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Best Resorts in Australia

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    We're considering Australia for next fall. It will be springtime down under. Anyone have any suggestions for top resorts there? We'd like something inland and another option on the Great Barrier Reef if possible. Firsthand experiences would be helpful. Thank you.

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    There are so many to choose from. Qualia has just opened on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef, and it looks fantastic.

    Thanks from: shawfly
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    I would recommend Lilianfels (http://www.lilianfels.com.au)in the Blue Mountains. Fab hotel with great service, about an hour from Sydney.

    Thanks from: shawfly, theNavigator
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    For the Barrier Reef, Bedarra is the best bet. Hayman is nice but not exactly 5 star. Lizard is too far north and hot. I also agree with Lilianfels - great location and great service.

    Thanks from: shawfly
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    It's been a long time since we've been there (December, 1987 - January, 1988), but we had a simply wonderful vacation on Heron Island, which is located right in the midst of the Great Barrier Reef. The Snorkeling was breathtaking and the beauty of the island was beyond belief. There was a research facility on one side of the island and a resort on the other side. (Speaking of research, it would be a good idea to thoroughly research what the situation is at Heron Island TODAY, as it may have changed a great deal over the past 20 years!)

    Thanks from: shawfly
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    We enjoyed the Orpheus Island Resort in December, 2006. The bungalows were luxurious, the restaurant food and service extraordinary (5-course gourmet dinners is the norm) and catered to our likes/dislikes, the grounds beautiful. We enjoyed snorkeling, scuba diving, and short hikes, but would go again just for the ambiance. The resort doesn't welcome youngsters under the age of 16, so this isn't a target for families. Color us selfish, but we enjoyed the adult company when we were there, ranging from young honeymooners to middle-aged couples like ourselves during our stay.

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    October is the best month for Australia. We had a wonderful multi-leg trip Down Under.

    We started with Brisbane. The highlight of Brisbane was Lone Pine Sanctuary, one of the few places left where you can actually still (legally) pet koalas and crocodiles, and hang out with domesticated kangaroos.

    The ancient Daintree rainforests of the northeast was next - we stayed at the Silky Oaks Lodge & Eco-resort (in Mossman). The nature walks by local Naturalist David Armbrust is a "must-do" while there.

    What followed was the highlight of our trip - Lizard Island. Located well off the coast (I believe it to be accessible only via turboprop from Cairns), Lizard Island enjoys its enviable location of actually being ON the outer Barrier Reef (this is where the most sealife is located). The resort is the only thing on this 6-star island. Ridiculously good food, clean beaches and reefs, interesting mangrove swamps, and meticulous service. I only wish we'd stayed longer.

    Next, we went inland to Uluru (AKA Ayers Rock). We stayed at Sails in the Desert. There are plenty of nature walks (bookings all available at the resort), many guided by local aborigines. The "must-do's" include the "Camels to Sunrise" tour, and the "Sounds of Silence" dinner.

    Sydney was next. We stayed at The Establishment, a wonderful urban boutique hotel. Take a Harbour Cruise (don't pay the outrageous prices for the "tourist" cruises) - simply take a commuter's cruise to Manly - it costs a fraction of the price, and you get to see all the same famous sites (Opera House, Manly Beach, etc.). Eat at Icebergs, by Bondi Beach.

    All in all, Australia is a wonderful country, with friendly people. Enjoy your trip!

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