Oz - barrier reef

[JasonP]

Or consider a bit further south, Airlie Beach ? or the Whitsunday Islands. These are the only places that I've done but I've heard of some luxury resorts on some of the islands. Check out the web or ask about on DiveOz.

Don't think there are any decent boats out of Airlie. There used to be a few catering for backpackers, but they all seem to have disappeared now.

Even further south, there's Venus II out of Bundaberg. They do trips around the Bunker group. Not been with them myself. It got cancelled.

Jason

[stewy41]

would recomend emirates out of manchester i think they go into cairns, 3x8 hour flights, stop in dubai change planes, refuel in singapore then your final leg we went to brisbane last year this way very good if you cant face a 13 hour plane trip

[JohnK]

WOW !! - thanks all for the advice and information!! Looks like I will check out the places suggested. The emirates flights look good too - break up the trip nicely with a couple of stopovers. Im really looking forward to the diving but have to bear in mind that if the boss is happy (right hotel/beach/sun loungers etc etc) then I can abuse the privelidge !!

Many thanks again to all

Kirky

[Achie Boy]

I dived Yongala last month & it's outstanding, but you might want to bear in mind your time frame - early in the year Jan - March is not great - Yongala went down in a force 5 cyclone in March 1911 - which will tell you something about the conditions at that time of year - the boat from Alva, let alone T/Ville, can't get out every day because of the conditions, & I would strongly recommend you did this from Alva Beach with Yongala Dive as it's only 35 minutes to the wreck from there - 3 hours plus from T/Ville, everyone was over the side chundering when they finally showed up - & there's not much in the way of accommodation at Alva unless you are trailer park or backpacking - lovely beach - but no facilities on it.

I think you need to work out a percentage option bearing in mind your time frame & the chances of the conditions making the Yongala a gamble, & if you are in Cairns I'd be inclined to look at Cod Hole - which I haven't done, but looks freaky & fun, & at least you'd have something for the family in Cairns - I haven't been to Magnetic Is but heard good reports.

HTH