I'm planning a trip in August with my wife and two kids (ages 12 and 8) and would appreciate guidance on my tentative itinerary, as well as suggestions for an upscale-to-luxury Great Barrier Reef resort accessible from Cairns that allows kids. Incredibly, I haven't come across any GBR resort below ~$3000/night for four people that doesn't have very mixed (and some very negative) online reviews, so I would appreciate any "educated" advice.
• Day 1 – arrive Sydney AM (VA business from Los Angeles)
• Days 1-4 – Westin Sydney
• Days 4-6 – Blue Mountains
• Day 6 – fly from Sydney to Cairns
• Days 6-9 – Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas
• Days 9-13 – stay on Great Barrier Reef (thinking about Green Island Resort or Fitzroy Island Resort – but would love something without day trippers)
• Day 13 – fly from Cairns to Melbourne
• Days 13-14 – Westin Melbourne
• Day 14 – depart Melbourne AM (VA business to Los Angeles)
Thank you all!