Quickfire round
Hi guysFlights for a one month trip in May 2013 booked. Just a few quick questions, if you wouldn't mind?
Are outer reef snorkelling trips as readily available from the Whitsundays as they are from say Cairns? I'll be visiting both, but my other half will be meeting me in the Whitsundays and I was hoping to hang on and do that together.
How many days is Darwin worth? I intend to do the three day Kakadu/Litchfield National Park tour whilst there, but it is worth having a couple more days beside those?
Where is best to stay in the Whitsundays? Airlie Beach seems to have the most budget options, though it comes with the party reputation. I was wondering whether there were any budget options on the islands, as I imagine they'd come with the nicer views?
Town of 1770 or Agnes Water?
Cheers!
Andy
1
To see the Whitsundays I would recommend going on a boat tour for a few days as then you will really get out to see the islands and more snorkelling/diving action than going on day trips from Airlie Beach. The boat tours on offer vary massively in price and what they offer but you can find good budget options that aren't party boats. For a quiet couple of nights in Airlie Beach I would suggest the Organic B&B which is set on a residential street away from the main party strip.I preferred visiting the reef in the Whitsundays than Cairns but other friends have been the other way around.
2
Heaps of reef trips of every variety in the Whitsundays.Don't know about Darwin.
Airlie Beach is definitely the best budget option. The islands are nice but expensive.
Town of 1770.
4
Darwin is more a base for the National Parks you are going toprobably no reason to stay longer
a lot of things about the war if that interests you
5
it's worth trying to plan your stay in Darwin around a Thursday or Sunday so you can see the Mindil Markets. Beyond that i think you'd see most things if you allowed a full day unless, like #4 mentioned, you have a strong interest in WWII. (wander along the Esplanade, check out Aquascene and the WWII oil storage tanks, and the museum and then settle in for a beer).Will your trip to Litchfield/Kakadu include a crocodile cruise? if not then maybe allow time to see either Crocodylus Park or Crocosaurus Cove.
If you miss the markets then maybe a night at the Deckchair Cinema would be something else a little different from home.
