Must be an Aussie term, as we have marshlands like that here in California
One does not go to Cairns in a quest to locate a beach, that's for sure.

I'm working on my November trip tonight, and have opted to spend the bulk of time on the Sunshine Coast between Brisbane and Noosa. And to keep this slightly on topic: I will be flying into MEL on UA, and home from SYD (now, if only my seats in business would clear). Just trying to decide now whether I fly into Maroochydore or Brisbane after a weekend in MEL (I've used both in the past). In both cases, QF is actually cheaper than Virgin, as well as the return flight back to SYD. [side note to Amazing Race fans in the U.S....Maroochydore is the city right next to Mooloolabah, where the scene with the sharks in the acquarium was filmed]

I would concur with those who say don't stay in Cairns. It's your typical touristy beach town full of drunk college students and "gap year" backpackers. If you have a couple of days, I would recommend the Cairns Dive Center and their "Floating Reef-otel" which offers 3-day, 2-night tours to various points along the reef.

You sleep aboard the boat and spend a day each starting at like 5AM at several spots along the GBR Marine Park. Meals, such as they are, are included as are your dives. They also offer snorkeling and prescription masks. The accomodations are a bit on the budget side though, so if you want high-end accomodations on the high-seas, you might want to check out one of the other liveaboard operators.
http://www.cairnsinfo.com/tour/Scuba%20Dive/121/

I had considered going on the Quicksilver boat, but signed up for the CDC package when I learned that it was a bit more than two trips on the Quicksilver boat(~$250AU) and was definitely much more worth it. My prices go back to 1997 though.

I could not find a web site for them, but did find this link via Google:
http://www.cairnsreefdive.com.au

I got to CNS on the now extinct AN.

JD

[This message has been edited by Jet'Dillo (edited 08-10-2003).]

Thank you all very much for the info. Sounds like you all enjoyed yourself, as I will too.

And thanks United, for the First seat to OZ. Never thought one would open up!

Anyone, anywhere on the planet, can book Virgin Blue tickets through the airlines own website:

www.virginblue.com.au

All you need is a credit card.

Note that, the prices in "dollars" are AUSTRALIAN dollars, which are worth considerably less than US dollars. The website issues etickets and does not discriminate between Australian and foreign visitors.

ozstamps wrote:
Dang, I wish I knew this last year, but I'll definitely do it next time. When you say POM is dangerous, what kind of danger are you talking about?

I generally agree with what's been posted here, except that it is a good idea to spend at least some time in Cairns. It's worth visiting Kuranda (preferably by train one way and cable car the other, as both are spectacular forms of transport), which is near Cairns. Also, quite a few tours to the Reef go out from Cairns.

Port Douglas is much nicer, but really restricts things if you only stay there. Best to stay a couple of days in Cairns and do the Cairns-centric things there, then spend the majority of your time in Port Douglas.

An inland place near Cairns - the so called "Atherton Tablelands" - makes an interesting afternoon drive. Very mellow and flat, though despite this it is oddly enough easy to get lost driving around in. Take a GPS or Map. I was bored with Cairns and went out there. Very glad I did. Could be something to do post-dive if you're killing time waiting for your flight.

P.S. Do not, no matter how bored, take the boat up north to Cooktown. You will spend hours getting up there, five minutes looking around, then wait two hours to leave. Enough said.

I do not recall the price we paid. We booked it thru our local AAA travel agent, but I'm certain that QF has a US 800# you can call. Also, QF gave us 3% off for cash, rather than use a credit catd.
We were there in the middle of summer (January 2003), and it's hot and humid then.

Rape. Stabbing. Shooting. Sliced with machetes. Or all of the above. And that is just in the daylight hours.

Honestly - Port Moresby is the most dangerous city in the Pacific by a long way. Think Kingston Jamaica with a pidgin accent.

Wow ... and we sometimes think getting awards on United can be tough.

Read of my exploits an hour ago with Qantas re (not) getting award seats in ANY class on a range of days to back home from POM.

We were happy to route via Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne, Cairns or Canberra ... but no dice. Infuriating. It is not school vacation period, nor our summer.

ozstamps wrote:
Sounds like my kind of adventure. Definitely a trip for next time.

The US Department Of State has this to say:

....... the country has a high crime rate. Numerous U.S.- citizen residents and visitors have been victims of violent crime in recent years, and they have sometimes suffered severe injuries. Carjackings, armed robberies, and stoning of vehicles are problems in Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen. Pickpockets and bag-snatchers frequent crowded public areas.

Hiking in rural areas and visiting isolated public sites such as parks, golf courses, beaches, or cemeteries can be dangerous. Individuals traveling alone are at greater risk of robbery or gang rape than those who are part of an organized tour or under escort. Visitors to Papua New Guinea should avoid using taxis or buses, known as Public Motor Vehicles (PMV's), and should instead rely on their sponsor or hotel to arrange for taxi service or a rental car.

Road travel outside of major towns can be hazardous because criminals set up roadblocks near bridges, curves in the road or other features that restrict vehicle speed and mobility. Visitors should consult with the U.S. Embassy or with local law enforcement officials concerning security conditions before driving between towns.

interesting thread..but for general travel questions, on locations etc, best to go to TravelBuzz

where you may follow this thread

thanks

squeakr
MOD UAL