GBR recommendations

Ok, it looks like we're headed to Australia. Any recommendations? (Again, looking for resort, beach diving, good photo and vid sites, taking a rebreather, etc.)

Thanks

Hi.

A few years ago I did the coral sea thing. We did Holmes reef out of Cairns (143 kms off shore, well beyond the GBR) and the diving was nice, though the number of sites is limited. You may see some silvertip sharks, if that's your thing. There are only a limited number of operators that go there. Keep in mind that it takes many hours to get there (I found the travel difficult). The operators do 3-4 day trips. I did it twice, but don't recommend it. Rather stay there longer than do that trip back and forth, ugh!

We opted not to do Cod Hole to the north, as a local said the diving was better at Holmes, though Cod Hole is worthwhile.

We did do one dive on the GBR on the way back to Cairns, and it was the most depressing dive I've ever done. The entire reefscape was destroyed, and there was only limited fish life, and nothing else. Hope this doesn't discourage you. I have heard that there is still great diving on the GBR, but not where I was.

Now, some topside fun: we rented Land Cruisers and drove up the coast through the Daintree (rain) Forrest, and camped there. It was something you simply cannot leave without doing. Awesome. Then we drove north to Cooktown, and came back down through the interior (they call the tablelands). Lots of termite hills everywhere, and flocks of wild cockatoos. We did the trip in 3 days.

The problem with Australia is you need months, not weeks

Forgot to mention: If you rent a car in Australia, BUYER BEWARE.

Seriously, they do the bait and switch thing, and quote one price then jack it up. It was brutal where we first went, so we went across the street and had no problems. Don't get sucked in, it ruins a trip.

Driving is fun there, though you have to remember it's like in Europe - Left hand side of the street. I can't believe how many signs they put up to remind tourists. I needed them.

remember it's like in Europe - Left hand side of the street

Its not Europe. Its only Great Britain. Rest of Europe is also driving right hand sided.

The Brits was allways a little different ;-)

Simon

Sorry, never been to Europe. Maybe some day...

Anyway, now I won't kill anyone by being on the wrong side of the road