Me and the family are planning out a trip for next years holiday season I know it seems early but the last time we booked travel to this part of the world we had to purchase the tickets way in adavance in order to get a decent price. So we where wondering where is australia would be good. We've heard that Cairns is unbearably hot not to mention crowded. Someone else told me that the coral see might be good, is this true? Is there a good place to go where the weather is nicer, good diving sights and some sights for the non-divers to see?
Trying to plan a trip to Australia for next year
- Thread starter formernuke
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I'm not sure what you mean by 'next year's holiday season' - December?
Here's some info on average temp, humidity & rainfall in Cairns: Weather in Cairns, Australia
As you can see the temp & humidity don't vary that much; rainfall however does
Here's some info on average temp, humidity & rainfall in Cairns: Weather in Cairns, Australia
As you can see the temp & humidity don't vary that much; rainfall however does
I was in Cairns last April and it was not bad at all. Temps in the 70's. We explored the Daintree rainforest, went to Baron falls visited some bird watching sites and a sort of Zoo (Karanda park I think) then hit Mike Balls Spoilsport. Fabulous time. First of April was a great time to visit although they have the mink whales during the Aussie winter so next trip I may gear to that time of yr although I'm a warm water sissie
OP
Sorry I should have been more detailed. We will be there during the "cristmas", new years holiday season. We went to byron's bay two years ago (before I wised up and started scuba) and enjoyed the weather there, but that was during "winter."
Damselfish
Contributor
You can get to the Coral Sea on a liveaboard from Cairns, but it's not a daytrip.
I could be wrong, but I think Cairns is the best location for GBR diving. Spirit of Freedom has 3 and 4 day liveaboards, I highly recommend them, just took a trip in November. The southern trip is great for beginners, the northern, crossing to the Osprey reef, I might recommend for more sea worthy / experienced divers 
divingcairns
Registered
The weather is quite warm in Cairns this time of the year however you can still cool down. Also when you are out at sea it is always slightly cooler & all the vessels are air conditioned. The Spirit of Freedom trip is a brilliant trip - I have done an Osprey Reef trip that was just awesome! But any of the Cod Hole & Ribbon Reef liveaboard trips go to spots suitable for divers & snorkellers.
There is loads of freshwater swimming to be done as well if you head on one of the trips or drive yourself to Atherton Tablelands. It is much cooler up there & if you go to Yungaburra you can also see platypus in the creek there - evening is generally the best time. If you want to have a look at Atherton Tablelands Backpackers Accommodation & Tours - near Cairns, North Queensland, Australia I have stayed over night with these guys a few times with friends & family. They have always been brilliant!
There is loads of freshwater swimming to be done as well if you head on one of the trips or drive yourself to Atherton Tablelands. It is much cooler up there & if you go to Yungaburra you can also see platypus in the creek there - evening is generally the best time. If you want to have a look at Atherton Tablelands Backpackers Accommodation & Tours - near Cairns, North Queensland, Australia I have stayed over night with these guys a few times with friends & family. They have always been brilliant!
Thanks that was excellent. How cold was the water? I've done the GBR on the Spoilsport and loved it. We are going back to dive more of Australia and this place sounds very intriguing. Of course I'm a bit of a warm water sissie
but with all that life???
ote=TSandM;4080805]Well, if you enjoyed Byron Bay as a non-diver, go back! The diving is fabulous, and if you don't want to spend a whole trip there, you can move south and dive the Solitaries, too. (HERE's my report on our Byron Bay diving trip.)[/quote]
but with all that life??? ote=TSandM;4080805]Well, if you enjoyed Byron Bay as a non-diver, go back! The diving is fabulous, and if you don't want to spend a whole trip there, you can move south and dive the Solitaries, too. (HERE's my report on our Byron Bay diving trip.)[/quote]
You should check out the prices of a flight to PNG. I live and work in Madang and this year, like previous years we offer 50% discount on accomodation and cheap dive packages can be arranged. You don't need a boat to dive as shore dives can be arranged. At the moment costs of flights return to PNG are cheap....DEAD CHEAP. 260 AUS ONE WAY BRISBANE TO PORT MORESBY. It is hot though. Very Hot but the diving more than makes up for it.
Also recommend you not overlooking the WA coast. Far Nth Qld has little to offer except for bad customer service, washed out overcrowded dive sites, backpacker divemasters who still think they are in a sydney niteclub and dengue fever.
My last dive in Madang 25/12/2008 the water temp 29deg, vis 20m.
I love my job
Also recommend you not overlooking the WA coast. Far Nth Qld has little to offer except for bad customer service, washed out overcrowded dive sites, backpacker divemasters who still think they are in a sydney niteclub and dengue fever.
My last dive in Madang 25/12/2008 the water temp 29deg, vis 20m.
I love my jobSimilar threads
