Beaches and Reefs (Reverse) - Heaps of Questions

30 Oct 2008 TO_Girl said

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• whitehaven beach

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• 9 Dec 2008 Ed G said

  

  Hi, I did the The beaches and reefs up until Surfers Paradise, so I can answer most of the questions…
  
  1) How bad are the included meals and how easy is it to find something on your own? The last Contiki I did in Europe the meals were awful and I wished I had skipped them.
  There is only two included meals, once in Fraser and once at the whitsundays if you don’t do the sailing. There is really no other alternatives while there. All the other times the tour guide usually gives cheap recommendations for dinner that are all decent, but nothing spectacular. It’s easy to find places on your own, but I found the meals adequate and took the tour guides (nick’s) recommendations.
  
  
  
  2) Is it worth doing the two-day sail in the Whitsundays? If you only do the one-day where do you go? I have been told not to miss Whitehaven Beach.
  Both the two day and one day go to whitehaven beach. If you’ve been sailing before and you like it do the two day. The one day sail lasts for about 10 hours and you get to see and do the same thing as the two day except you don’t spend the nights on the boat. I did the one day and was glad to make the decision. If you think you’ll like sailing go for the two day. I look at boats as a means of transportation and don’t really ‘get’ why people like sailing, but the one day was a lot of fun.
  
  
  
  3) How much time do you get at the wildlife sanctuary in Currumbin? Yes, I am one of those people who really wants their picture with a koala, and I want to see other wildlife as well without feeling rushed.
  I didn’t make it that far.
  
  4) What are the accommodations like? Do the rooms have private bathrooms attached or is it more like dorm style with everyone sharing? Or a mix of both?
  Cairns were 2 sets of bunk beds with a private bathroom. Quite, clean, acceptable
  
  Rockhampton was 2 set of bunk beds with a set of bathrooms a bit of a walk away outside. VERY basic accomodations (cinder block walls, no carpeting, just the beds and a heater/ac. Attached to the rooms was a converted barn/bar where you spend all your time at. It sounds worse than it was, since it’s only a one night stay you arrive by 5, eat dinner, do some touristy things, then drink/party/hang out until you sleep. So wasn’t a big deal.
  
  Whitsundays hotel was basically the same as cairns.
  Fraser island was basic. 2 sets of bunk beds in a room, shared bathrooms between 5 rooms. Not much privacy, not very nice, but it’s supposed to be eco-friendly.
  
  Surfers was huge rooms, one private room with a king bed, 2 twins and a couch.
  
  I arrived 3 days before the tour stated and got a private room even though I paid for quad share. Also had a private room on Whitsundays, and only 3 people in the room the other times. I’m glad I didn’t pay the extra money for a single suppliment. Key’s also aren’t an issue.
  
  
  5) How are the optionals organized? On my last tour there was never more than one at a time and the TM would tell you when and where to meet if you wanted to go. On this tour it looks like you’d have to pick and choose which ones you want to do because for some stops there are so many. I’m not sure how many I’d have time for in each place, for example there is quite a list for Surfers and you’re only there one full day.
  
  A few days before you arrive at a new destination the tour guide passes out a form and you check off what you’d like to do and they fit it into your schedule. We didn’t have any problems with times with fitting everything in. Some optionals were unavailable that we wanted to do though, but the guide tried to offer alternatives in other cities if possible. Also, I mentioned this in previous posts, but bring a lonely planet guide with you, in almost every city they offer better alternatives (optionals) better than contiki suggests that are often times free.
  
  
  6) Would you recommend the half-day tour of Fraser Island or the full day? What does the half-day cover vs. the full day?
  I did the half day, we did about a 30 minute hike through the forest, then to lake mackenzie. More than people did the half day tour at the recommendation of the guide, about 10 people walked to lake mackenzie and walked along the beach back (which seems a much cooler option). If I had to do it overagain I would walk, otherwise do the full day. I would have liked to have seen more of the island.
  
  
  7) What would the weather be like in late March/early April along the east coast (average temperature)?

