A family experience of Sydney to Great Barrier Reef We rated this trip based on the activities and the places we stayed, which were very good. However, after leaving Sydney where everything was wonderful, things went downhill. The problems were based around the misinformation given to providers of the shuttle services and using the cheapest form of transfer. This resulted in being taken to the wrong hotel, and time (hours) wasted when we should have been settled and enjoying our holiday together as a family. Rather than sitting back and relaxing we found the whole experience extremely disappointing and stressful. The rail journey was terrible, 2hrs 40 mins late then it broke down. Not your fault but according to locals this service is unreliable always late and prone to breakdowns. The seats were uncomfortable, carriage was stuffy, no interesting scenery, inability to call or use the internet, absolutely nothing special about this train. Again, a total waste of 14 hours on that day. Our only complaint about the accommodation is the Mantra where we went without hot water to our 3 rooms, not good after a day on the beach, and while our accommodation at Airlie Beach was good, we were more than 2 kilometers away from shops etc., and without a transport service. Luckily, I found the Whitsundays tours had a shuttle; it would make sense to include it. To void any more stressful situations we finally hired a car in Cairns for the rest of our trip. Using a more efficient shuttle service and the suggestions I have written in your 'Review Company' section would make the tour better and the costs would not be that much different as I have already checked it out..
It was our honeymoon trip! One in a lifetime adventure! Absolutely perfect! We upgraded to 5 star hotels and business class flights. Sailing to whiteheaven was so beautiful, never saw such a beautiful beach!
I just finished my amazing 28 day Australia East Coast trip. This trip provides you with a lot of great highlights, if you have an open mind about activities. You can experience and collect a lot of moments as i did and you will never forget this. I promise. Only a few highlights of this trip: -the breathtaking landscapes you can see at the Costal walks in Sydney or in Noosa. -the beach in Byron Bay. Less people and a good place to relaxe and recharging yourself after the first days of traveling. -explore K gari (Fraser Island) in 4x4-vehicles. Bumby and sandy roads,swiming in Lake McKenzie and Elli Creek. We saw a lot of wild dingos and I have never seen such an incredible spangled sky. -Start the 3-days-Whitsunday sailing trip during rain with the development to an storm. But with an incredible crew and the funniest tour leader i have ever met,Paula, we managed this and after the storm comes the calm. Nevertheless,thanks Paula for being the tower of strength in this moment! -Skydiving in Mission Beach -And last but not least the experience of scuba diving for the first time. I mean, is there any better place like the famous Great Barrier Reef for a first time experience? The answer for me is "No" A huge "Thank you" to Paula Kallinen for all the funny moments during the last 18 days. And also for all of the incredible conversations we had during this time. It was great to see and to hear, that you really love your job and shared this with us. You're the best And also thanks to Jay and Molly for the first 10 days. It was a pleasure to meet you guys.
Cameron KangarooTravel Expert in Australia
Kevin MattaboniTravel Expert in Australia
Steve ArnerichTravel Expert in Australia
