[PaulineN]

We usually go away for 1 week from 28 Dec each year as this is when DH has time off work. We always go up the sunshine coast so want something different this year. We liked the idea of a cruise, but unfortunately there are no 7 days cruises for that week

So we got to thinking we've never been the the great barrier reef. I started looking on the net but it seems a few places I've looked at need major renovations and seem like they were decorated in the 80's.

Can anyone suggest best places to stay? Daydream Island resort didn't look that good. I looked at Hamilton island resort the palm bungalows looked fairly good. Plus hamilton island seemed to have more pools than Daydream? Correct me if I'm wrong.

I then looked at the Sheraton Port Douglas as they have a kids club too. Loved the look of the resort - has 5 acres of pool area! But what can we do from there? Is it near to go snorkeling on the reef etc?

Anyone who has holidayed up this way, please give me some rcommendations.

Thanks

[BubbleBird]

If you are worried about 80s decor then DON'T go to the Sheraton port Douglas!!! It was 80s central when I was there (just looking around) two tears ago.

[mards]

just keep in mind the weather in DEC in the whitsundays HOT/HUMID.. just a thought for you.

I would go HAMO over DAYDREAM - so much more to do!!

Yes Sheraton Hasn't changed - i just re read all the latest TRIP ADVISOR reports on it - and everyone says the rooms are not great...

This post has been edited by mards: 24/02/2013, 04:02 PM

[Delillah1]

I would choose Hamilton Island over Daydream. We've been to both and Hamilton has much more to do and much better food. We stayed at the hotel. Very nice!

[PaulineN]

Thanks for the feedback. We really are unsure where to go. We just don't want to go Byron Bay way or Sunshine Coast way. Plus we live on the Gold Coast. Its so hard as we are limited to that one week each year.

any other destination suggestions without breaking the budget?

[Bek+3]

We did Daydream a few years ago. I wouldn't go back. It's not target at families at all. Also, it rained pretty much the entire time we were there and they didn't go above and beyond and put on a single activity suitable for the weather. We thought they would have put on bingo, or trivia, indoor movie or something but NOTHING... so we spent much of our time in the room.

[adl]

I have been to both and wouldnt bother, islands are expensive and Daydream needs an update, Hilton had such expensive day trips pizzas started at $30!!! For that money we go to Hayman

Look at Cairns and Palm cove for great accomodation and trips to the reef, my sister took her kids last uear and they had a ball, they did the daintree, saw crocodiles , cable car, cane train up to Kuranda so much to do ....went snorkelling and had a great pool in the complex....

[Bacongirl]

We've been to Hamilton a couple times. The first time we stayed at the Reef View (before the last renovation) and the second time we rented a private apartment.

The apartment was by far the cheaper and best option. We had a cart included in our rate, two bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and a pool in the complex. Plus access to all the resort pools.

Food on Hamo in the restaurants is expensive,, so we ordered Coles online to be delivered on our second day and made breaky, snacks and lunch in the apartment, then only ate out at night.

We stayed in this block on the ground floor, so the kids could walk straight out onto a huge expanse of lawn and kick a footy or run around. Guy met us at the airport to transport us with luggage and drove us back on the last day.

http://www.stayz.com.au/51795?&numNigh...=3&rating=0


Most day trips to the reef are full days out, so if you have toddlers it may be too much. Even our 7yo was restless and a bit bored by the end as he isn't a great swimmer.

[PaulineN]

Think I will look at other destinations than the whittsundays. Suggestions appreciated.

[Bacongirl]

Does it have to be a beach or pool holiday? What about Sydney? Some lovely beaches here (though not as nice as some in QLD)

Lots for kids to see. Aquariium, zoo, Powerhouse museum, wildlife parks, Olympic park etc.