  Hi, I did the The beaches and reefs up until Surfers Paradise, so I can answer most of the questions...<BR><BR>1) How bad are the included meals and how easy is it to find something on your own? The last Contiki I did in Europe the meals were awful and I wished I had skipped them.<BR>There is only two included meals, once in Fraser and once at the whitsundays if you don't do the sailing. There is really no other alternatives while there. All the other times the tour guide usually gives cheap recommendations for dinner that are all decent, but nothing spectacular. It's easy to find places on your own, but I found the meals adequate and took the tour guides (nick's) recommendations.<BR><BR><BR><BR>2) Is it worth doing the two-day sail in the Whitsundays? If you only do the one-day where do you go? I have been told not to miss Whitehaven Beach.<BR>Both the two day and one day go to whitehaven beach. If you've been sailing before and you like it do the two day. The one day sail lasts for about 10 hours and you get to see and do the same thing as the two day except you don't spend the nights on the boat. I did the one day and was glad to make the decision. If you think you'll like sailing go for the two day. I look at boats as a means of transportation and don't really 'get' why people like sailing, but the one day was a lot of fun.<BR><BR><BR><BR>3) How much time do you get at the wildlife sanctuary in Currumbin? Yes, I am one of those people who really wants their picture with a koala, and I want to see other wildlife as well without feeling rushed.<BR>I didn't make it that far.<BR><BR>4) What are the accommodations like? Do the rooms have private bathrooms attached or is it more like dorm style with everyone sharing? Or a mix of both?<BR>Cairns were 2 sets of bunk beds with a private bathroom. Quite, clean, acceptable<BR><BR>Rockhampton was 2 set of bunk beds with a set of bathrooms a bit of a walk away outside. VERY basic accomodations (cinder block walls, no carpeting, just the beds and a heater/ac. Attached to the rooms was a converted barn/bar where you spend all your time at. It sounds worse than it was, since it's only a one night stay you arrive by 5, eat dinner, do some touristy things, then drink/party/hang out until you sleep. So wasn't a big deal.<BR><BR>Whitsundays hotel was basically the same as cairns.<BR>Fraser island was basic. 2 sets of bunk beds in a room, shared bathrooms between 5 rooms. Not much privacy, not very nice, but it's supposed to be eco-friendly.<BR><BR>Surfers was huge rooms, one private room with a king bed, 2 twins and a couch.<BR><BR>I arrived 3 days before the tour stated and got a private room even though I paid for quad share. Also had a private room on Whitsundays, and only 3 people in the room the other times. I'm glad I didn't pay the extra money for a single suppliment. Key's also aren't an issue.<BR><BR><BR>5) How are the optionals organized? On my last tour there was never more than one at a time and the TM would tell you when and where to meet if you wanted to go. On this tour it looks like you'd have to pick and choose which ones you want to do because for some stops there are so many. I'm not sure how many I'd have time for in each place, for example there is quite a list for Surfers and you're only there one full day.<BR><BR>A few days before you arrive at a new destination the tour guide passes out a form and you check off what you'd like to do and they fit it into your schedule. We didn't have any problems with times with fitting everything in. Some optionals were unavailable that we wanted to do though, but the guide tried to offer alternatives in other cities if possible. Also, I mentioned this in previous posts, but bring a lonely planet guide with you, in almost every city they offer better alternatives (optionals) better than contiki suggests that are often times free.<BR><BR><BR>6) Would you recommend the half-day tour of Fraser Island or the full day? What does the half-day cover vs. the full day?<BR>I did the half day, we did about a 30 minute hike through the forest, then to lake mackenzie. More than people did the half day tour at the recommendation of the guide, about 10 people walked to lake mackenzie and walked along the beach back (which seems a much cooler option). If I had to do it overagain I would walk, otherwise do the full day. I would have liked to have seen more of the island.<BR><BR><BR>7) What would the weather be like in late March/early April along the east coast (average temperature)? or Cancel
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• 11 Dec 2008 brcpar said

  

  1) How bad are the included meals and how easy is it to find something on your own? The last Contiki I did in Europe the meals were awful and I wished I had skipped them.
  
  Meals aren’t bad that are provided and I would definitely recommend doing the extra dinners that are offered. If they still do the Dracula’s dinner, that is a must as it is an awesome place.
  
  2) Is it worth doing the two-day sail in the Whitsundays? If you only do the one-day where do you go? I have been told not to miss Whitehaven Beach.
  I opted out of doing either of these, but those on my tour that did it enjoyed either one. Something else that Contiki doesn’t tell you is that you can actually organize your own day sail from shore before going over onto the island. We had a few people do this and they said they enjoyed it a lot and saved some $$.
  
  3) How much time do you get at the wildlife sanctuary in Currumbin? Yes, I am one of those people who really wants their picture with a koala, and I want to see other wildlife as well without feeling rushed.
  
