I have received much appreciated info. Is the weather really that much better the end of Feb in the Whitsunday Vs. GBR. We only have a total of 14 days. I plan to decide after we arrive in Sydney due to possible storms. How accessible travel from Sydney or Hobart. Any recommendation on which to choose eg. Airlie Beach as being central? Any recommendation on lodging? We prefer local vs resort. ??Whitsunday Heritage Cane Cutters Cottage. Thanks in advance if anyone can help. We are leaving a month from now and I like to plan as I go but starting to get nervous about itineray.
Margie

You can still get to see the GBR from the Whitsundays and in fact from a lot further south too, the reef having its most southern islands Lady Elliot [accommodation there] and Lady Musgrave [day trips] about 500 km. north of Brisbane.

But you're probably meaning to ask of the difference in weather between Cairns and Whitsundays and there's not a huge difference generally in warmth and humidity though Cairns does usually get a lot more rainfall and that associated with tropical low pressure weather systems be they turning into cyclones or not usually being closer to Cairns than to the Whitsundays.

Good idea to see what weather forecastes are on arrival and there'll be a few flights daily between Sydney and Hobart, possibly some via Melbourne but have a look via www.webjet.com.au tjat will show all and cost, available ticket prices usually being considerably higher when booking the day or two before to fly anywhere.

I'm not familiat with the CCC but it has a nostalgic name if that means anything and those sort of places are usually more homely than resorts and if you want a low key island stay, try www.hookislandresort.com , a smaller one.
But getting accommodation in Whitsundays in February or just about anywhere in Australia should not be a problem.

Thank you for your input. Is it safe to book ourselves via the web without a travel agent. I was hoping to book all from there but after your message I looked at webjet and thought possibly booking from Sydney to Hobart on Feb 20th-24th. This way we would be there for this marketplace I hear so much about on Saturday. It would either be that or look to go to Hobart on the 27th. Then it would be Whitsundays or GBR in between. Is Airlie Beach the most central to snorkel or take day trips from there? Thanks in advance for any advance.
Margie

I make with a few exceptions all my airline and some accommodation bookings direct via the internet when travelling Margie and have never had a problem.

With webjet, they do charge a booking fee and I should have mentioned that though it is a good site to find best fares, I then go back to the relevant airline site, usually a case of just putting a .com.au after the airline name and then book direct with the airline.

The markets you refer to are at Salamanca Place, a street that runs in front of old original harbour side buildings and the Derwent River wharves/jetties are opposite and lovely old trees along the street, a lovely area of Hobart and then you can take a walk up behind Salamanca place into the Nattery Point area, where a lot of historic buildings/residences are.

I remember a really nice restaurant in Salamanca Place from many years ago and if it is still there, have a look for the Ball and Chain I think it was called.
Probably many more about and LizzyF might be around for an update.

If you want to find some great B&Bs, Lizzy no doubt will be full bottle on that too but for me Norfolk further up the Derwent Valley is a lovely area - do a goggle on Norfolk or Derwent Valley and you will get plenty of options.

There's also a great Market atmosphere in Sydney Rocks area, both Saturday and Sundays from memory, and Choc coated strawberries make a for a healthy?/decadent breakfast, and by look of your dates, third Saturday of the month over at Manly is not too bad either - you do get some of the best old bric a brac as souveneirs at markets don't you?

And yes Airlie Beach is the main centre for Whitsunday Islands, though some cruises leave from Shute Harbour, a few km. away and there are Shuttle Buses run.

We (family of 2 adults and 2 kids)were based in Airlie Beach last month for day cruises to the Whitsundays islands. I would definitely recommend Reefside Villas in Cannonvale, see www.reefside.com.au. Large apartment on 2 levels with balcony and sea view. Free parking. All day cruises pick you up and drop you off there so you do not need to drive, however we used the car for going down to Airlie Beach (5 minutes drive) for dinner. The apartments are run by a couple with 4 little kids. The man is very helpful and can arrange and book any cruise for you. I booked this accomodation through www.wotif.com, great deals up to 30 days in advance.

Another possibility perhaps for a somewhat different Whitsunday experience - Keswick Island -

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/the-alt...1118-ila0.html