Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Is Surfers Paradise a good point to stay to visit Great Barrier Reef?

We would like to stay at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa but from what I can see in Google Maps it is about an hour south of Cairns which I guess it the ideal location. Are trips to Great Barrier Reef available from Surfers Paradise? It is too far to stay?

Our only goal in staying there is if we can visit the reef.

Surfer's is not close to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Per google maps:

Driving directions to Surfers Paradise QLD, Australia
1,763 km – about 23 hours 1 min Cairns QLD,Australia

Would recommend the Reef 200% over Surfers. I am not the biggest Surfer's fan -- very crowded during school holidays and always seems like spring break with tons of young drunken madness.

No, you need to be much further north than Surfer's Paradise to see the Reef. The Reef starts (roughly) opposite Bundaberg, but the best place to see it from is almost certainly Cairns and environs: the Reef is fairly close to the coast there and the area is well set up for Reef trips etc. Cairns itself is not exciting as a town, although it is well set up for tourists, but in addition to the Reef there is wonderful coastal scenery, mountain scenery, and lots of delightful spots to visit (or stay in if you want)...

from what I can see in Google Maps it is about an hour south of Cairns

I think you mean an hour south of Brisbane. I've been there twice, coming down on the train from Brisbane. PHOTOS (http://tom911.smugmug.com/gallery/2806706_edGjV#149855066_Ko7eT)

Yes we plan on taking the Kuranda Rail during our stay in Cairns. I was asking about Surfers Paradise because I am trying to use up some Marriott points and as unbelievable as it sounds there are no Marriott properties north of Surfers Paradise.

If you have any hotels suggestions in Cairns pls let me know.

as unbelievable as it sounds there are no Marriott properties north of Surfers Paradise

Well, if you go as far as Brisbane there is, as I just stayed there on my brothers points in May. HOTEL PHOTO (http://tom911.smugmug.com/gallery/5086067_5yG3d#302066037_L8TjK)

If you have any hotels suggestions in Cairns pls let me know.

Stay in Port Douglas. There are plenty of very nice hotels.

Sheraton and Meridian are a few good ones...

If you have any hotels suggestions in Cairns pls let me know.Don't stay in Cairns - stay in Palm Cove or Port Douglas, up the coast a bit. All the hotels have shuttles/bus pick-ups to the Reef trips.

Try searching this forum for discussion of Reef trips and/or where to stay.

Stay in Port Douglas. There are plenty of very nice hotels.

Sheraton and Meridian are a few good ones...

Stayed in Port D last month and it was worth it. Rent a car in Cairns and do the drive along the coast. Once in Port D you won't need the car that much but it's nice to have.

I prefer staying at the Hilton in Cairns, which is on the water with views. The Hilton is next to boat dock to take boats out to the reef and shopping center. Plus you have the downtown for night time activities to walk along the businesses.

Port Douglas is quiet - hotels not on the water - more honeymooner types of hotels. Sheraton Mirage is nice - but again a honey mooner hotel. Not much to do in Port Douglas unless you golf.

Not much to do in Port Douglas unless you golf.
Or eat. :)

Yup Port Douglas has some nice hotels but majority of the boats leave from Cairns.
Do you scuba dive? There are some liveaboards which are nice.