  We got a couple hours here. The Koala pictures are right at the front and if you want one, you will get one. There is also a kangaroo petting area which is cool and tons of other wildlife.
  
  4) What are the accommodations like? Do the rooms have private bathrooms attached or is it more like dorm style with everyone sharing? Or a mix of both?
  
  This varies from place to place. Some are really awesome, but others are not. You shouldn’t really be in the rooms much anyway to be honest, there are soooo many things to do.
  
  5) How are the optionals organized? On my last tour there was never more than one at a time and the TM would tell you when and where to meet if you wanted to go. On this tour it looks like you’d have to pick and choose which ones you want to do because for some stops there are so many. I’m not sure how many I’d have time for in each place, for example there is quite a list for Surfers and you’re only there one full day.
  
  Everything is organized very well as I was quite impressed.
  
  6) Would you recommend the half-day tour of Fraser Island or the full day? What does the half-day cover vs. the full day?
  
  I did the half-day and had plenty of fun; I believe the full day goes to more of the island. Both go to the lake and it is the best part anyway in my opinion.
  
  7) What would the weather be like in late March/early April along the east coast (average temperature)?
  
  I went in May and it was VERY warm and since April isn’t too much earlier than that so I would expect it to be warm, but maybe a little chilly in the nights down south around Sydney.
  
  I hope this helps.

  1) How bad are the included meals and how easy is it to find something on your own? The last Contiki I did in Europe the meals were awful and I wished I had skipped them.<BR><BR>Meals aren't bad that are provided and I would definitely recommend doing the extra dinners that are offered. If they still do the Dracula's dinner, that is a must as it is an awesome place.<BR><BR>2) Is it worth doing the two-day sail in the Whitsundays? If you only do the one-day where do you go? I have been told not to miss Whitehaven Beach.<BR>I opted out of doing either of these, but those on my tour that did it enjoyed either one. Something else that Contiki doesn't tell you is that you can actually organize your own day sail from shore before going over onto the island. We had a few people do this and they said they enjoyed it a lot and saved some $$.<BR><BR>3) How much time do you get at the wildlife sanctuary in Currumbin? Yes, I am one of those people who really wants their picture with a koala, and I want to see other wildlife as well without feeling rushed.<BR><BR>We got a couple hours here. The Koala pictures are right at the front and if you want one, you will get one. There is also a kangaroo petting area which is cool and tons of other wildlife.<BR><BR>4) What are the accommodations like? Do the rooms have private bathrooms attached or is it more like dorm style with everyone sharing? Or a mix of both?<BR><BR>This varies from place to place. Some are really awesome, but others are not. You shouldn't really be in the rooms much anyway to be honest, there are soooo many things to do.<BR><BR>5) How are the optionals organized? On my last tour there was never more than one at a time and the TM would tell you when and where to meet if you wanted to go. On this tour it looks like you'd have to pick and choose which ones you want to do because for some stops there are so many. I'm not sure how many I'd have time for in each place, for example there is quite a list for Surfers and you're only there one full day. <BR><BR>Everything is organized very well as I was quite impressed.<BR><BR>6) Would you recommend the half-day tour of Fraser Island or the full day? What does the half-day cover vs. the full day?<BR><BR>I did the half-day and had plenty of fun; I believe the full day goes to more of the island. Both go to the lake and it is the best part anyway in my opinion.<BR><BR>7) What would the weather be like in late March/early April along the east coast (average temperature)? <BR><BR>I went in May and it was VERY warm and since April isn't too much earlier than that so I would expect it to be warm, but maybe a little chilly in the nights down south around Sydney.<BR><BR>I hope this helps. or Cancel
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• 9 Jan 2009 Kristina said

  

  Ed G, how long does it take to walk to Lake MacKenzie? If you did walk, how much time would you be able to spend there in order to get back for dinner?

  Ed G, how long does it take to walk to Lake MacKenzie? If you did walk, how much time would you be able to spend there in order to get back for dinner? or Cancel
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• 9 Jan 2009 Ed G said

  

  I think it’s about a 5 hour round trip walk. It’s a bit faster walking back along the beech because the sand is compacted. The reception should be able to help you out, but it’s a fairly straightforward walk.

