Leigh

Planning a trip to the reef and would like recommendations on hotels that are located on islands in the reef. I want to be able to walk off the beach from the hotel and snorkel. A freshwater swimming pool would be an added bonus.

Margo

I don't know about the freshwater pool, but if you want to stay on the reef, Heron Island is a top spot. It's at the lower end of the reef, reachable from Gladstone by helicopter (preferable) or catamaran (very rough seas). It's one of the very few places you can walk out of your room and onto the reef. You can explore on your own or join a guided 'reef walk'. You can hire snorkel equipment there, and they give free beginner's lessons. Heron is now run by P&O Resorts.

TBevC

Heron Island is a nice place, no pool, but if you want good snorkling, I mean with reef and fish to see it is not good. We were there a year ago, very disapointed as I picked it becouse we could snorkle right off the hotels. Heron sits right on the reef, so we were excited about it only to be told when we got there that most of the reef is dead, few fish and little reef. A plus we saw the turtles lay eggs, and we enjoyed several unique birds.

Greg

Try Fitzroy and Green Islands off the coast from Cairns. Green has an expensive resort on it, but there is a pool and snorkeling right off the beach. I was there for a day, because that's all I had and really enjoyed the sights. The tour operator said Fitzroy was really nice. Search the net for those Islands.

john schmidt

Fitzroy is great for snorkeling and you can stay in "rustic", but nice accommodations for relatively cheap prices. You can snorkel right off the island or off either end. There used to be many giant clams off the main beach, but last time I was there, you had to go quite a way down the shore to find large ones (3 feet long). You can also base there for trips to Green Island or Moore Reef for more snorkelling on the GB Reef.

Another option (I think it had a pool) is Lady Elliot Island. More rustic, but cheap and great for diving. You should check out the snorkeling (vs. diving).

Cliff Jensen

We stayed at Lizard Island. There was a small area that could be explored directly from the beach, but they have a fleet of small dingies you can take to various beachs and coral areas. The giant clams were incredible. Lizard is very isolated and not for someone looking for lots of night life.

Elizabeth Way

My husband and I are very interested in visiting Lizard Island this year. We love to snorkel and hear this is the place to do it. Questions we have: what is the best time to visit for the calmest, clearest water conditions and to see the most marine life? Is this truly a superior spot for snorkeling? Will we need wetsuits; if so can we rent them? What were your experiences with the resort as far as accommodations, service, and friendliness? Any comments will be appreciated.
Thanks!

m

Just got back from Orpheus Island, north of Townsville. Excellent reef with excellent coral and
fish . Had lousy weather, but went out snorkeling each day and saw lots of stuff. The resort has small boats avilable that you can take out yourself to snorkel, fish, picnic etc. They do have a f.w pool and the food is truly fantastic. It's not cheap, but pretty much evrything you'd want is included in the price (except for drinks)
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