Expert: Frank Denison - 10/22/2009

Question
Hi Frank -

My son and I are flying to Brisbane, renting a car to drive to Arlie beach, take a ferry out to Hook Island in the Whitsundays for a few days and then drive to Cairns.
How long does it take to drive to these places?
Is there camping along the way?
When does the ferry leave for the Whitsundays - everyday?
Will the weather be okay in mid-January for swimming?
We have about 1.5 weeks for this part of the trip.  Do you have any other suggestions for a good time on a budget?
Thank you!

Answer
G'day Di,
        The drive from Brisbane to Airlie is about 1100km. We have driven it with 4 drivers in about 11 hours. Airlie Beach to Cairns is 625 km's and will take between 5 and 6 hours.

There are plenty of camping spots along the way. You catch the boats from  Abel Point Marina at 10.00am daily. See Link - http://www.hookislandresort.com/getthere.htm

The weather will be very hot and muggy in January, and you will get afternoon storms quite often.

I would recommend the train from Cairns to Kuranda, its a beautiful trip. I think they have markets at Kuranda on a Saturday, but I have not been there for years. You can also take the Chair lift / Gondola over the rain forest at Cairns.

Enjoy the trip.

Regards,
Frank