Expert: Frank Denison - 8/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
Me nd my fiance will be down in Brisbane for about 10 days. whilst there will do trips to Sydney and maybe Melbourne. But main attraction will be the great barrier reef. I was intending to drive down the distance whilst having stops at the beaches, whale watching, snorkelling and best spots around. Is it safe and
recommended and any suggestions for ideal spots along the way?

Appreciate and thank you in advance..
marty


ANSWER: G'day Marty,
         If you intend to go to Sydney and Melbourne, you will not have much time to see the GBR. Maybe doing just 1 city would be the best option.

The Great Barrier Reef  is the largest coral reef in the world,  roughly parallel to the coast of Queensland, Australia, for almost 2,000km. Australia has almost 1/5th of the world's reef area and most is located in the GBR.

I have been to GBR in 3 different locations. The closest to Brisbane is off Lady Elliot Island. You can fly or drive there. Driving will take about 4 hours from Brisbane, and flying from Brisbane will take under an hour. The other 2 places I visited the reef from are Whitsunday Islands and Cairns. Both Whitsunday Islands and Cairns are over 12 hours drive from Brisbane, and I would recommend you fly if you want to visit the reef there.

Whitsunday Islands is one of the most beautiful places in Australia, and has a lot of other attractions as well. You could see the reef and enjoy the other sites at the same time. If you do go to Whitsundays, make sure you go to Whitehaven beach.

2 Links on the GBR that have some great info
http://www.barrierreefaustralia.com/the-great-barrier-reef/great-barrier-reef.ht
http://www.barrierreefaustralia.com/the-great-barrier-reef/coralfacts.htm

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Frank

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

QUESTION: Hi Frank,
I wud like to a boat ride from Airlie beach/whitsunday to cairns. Any boat companies u suggest?
cheers

Answer
G'day Marty,
         I have not seen any tours advertised from Whitsundays to Cairns.

You could try the companies in the link below.

http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/destinations/whitsundays/things-to-see-and-

Good Luck

Frank