I will be flying into Prosperine airport on Sunday 7 December (flight arrives 1225) and leaving on Tuesday 9 December (flight is at 1300). I will be with my parents who are in their late 70s) and am looking for ideas of what we can cram in 2 days. We like the look of Hamilton Island and taking a golf buggy around the island, seeing Airlie Beach, maybe going to Whitehaven beach, but definitely want to see the Great Barrier Reef somehow. Any suggestions of how we do this and where to stay (Hamilton Island/Airlie Beach/somewhere else?) would be very appreciated!

I've stayed in Airlie a few times, there will be a much wider choice of accommodation there, compared to Hamilton Island. Also I think more places to eat but I haven't been to Hamilton. My guess is Hamilton Island would be more upmarket and pricier.

December is in the wet season so it's possible trips to the reef may not go if the weather is bad. It will still be warm but likely some rain, possible storms etc. You could book ahead for a reef trip or wait to see what the weather is like. You only have one full day and waiting may mean trips are fully booked so it could be risky. I'd check reviews of tours on Trip Advisor and pick something that will suit your group of three.

This is a low key thing to do, but the caravan park we stayed in a few years ago (in a nice cabin) had free bird feeding each afternoon. The birds are wild and will take food from your hands.