Expert: Frank Denison - 9/21/2010

Question
I am going on a cruise departing from Sydney and returning back into Auckland.  I want to go up to the Great Barrier Reef.  Can I do this if I arrive into Sydney approximately 4 to 5nights prior to the cruise departure?  I am a US Citizen

Answer
Hi Mary,
       Sorry for the delay, but I have been in Europe on holidays, and my email account closed down.

You can get to the reef with the time frames you mention.

If you can fly direct into Cairns from USA, that would be better, but not sure if a direct flight is available.

It will take you about 3 to 3.5 hours to fly to Cairns from Sydney. This will be your best spot to explore the reef from.

From Cairns you can catch a boat to the reef, and also do Kuranda range on the scenic rail. Catch a flght from Sydney mid morning, which will get you to Cairns by about 1pm. That will give you the rest of the day to go to your hotel, have a look around the city, and book your tickets for the next day on a boat to the reef.

Green Island was good when we went there a few years back, but you will have a few options on Islands.

Next day go to Kuranda on the train, and then catch the chair lift back.

So, Day 1 fly to Cairns, Day 2 Explore reef, Day 3 Explore a different part of reef or Kuranda range. Day 4 fly back to Sydney.

The website www.wotif.com will help you with where to stay.

If I can help in any other way, contact me again.

regards,
Frank