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Forum Question Posted By: Replies:
Cairns Great Barrier Reef Islands
Posted: Thu September 6, 2007 03:36 AM UTC
From Cairns what is the best island to visit to see the Great Barrier Reef?
mgrotjan
5 replies

[Reply]

Cairns Re: Great Barrier Reef Islands
Posted: Thu September 6, 2007 05:38 AM UTC
You just need a boat from Cairns to take you there to the reef - it's everywhere...no island necessary.

On the southern end, the Whitsunday Islands (72 of them) are much prettier than Cairns in my opinion and you can still reach the reef.

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aYankinSyd
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[Reply]
Cairns Re: Great Barrier Reef Islands
Posted: Thu September 6, 2007 09:03 AM UTC
For visiting the Reef you need to use a boat trip.
Be aware you have to sail a couple of hours before reaching the reef.
Best way to see the colours is by diving or snorkeling.

happy travels
jaap

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vtveen
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[Reply]
Cairns Re: Great Barrier Reef Islands
Posted: Thu September 6, 2007 10:07 AM UTC
You could go to Green Island, which is 45 minute sailing from Cairns. Otherwise, as the others said, you need to book a boat trip out to the reef. Companies such as Sunlover and Quicksilver do full day trips to the outer reef and it's a long way offshore, a couple of hours sailing in the big wave-piercer catamarans.

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colin_bramso
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[Reply]
Cairns Re: Great Barrier Reef Islands
Posted: Sun September 9, 2007 05:59 AM UTC
In Cairns you will need to go on a boat trip. Plenty of them everywhere. If you want to visit an island in the area, go for either Green Island, close to Cairns, or join a boat that will take you to the Whitsunday Islands. Absolutely beautiful. You can also join a liveaboard and spend a couple of nights sailing.

Cheers,
Maria

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Mariams30
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[Reply]
Cairns Re: Great Barrier Reef Islands
Posted: Mon September 10, 2007 03:35 PM UTC
Dunk Island for me, although that's a little south of Cairns. I've always wanted to go there :o) Did someone say the Whitsunday Islands?...welll that's a bit further south, but Hamilton Island was fabulous and I liked South Molle too. ...Plenty to choose from :o) ...Have we confused you yet?
Cheers, Ann.

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aussirose
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