Mackay / Great Barrie Reef
Replies: 6 - Last Post: Dec 4, 2012 5:05 PM Last Post By: Harry_Ramsden
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Mackay / Great Barrie Reef
Hi,I am looking to travel to MacKay and then to Great Barrier reef on 24th of December. Could you please advise if there are tours available from MacKay to Great Barrier reef. Also let me know if it is better to travel to Great Barrier Reef from Cairns rather than MacKay.
Hopefully some one might have done this and can advise?
1
I'm not sure about direct tours from Mackay to the Great Barrier Reef, there could be some. Airlie Beach,which is relatively close to Mackay (a lot closer than Cairns) has plenty of opportunities to see the reef. A number of people I've spoken to now however do recommend seeing the reef from Cairns above any other alternative.2
Very few tours from Mackay to the reef. You are better off heading for Airlie Beach or Townsville, both of which are far closer to the reef than Mackay.3
aha..I was thinking i was peckish!!!.yup,follow the bear, I do...
the only reason that Mackay doesn't have many tour operators for the reef is because its soooooo far away from the port of Mackay. I think the reef is like 50 miles out from Mackay V's like 20 from Airlie Beach...and Airlie has 74 islands within swimming distance,, for dogs, not bears..wink wink...
Head to Airlie Beach, that's where you'll find it all happening.
4
Yes, Airlie Beach as a launching pad for the Whitsunday islands is a great option, plus many reef tour options. Just note that Airlie Beach is undergoing major roadworks in the heart of town at the moment, so it's a bit of a construction zone.6
Why Mackay? It's a very dull town, and not one most tourists would aim for. Ignore Mackay and instead stay in Airlie Beach. That time of year you are much better off at Airlie Beach than Cairns. It's a bit cooler, a bit drier and less chance of a cylone.
