We decided on the Quicksilver, the largest boat sailing from the Port Douglas Marina to the Outer Re

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My husband and I have 10 days to spend in Australia and have decided to split our time between Sydney and the Great Barrier reef area. We are having a hard time deciding between the available options for exploring the Great Barrier walking tours venice reef area. The possibilities we are considering are: (1) taking a 2 or 3 night live aboard sail departing from the Whitsundays, (2) basing ourselves at a nice island resort in the Whitsundays and doing day trips, walking tours venice or (3) basing ourselves in Cairns or Port Douglas and doing day trips.
About us: we are both 40 and prefer upscale lodging but probably can't afford the super-duper-high-end places (e.g. Lizard Island, Bedarra). We are active and love exploring new areas, hiking, boating walking tours venice and snorkeling but we are not divers. We will be traveling during the last week of November.
Places we're considering: Paradise Bay Eco Resort, Thala Beach Resort in Port Douglas, or a 3-night cruise on the Pacific Sunrise or Whitsunday Magic. We've never done an overnight sail before so it appeals to us as something new and different, but we are a little apprehensive about feeling "stuck" on a boat.
The 40 minute drive up Captain Cook highway to our hotel was as beautiful as promised. I d booked the Thala Beach Lodge ( www.thala.com ) based on the TripAdvisor reviews and the photos and description I d seen on the hotel s website. walking tours venice I had high hopes. It exceeded all expectations walking tours venice -- by a mile. This place is stunning and the service is impeccable.
While our bags were being taken to our bungalow we were ushered to a sitting area with breathtaking views of the coast and the Coral Sea and were brought a delicious fruit juice drink. Gawking at the multi-level walking tours venice rock pool and waterfall, and the panoramic views beyond, I felt as if I d stepped into an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
Each room is an individual walking tours venice bungalow set into the rainforest atop stilts. The package I d booked at a last minute rate of $199 AUD/night was for the lowest priced room and included a tropical breakfast and a room upgrade if available. (The regular price is $249/nt for a Jungle Walk room; $385/nt for a Eucalypt room.) We were indeed upgraded one level to a Eucalypt room that exuded understated elegance. I could have happily stayed on the balcony for the next three days. The view of the mountains was absolutely gorgeous with glimpses of the sea beyond.
Apparently, walking tours venice the primary difference walking tours venice in the room categories is the location. The lowest priced Jungle Walk rooms are set close to ground level and their balconies are virtually surrounded by the lush rainforest vegetation so they have no view to speak of although I d guess it s also lovely to be literally amidst the trees and wildlife. I admit we adored our view from the top of the rainforest canopy and now that I ve gotten a taste of it, I d want it again next time and I certainly hope there will be a next time.
We walked to the hotel s beach, practically gasping at the views en route. The beach seems to go on forever and we strolled along the water s edge admiring the jagged rock formations and the curving coastline in the distance.
Breakfasts were a highlight of the trip not only because they were delicious and beautifully presented but because the views from our table were nothing short of OMG. (Help! I m running out of superlatives!!!) As if the coastline and mountains weren t enough there were countless lorikeets in the trees just beyond the railing. Typical of this hotel to think of everything; they had a bird bath and feeder walking tours venice set high in the trees to attract the little parrots.
The buffet breakfast included walking tours venice in our rate featured more than enough food for me: cold cereals (served with organic milk); artisan breads; mini croissants; crumpets; hard-boiled eggs; smoked salmon; cold meats, and outstanding Australian cheeses. The selection of fruits included exotic varieties I d never seen before. (I grew especially fond of the dragon fruit.) There was yogurt, muesli, and berry coulis, pastries, and homemade mango and strawberry jams. For an additional $8 - $10 one could upgrade to add a hot breakfast walking tours venice such as an omelet or pancakes with bacon; grilled fish; or even filet mignon to supplement the buffet.
FYI, we re not foodies, nor do I eat seafood, drink alcohol, or eat desserts. I do my best to eat my boring, healthy meals even when I travel. (Bear in mind that I typically travel 4 5 months each year, so it s not a special event.) That said, dinner at the Thala Lodge restaurant was too expensive for my pockets. Appetizers were $18.50; salads $16.50; main courses $39.50; walking tours venice desserts $16.50. So you d be looking at around $200 per couple WITHOUT wine or other alcohol. They offered an all-inclusive package deal (with all meals and wines) for $850/night per couple.
