Very excited for my first trip to Australia, especially the Great Barrier Reef. I've begun my research but am having trouble figuring out where to stay. Will probably spend about a week in that part of the country and am eager to dive, but also enjoy the beach and the area in general. In other words, I'm looking for a place that has very good diving and other things to do, but is not super touristy. Appreciate all recommendations, especially dive operators and places to stay (we prefer condos). Thanks very much!

The mainland of Oz is not on the GBR. To get to the reef, you must take a boat/plane or other means to get there.

Only the various island resorts are on the reef. While I can understand wanting non-touristy atmosphere, let's face it, you're going where tourists go (for the most part).

We have dove in the Whitsundays (hayman resort) and the northern GBR (lizard island).
There is a thread comparing both, do a search.

If you desire to stay on the mainland and take daytrips to the reef, most people stay in Cairns. Other things from Cairns is the Daintree rainforest, there is also a gorge (forget the name) that is a daytrip as well, hiking. We personally did not like Cairns (very touristy) but as a "hub" for other activities, it worked for us.

My husband and I enjoyed out stay at Palm Cove, which is just north of Cairns.

Cairns is really just full of hotels and shops and nowhere to even have a decent swim.

Palm Cove has its own beach and any day trip that can be done from Cairns, can be done from Palm Cove. It also has a very nice Italian restaurant that has great Pizza http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

If you want to see more of the area than just the reef and the fish, then I think you would be better off staying on the mainland rather than on one of the islands, especically considering this is your first trip. You can go out to the Islands for a day trip or two and there are a large number of tour companies that offer dive trips out to the reef for the day.

Phoebe




[This message has been edited by Feebster (edited 02-26-2002).]

About three years ago, I found good value at Radisson Tree Tops in Port Douglas, which is close to the docks for the Quicksilver excursion boats to the reef; a zoo where you can have breakfast among the animals, pet a roo and see a Koala; and take the Karanda train through the rain forest. The beach is a short walk through a residential neighborhood from the hotel.

Phoebe, where did you stay in Palm Cove?

Thanks!

Does anyone have an opinions about Heron Island? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks, http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif (I will be staying there early January next year)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Buster:
Phoebe, where did you stay in Palm Cove?

Thanks!</font>


We stayed in a great little resort call The Reef Retreat.

We were both very pleased with it. No restaurant, but most rooms have a kitchenette and there is a small store next door to buy essentials if you want to.

Staff are very friendly and helpful in arranging day trips etc. They also put on a free bbq once a week, a chance to meet your fellow travellers.

check out their website

http://www.nqonline.com.au/reefretreat/Introduction.html

Phoebe