Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Travel to Great Barrier Reef

We'll be in Oz with our two sons (9 and 6) for 13 days in October, mainly around the Sydney area. We'd like to take an excursion north to see the reef and surrounding environs. We're thinking of flying up from Sydney and renting a car for 4-5 days.

Is Cairns or Brisbane a better launching off point? I know Brisbane is quite a bit south, but is there more to see there than Cairns (I mean other than the reef)?

You will need to fly to Cairns (CNS) to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Brisbane is too far south.

If you want to see the Barrier Reef, Cairns is the go compared with Brisbane. There is plenty for tourists to do in Cairns for 4–5 days (especially with a car): trips to the Reef of all sorts, of course, the Kuranda railway, drives north to Port Douglas and the Daintree, the Atherton Tablelands... Cairns itself it not overwhelmingly exciting as a city, being largely a touristic centre, but that's not why you're there.

Brisbane (now Australia's third city) is, as a place, more interesting than Cairns, of course, but it's hundreds of miles south of the Reef. Having spent time in Sydney, you would be far better advised, I think, to go to Cairns than Brisbane.

The GBR goes as far south as Bundaberg, which is about 350k's North of Brisbane and tbh is not the the best place for seeing the reef. If you want to see it in all its glory I would say you need to be North of Mackay, which means you really are better off going to Cairns if for no other reason than it is set up to handle reef tourism better than anywhere along the coast.

With 4 or 5 days you could probably start in Cairns and make your way down to Mackay, that way you can see Airlie Beach, Hinchinbrook Island as well as the reef.

Just returned on Saturday from Port Douglas. You will definitely want to fly into Cairns for the GBR. Virgin Blue had pretty good prices on fares from Sydney and the flight take about 2 1/2 hours. We spent most of our time in Port Douglas which is a smaller village about 45km to 60km north of the airport. Nice location to GBR and Daintree from the town and some good restaurants. Can give you some recommendations if interested as well.

Just returned on Saturday from Port Douglas. You will definitely want to fly into Cairns for the GBR. Virgin Blue had pretty good prices on fares from Sydney and the flight take about 2 1/2 hours. We spent most of our time in Port Douglas which is a smaller village about 45km to 60km north of the airport. Nice location to GBR and Daintree from the town and some good restaurants. Can give you some recommendations if interested as well.


Thanks for the intel. We would love all recommendations and suggestions. On the airfare front, it looks like JetStar is the least expensive. Any experience with them?

The GBR goes as far south as Bundaberg, which is about 350k's North of Brisbane and tbh is not the the best place for seeing the reef. If you want to see it in all its glory I would say you need to be North of Mackay, which means you really are better off going to Cairns if for no other reason than it is set up to handle reef tourism better than anywhere along the coast.
Yes, I have seen the reef off Bundaberg (plus Lady Musgrave Island, of course). It is lovely there, but for a first-time reef viewing you are, as you say, much better off further north...

Thanks for the intel. We would love all recommendations and suggestions. On the airfare front, it looks like JetStar is the least expensive. Any experience with them?

You will definitely enjoy the Port Douglas area. Below are some of the restaurants we visited and enjoyed.

Salsa Bar & Grill - Mix of Food
26 Wharf Street
Port Douglas 4877
+61 7 4099 4922
E-mail: greatdining@salsaportdouglas.com.au
Website: http://www.salsaportdouglas.com.au/

Port of India - Indian Food
Shp 38/9 Grant Street
Port Douglas
+61 7 4099 6333

re:hab - Great Coffee and Deserts
Shop 3 & 4
18 Macrossan Street
Port Douglas 4877
Website: http://www.rehabportdouglas.com.au/
(http://www.rehabportdouglas.com.au/)

I've heard some great things about a restaurant called Nautilus but we didn't have enough time. Re:hab offered what my wife called the best coffee she's ever had in her life. She's had enough around the world to know a good cup and we had to visit there 6 times. If you are in need of a good internet connection they have computers to use with Skype loaded on each one and a fast connection. You can also bring your own to hook into their network for a reasonable cost. I believe it was $5 AUS for a one hour connection. Not bad when you consider the Sheraton wanted $25 AUS per night and the connection was horrible. Whatever you do and whatever anyone tells you, avoid eating at Ironbar. Worst food I had during my entire time in OZ. Do go there for the Cane Toad races though. They are held upstairs.

Did not fly on JetStar but I've heard good things about them. Friend we visited living there for business travels on Virgin Blue for most of his flight but has traveled on JetStar a few times. He thought they were nice but prefers Virgin Blue for the frequency on some routes and the in-flight entertainment.

If you grab a rental car, on your way to Port Douglas I would do a quick stop-off at Ellis Beach. There is a little bar and grill and it's the last chance to use a restroom for around 35 km to 40 km. Some different drinks and good snacks. The beach across the road is pretty nice as well. Mrs. DCATravel enjoys shelling so we spent a good amount of time walking up and down the beach. Quiet and nice.

Hope that helps!

PS - When in Sydney, make sure you visit Taronga Zoo. Best zoo I've ever visited, but make sure you take the bus to the top and work downhill. Your legs will thank you by the end of the day. If you take the ferry from Circular Quay, the buses will be waiting at the end of the dock.

. . . Hope that helps! . . .


Absolutely does! Thank you very much for taking the time.

PS - When in Sydney, make sure you visit Taronga Zoo. Best zoo I've ever visited, but make sure you take the bus to the top and work downhill. Your legs will thank you by the end of the day. If you take the ferry from Circular Quay, the buses will be waiting at the end of the dock.
Or better yet (especially with young children) take the cable car (inside the zoo: there's an entrance to the zoo at the bottom as well as at the top) and ride up to the top. It casts a bit, probably, but it's great fun.

And starting the zoo at the top also ensures that you have the harbour views in front of you as you walk through, for those moments when the adults tire of the animals...

I've heard some great things about a restaurant called Nautilus but we didn't have enough time.

I went to a friends wedding earlier this year and the reception was at Nautilus. I can vouch that the setting is fantastic and the food was excellent.^