Fine dining isn t important to us. We re truly just as happy stopping at a local market and buying fresh sandwich meats, salads, walking tours venice carrot sticks and fruit for a picnic or in this instance, sitting on our balcony, listening to the ocean and the birds, and watching the stars. By doing so, I felt like I was living like a multi-millionaire while spending only $199 AUD/night walking tours venice (approximately $160 US).
One thing to keep in mind: the paths to the bungalows are quite steep and those who are not reasonably fit would need to rely on being driven walking tours venice by a staff member in one of the little carts every time they wanted to go to the restaurant, pools, or lobby. IMHO, the Thala Beach Lodge is a destination walking tours venice in and of itself but most evenings the only thing to do is to borrow a DVD from their extensive collection or simply relax. So those who are looking for a party atmosphere might be happier walking tours venice staying in Pt. Douglas which is a typical beach resort town with loud, crowded bars (all with bands and one with cane toad races (!), and wall-to-wall souvenir shops. For me, it would have been okay, but a completely different experience from the blissful romance of Thala.
Back to breakfast it was hard to tear ourselves away from the coffee, the views, and the birds, but we had to get busy relaxing! Day One activities began with a stop at Mossman Gorge. Quite beautiful, but unfortunately, most of the hiking paths were closed so we were quite limited in how much we could see. But the swimming walking tours venice hole and surrounding area were well worth the visit. We continued on to Daintree Village where we stopped for a crocodile burger (!!!) and exceptionally delicious chips at Elenor s. The croc tasted like a cross between chicken and pork. Tasty!
We decided to take a small electric boat, the White Ibis, to tour the river. It was a peaceful, relaxing way to spend an hour ($20/person). We spotted walking tours venice one croc head sticking up from the water; a snake; walking tours venice and some nice birds and butterflies. I had to keep reminding myself that I was not on the Disneyland Jungle Cruise.
We d planned to continue on to Cape Tribulation, but it was getting late and we were tired, so we headed back, stopping to watch the sunset, while leaning against a palm tree on the beach in Port Douglas. Dinner was a tasty kebab in Port D followed by browsing in the shops.
On most days the hotel offers some type of activity, such as a guided nature walk or a presentation by a local Aboriginal. This particular night was Stargazing. A group of about fifteen of us were issued flashlights and binoculars, as well as bug spray. walking tours venice We followed our guide to a field where chairs and two telescopes had been set up. There weren t nearly as many stars visible walking tours venice as I d seen in NZ because the moon was quite bright. But I was able to get a great view of Saturn with its rings, walking tours venice as well as quite a few constellations. It was quite a thrill. Our guide (Rose) is quite passionate and knowledgeable about her stars!
I d been quite ignorant about how one visits walking tours venice the reef. When I began preparations I wasn t sure if we d be driving to the reef and staying on it or flying out to it. (Kidding! I m not quite that ignorant but almost.) I eventually figured out that one stays either walking tours venice on the mainland or on an island and takes a boat out to visit a tiny portion of the reef for the day.
Knowing what I now know, it would have been a BIG mistake if we had stayed on one of the islands because beach and underwater activities are not our top priorities and we wouldn walking tours venice t have been able to explore the Daintree River and Park; Cape Tribulation; and so much more.
We decided on the Quicksilver, the largest boat sailing from the Port Douglas Marina to the Outer Reef. (It held more than 300 passengers.) We chose it because it takes you to a large pontoon that s stationed by the reef. From the pontoon we d be able to take a semi-submersible glass-sided vessel to tour the reef or view it from an underwater observation deck without actually getting wet. (We re not divers or snorkelers.)
It was sunny and the sea was calm; the 90 minute ride to the reef was mostly smooth and pleasant, but most of the time we saw nothing but water. walking tours venice Upon transferring to the pontoon, walking tours venice a very nice buffet lunch was served. The quality and variety of foods were impressive walking tours venice but I prefer my prawns without their heads attached .
The $199 (AUD) pp fare included coffee, tea and cookies in the morning; the buffet lunch; and coffee, tea, cheese crackers, and fruit in the afternoon. Also included were snorkeling equipment; and unlimited rides on the semi-sub.
Wet suits to keep you warm in the water; walking tours venice lycra body suits (for protection against stingers which were not a problem this time of year); and guided snorkeling and diving tours were available for an additional cost -- and were pushed heavily.
From the surface, the reef looked like no big deal and I thought the day was going to be a waste of time but at least I d be able to say I d visited the GBR. Then we went in the semi-submersible b