Expert: Mick Maurer - 3/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: My husband and I are planning a trip next February (maybe stretching into March) to Australia and/or New Zealand.  We are trying to decide whether we can visit both places in 3 or 4 weeks, and think probably not.  What would your advice be?  Also, one of the activities we would particularly like in Australia is snorkeling on the great barrier reef. What would the weather be like this time of year?  What about the jellyfish?  Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: You can do a fair amount of New Zealand in 10-12 days and cover the east coast of Australia and perhaps Ayers Rock or Darwin/Adelaide if you plan well and fly where the distances are long.  February is the middle of summer so the weather in both countries will be at its best.  There are no jelly fish at the reef.  They float out of the brackish water in rivers and inlets and are washed back ashore by the tide and current.  Most of the beach resorts have netted areas where you can swim.  There are several options for snorkeling the GBR, depends on what size of group you prefer and your budget.  The most popular is probably Quicksilver that has an anchored platform at the reef and you can snorkel, dive or even ride a semi submersible and see the reef without getting wet.
If I can help with your arrangements including comprehensive itinerary planning, please email me directly.

Mick Maurer
Aussie Travel
Aussiemick@aol.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly.  One more question - I heard there has been a lot of rain on the GBR this year.  Is that common in Feb/March?

Answer
Yes, in Cairns it rains an average of 19 days each month during February and March.  This usually is heavy afternoon rain with clear mornings.  With daytime temperatures in the high 80's and high humidity, it is often a welcome relief from the strong summer sun.

Mick