Originally Posted by
bensyd
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...