Expert: Mick Maurer - 12/10/2007

Question
My wife and I are planning a two-week vacation in Australia with our two sons, who are in their early twenties. Because of schedules and such,the timing needs to be December 2008. Snorkeling on the GBR would be the top priority. We also enjoy swimming, rafting, hiking and bicycling. We would prefer to pick about three places that we could use as a hub for these activities, and not spend too much time going from hotel to hotel. Sydney would obviously be one of the stops coming and going(3 or 4 days). What would you recommend as the other two locations? We've also heard that December is a bad month for jellyfish, and that it limits where you can snorkel. What's the reality of this?

Answer
John:
Sydney is a good first choice.  Climb the Harbour Bridge, visit the Blue Mountains in a small group 4wd tour, Bondi Beach, etc.  Next is Cairns.  Snorkeling and/or diving the GBR, rafting the Tully River, visit an Aboriginal village, etc.  The next is less obvious.  Tasmania has some fantastic hiking, you could arrange a bike trip and there is some exciting river rafting.  
You will not find jellyfish near the GBR.  They will be at the swimming beaches where you won't be snorkeling anyway.  All of the swimming beaches will have areas marked off where there are stinger nets so you don't have to worry unless you go off somewhere on your own.
I am an award winning Aussie Specialist Travel Agent and would be pleased to help you make arrangements for your itinerary.  Email me directly at Aussiemick@Aol.com if I can help

Mick Maurer
Aussie Travel