Expert: Frank Denison - 5/29/2004

Question
I'm travelling to Australia for the first time.  We're going in July.  For my husband, it's a business trip.  We'll be stationed at the Gold Coast without much flexibility (if any) to stay in other locations.  I'll primarily make day trips to various locations.  One of my main interests is the Great Barrier Reef.  What location (city/port/entry point) is the closest to where I'm staying?  What is the distance in miles?  I'm also interested in observing dolphins in the wild.  Every organized operation (apparent from my Internet search), seems to be in Western Australia.  Is there anything closer?

Thanks!  Found you through one of the tourism sites.

Best,
Allyn Evans

Answer
G'day Allyn,
           I hope you enjoy your trip to "downunder". The closest part of the great barrier reef to the Gold Coast is Lady Elliot Island, which is off Bundaberg. It is about 370 kilometres north of Brisbane. So, you would have about a 4 to 4 and a half hour drive to see the reef.

Now, as for the dolphins.
Feeding the dolphins is done every day except Saturday at Tangalooma Resort, which is on Moreton Island. The cost is $85 per adult. You leave Brisbane for Tangalooma resort by boat at 10.00 am and don't return till about 9.30 pm that night. I am not sure if you can leave from the Gold Coast. It is Sunday morning, and I am unable to contact anyone. Bookings are only made a week ahead. I can do that if you decide you want to go. These are wild dolphins and it is not guaranteed they turn up to be fed. The lady I spoke to with last time said they usually do turn up, but the numbers vary. Sometimes 3 will turn up and they have had up to 10 dolphins turn up. They are very strict and you are only  allowed to feed them, but not touch them. They are fed at dusk so at your time of the visit it will be about 6 to 6.30.

Two links below to help you do some research

Tangalooma - http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/brisbane/502743/index.cfm?CFID=2141361&CFTO...

Lady Elliot Island -  http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/bundaberg/index.cfm

Allyn, if you have any more questions, feel free to email me direct, I would love to help.

Email - franksue@bigpond.net.au

Have a great time

Regards,
Frank