  I think it's about a 5 hour round trip walk. It's a bit faster walking back along the beech because the sand is compacted. The reception should be able to help you out, but it's a fairly straightforward walk. or Cancel
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• 28 Feb 2009 C8LYN said

  

  3) How much time do you get at the wildlife sanctuary in Currumbin? Yes, I am one of those people who really wants their picture with a koala, and I want to see other wildlife as well without feeling rushed.
  
  I’ve been to Currumbin before. If you’re going to be there for the lorikeet feeding, I’d suggest taking a long sleeved shirt. From my experience with lorikeets, and pet birds, they have rather scratchy claws and you will have a lot of them landing on you and running up and down your arms (and on your head). I had a ton of small scratches all over my arms afterwards. It didn’t bother me because I’m use to it from my own birds, but there’s a heads-up.
  
  6) Would you recommend the half-day tour of Fraser Island or the full day? What does the half-day cover vs. the full day?
  
  My family has been visiting Fraser Island since I was a baby.
  We just got home from Fraser about 2 weeks ago after camping for 8 days.
  I’m not entirely sure what the tours would involve if you did the whole day. I’m sure they would take you up to Indian head because I’ve seen the buses there plenty of times. Dunno how much further they go..
  You don’t wanna miss Lake Mackenzie. It’s beautiful.
  I would highly suggest some good insect repellant. There’s a lot of march flies there at the moment because of all the rain.
  
  7) What would the weather be like in late March/early April along the east coast (average temperature)?
  
  As long as you don’t head too far south, the weather should be beautiful. My Grandma lives on the Gold Coast and she doesn’t own any long sleeve shirts. It’s even pretty nice in the middle of winter.
  
  If you have any questions about Fraser, send me an e-mail. Pondy_88@hotmail.com

  3) How much time do you get at the wildlife sanctuary in Currumbin? Yes, I am one of those people who really wants their picture with a koala, and I want to see other wildlife as well without feeling rushed.<BR><BR>I've been to Currumbin before. If you're going to be there for the lorikeet feeding, I'd suggest taking a long sleeved shirt. From my experience with lorikeets, and pet birds, they have rather scratchy claws and you will have a lot of them landing on you and running up and down your arms (and on your head). I had a ton of small scratches all over my arms afterwards. It didn't bother me because I'm use to it from my own birds, but there's a heads-up.<BR><BR>6) Would you recommend the half-day tour of Fraser Island or the full day? What does the half-day cover vs. the full day?<BR><BR>My family has been visiting Fraser Island since I was a baby.<BR>We just got home from Fraser about 2 weeks ago after camping for 8 days.<BR>I'm not entirely sure what the tours would involve if you did the whole day. I'm sure they would take you up to Indian head because I've seen the buses there plenty of times. Dunno how much further they go..<BR>You don't wanna miss Lake Mackenzie. It's beautiful. <BR>I would highly suggest some good insect repellant. There's a lot of march flies there at the moment because of all the rain.<BR><BR>7) What would the weather be like in late March/early April along the east coast (average temperature)? <BR><BR>As long as you don't head too far south, the weather should be beautiful. My Grandma lives on the Gold Coast and she doesn't own any long sleeve shirts. It's even pretty nice in the middle of winter.<BR><BR>If you have any questions about Fraser, send me an e-mail. Pondy_88@hotmail.com or Cancel
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• 11 Jun 2009 patchie89 said

  

  Hi i am from aust so i haven’t done the tour, but i can answer a couple of questions.
  finding food in australia is easy. there will always be somewhere to eat and a range of choice and prices.
  
  the whitsundays are beautiful.
  
  even if accommodation is shared, it is likely it will be decent, eg. not dirty
  
  the weather in march april should be a good temperature. however i find QLD rather windy at this time of the year and always chances of rain storms. bring some sort of rain jacket

  Hi i am from aust so i haven't done the tour, but i can answer a couple of questions.<BR>finding food in australia is easy. there will always be somewhere to eat and a range of choice and prices.<BR><BR>the whitsundays are beautiful.<BR><BR>even if accommodation is shared, it is likely it will be decent, eg. not dirty<BR><BR>the weather in march april should be a good temperature. however i find QLD rather windy at this time of the year and always chances of rain storms. bring some sort of rain jacket or Cancel
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• 6 Jul 2009 Explorer1084121 said

  

  surely the food is not that bad.
  
  I had worse on my Christmas Cruise abroad the Pacific Sun N844 last year

  surely the food is not that bad.<BR><BR>I had worse on my Christmas Cruise abroad the Pacific Sun N844 last year or Cancel
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