Great Barrier Reef Queensland
One of the great natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef, is over 1,000 kilometres in length and consists of more than a thousand coral atolls of varying sizes. It runs parallel with the north east coast of Australia and is accessible from a number of central and north Queensland ports.
The vast majority of these islands are uninhabited and quite unspoilt. The remainder are designated either national park or specific resort islands, where as much of the natural habitat has been preserved as possible. The waters are crystal clear, the underwater reefs are teeming with hundreds of different coloured fish species, giant clams, sea anemones, giant turtles and the like. It is truly a scuba diver's paradise. And the good thing is that you do not need to be a diver or even swim to enjoy it to the full.
Everyone should visit the Great Barrier Reef at least once in their lifetime for the sheer wonder of it. There are many ways to enjoy the reef. Australians can take a package tour with an airline that will include several days accommodation on one of the many island resorts, from where they can get around by water taxi or take all day snorkelling trips with companies such as Quicksilver Connection, who use big, comfortable catamarans. They can take a day cruise, charter a fishing boat or a yacht, with or without skipper and crew and glide from island bay to island bay as they please. Finding perfect uninhabited beaches, great swimming and snorkelling opportunities is virtually guaranteed.
Take a day trip out to the reef with Quicksilver Connection from Port Douglas or with their opposite number in Airlie Beach on the Whitsunday Passage and you will have the opportunity to enjoy lectures and videos on the underwater life, scuba diving lessons and trips in the glass bottomed semi submersibles, in order to view and photograph all the fish and corals without getting wet - and at midday participate in a seafood buffet feast, with cold drinks at the bar.
Whether you cruise these waters with your own or a rented craft, or have someone pilot you around by boat or seaplane, you will have an experience to remember, although the time to avoid travelling the reef (if possible) is November to April, as the humidity is then high and cyclones are not unknown. May to October are perfect months for exploring this sun soaked, tropical region. For those who prefer a holiday package, here are some clues on the more popular resort islands:
HAMILTON ISLAND
This resort is situated in the heart of the Whitsunday's, a group of 74 tropical islands lying in the Coral Sea between the mainland and the outer reef. It is a very popular, long established, large resort with several different types of accommodation available, some being more suitable for families. It is in the medium price range and has its own airport. It can also be reached by regular ferry boat and offers big game fishing services, as well as Coral Cat cruising. The super luxury motor cruiser 'Achilles II' also cruises out from here. Facilities include all the beach and water sports, superb swimming pools with friendly dolphins, bars, cafes, a tavern, an ice cream parlour, restaurants galore, a bakery, a bank, a medical centre, post office, evening entertainment galore, a Kids Club, walking trails, shops, whale watching in season and much more.
HAYMAN ISLAND
The elite, small reef resort, for folk who can afford the best, although there are seven different kinds of suites, all at different prices. This island is on the northern edge of the Whitsunday's and is a top, world class resort. Hayman, with its Pacific shores and magnificent pristine beaches, has crystal lagoons, rainforest mountain walks, a plethora of bird life and an abundance of brilliant tropical blooms everywhere you look under and around the palm trees. Every guest has a private balcony, spectacular views and spa baths in their suites. There are five restaurants, bars and poolside service, an entertainments centre and of course there's scuba diving, snorkelling, boat trips and cruises, sailing, parasailing, water skiing and board sailing. Add reef walks, boat hire, coral viewing by submarine, tennis, badminton, billiards and snooker and a children's activity centre and you have all you'll need for the holiday of a lifetime. Access is from Mackay or Proserpine by boat or helicopter.
This website has excellent Hayman Island holiday accommodation packages.
BRAMPTON ISLAND
Just off Mackay, this island offers holiday packages that include air or boat transfers to/from the mainland, all meals, fine accommodation and the use of all facilities. Rock and swimming pools, plentiful vegetation, pristine beaches and a laid back atmosphere prevails. Brampton island resort accommodates up to 260 guests spread well out among the palms and bougainvillea. There are several different types of accommodation from which to choose. There's a bar, an entertainment area, a few shops and a small Laundromat. Meals in the delightful dining room are wholesome and plentiful. There's tennis, all the water sports of course, billiards, table tennis, coral viewing, cruising and other popular activities available.
