for kids or the inexperienced (like us!!). The first night we were disturbed by the mutton birds but after that we were either too tired or they were quiet and were undisturbed. We were also fortunate enough to see a green turtle come in to lay her eggs. There is tons of stuff to do for young and old. We took snorkel lessons, went on the reef walk, took the semi sub, took in some nature talks, went on the Japanese moon ceremony to mention just a few of the activities. They have planned activity every day which is optional. Felt a bit like summer camp but was an awesome! <BR> <BR>We took the launch both ways. I took motion sickness meds prior to both trips. The trip down was very rough with lots of sick people and coming back it was as smooth as glass. If you can afford the heli that would be optimal but I would take my chances with the launch making sure I was prepared by taking the medication! <BR> <BR>Hope this helps and if you choose Heron I think you would have a wonderful experience! <BR>Shirley