ORPHEUS ISLAND
This is a small, luxury one, where adults are welcomed but children are discouraged. It's facilities are ideal for honeymooners who want privacy.
BEDARRA ISLAND
Bedarra Island Resort is 16 luxury, air-conditioned villas on stilts, with private balconies and grand sea views, set in lush tropical rainforest cater for very discerning guests. Resort facilities include a restaurant with an outdoor terrace, a 24 hour bar, a grand piano, an idyllic, palm fringed fresh water pool, a spa, tennis court, lounge, sailboard hire, catamaran sailing and much more.
LIZARD ISLAND
This resort is way north on the reef and totally tropical. Just 32 private suites and the Lizard Island Lodge are to be found, set in 20 acres on a 2,500 acre otherwise uninhabited island. There are 24 private coves, each with breathtaking sandy beaches, so pick your own. Here the staff ratio is two to every three guests. There's a club lounge and bar, a dining room looking across to Prince Charles Island and superb lunchtime hampers are available on request. (England's Prince Charles has signed the guest book). Guests can enjoy a sail on the catamaran, try archery, snorkelling, play tennis or bushwalk. They can also climb Captain Cook's lookout, fish for blue marlin, or go wind surfing. The island can be reached by boat out of Cairns, Port Douglas or Cooktown.
Visit this website for Lizard Island Accommodation Bookings and holiday package specials.
LINDEMAN ISLAND
Great for families, teens and 20s, this is now a Club Med resort, reached from Mackay or Shute Harbour by boat or helijet. You can arrive on a day trip, or stay for as many days as you please. There are two swimming and paddling pools, superb beaches, a large dining room and packages are available that include all meals, entertainment and every type of activity for all age groups.
DUNK ISLAND
Four types of double and family suites are available and many package deals include air transport from all over Australia. There's a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and lounge, entertainment complex, TV room, shops, hairdresser, babysitting service and guest laundry. Activities include sailing, swimming, snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing, cruises, tennis, horse riding, golf, archery, cricket, badminton, volleyball, clay pigeon shooting and much more, all set in lush tropical gardens.
This website has great Holiday Packages and Dunk Island Resort Accommodation.
LONG ISLAND
Formerly Club Crocodile, Long Island Resort is an island resort in the lower price range, but with all the facilities you will find in the more upmarket resorts. It's twin is Club Crocodile at Airlie Beach. There is entertainment and activities around the clock, bars and an airy dining room, beaches galore, plus 13 kilometres of well graded bushwalks. The beachside cabins and bures are just great for all age groups. Sail out from Shute Harbour. Cars can be left in a special safe area on the mainland, or you can fly in to Proserpine Airport and then take the boat.
HINCHINBROOK ISLAND
A maximum of 50 guests can be accommodated among the rainforest vegetation in fine big tree houses on this Whitsunday island, which just happens to be the world's largest and quite spectacular island national park. This award winning resort's tariff includes all sumptuous meals and activities, but be warned, there are no TV's or telephones on the island. It can be reached by boat from Cairns or Port Douglas.
DAYDREAM ISLAND
Just perfect for families with small children. Here they specialise in taking over the kids for you and giving the parents an all day break, including meal times. Rooms are large and airy, with great sea views. Set in the Whitsunday's and with all the usual activities available. This island can be reached by water taxi or ferry out of Shute Harbour and is in the medium resort price range.
Visit Daydream Resort & Spa
HOOK ISLAND
Hook Island Wilderness Lodge can be found among the forest covered slopes and has a spectacular location. It is noted for its excellent diving opportunities and underwater observatory. The accommodation is in the backpacker and budget price range. Facilities are also provided for campers. It can be reached by ferryboat or water taxi.
CAN'T AFFORD A BREAK AT A REEF RESORT?
There are more resort islands than the above, of course, but these are the main ones. However, for those who cannot afford a resort holiday but would still very much like to experience the reef, WHITSUNDAY ALLOVER, operating out ofAirlie Beach, offer 12 coral reef and island one day cruises at bargain prices that take in several of the islands and all of the spectacle of this, one of the most delightful and scenic places on earth.
Great Barrier Reef Accommodation
Give Holiday Magic a call on 1800 777 760 to book all your Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Accommodation, Tours, Car Rental and Activities. Tell them Ben from Holiday Oz sent you and I'm sure you will get the best deal you can on your Queensland Holiday.