Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(US$111) for adults, half price for kids 3 to 14. A new 130-seater catamaran to
be launched in August 2003 was designed to make the sometimes rough trip
smoother; at press time, we hadn't been able to test it out, so make sure you take
seasickness medication with you just in case. Helicopter transfers can be
arranged for A$274 (US$178) adults and A$137 (US$89) kids, one-way.
WHERE TO STAY ON HERON ISLAND
Heron Island Resort
This lovely, low-key resort has been trans-
formed over the past few years, and changes to the accommodations mix con-
tinue alongside cosmetic changes. The latest are the chic new Wistari Suites,
each with a private garden and veranda. But new accommodations, a revamped
central complex and a stylish, contemporary new look have not changed the
focus on the outdoors. The brilliant colors of the island's surrounding water and
Reef are reflected in the interiors, and everything is light-filled and breezy.
Heron's central complex is equal parts grand Queenslander home and sophisti-
cated beach house, with smart bar and lounge areas open to ocean views and
sunsets. Duplex-style Turtle Rooms are designed for couples or families, both
with en-suite bathrooms, casual living area, and a shady veranda, or you can go
for greater luxury in the suites or the private beach house.
Heron Island, via Gladstone, QLD 4680 (P&O Resorts, G.P.O. Box 5287, Sydney, NSW 2001).
&
1800/737
678
in Australia, 800/225-9849 in the U.S. and Canada, 020 7805 3875 in the U.K., 02/9257 5050 or fax
02/9299 2477 (Sydney reservations office). www.poresorts.com. 109 units (some with shower only). Turtle
Rooms A$460 (US$299) double; Reef Suite A$550 (US$358) double; Heron Beachside Suite A$660 (US$429)
double; Point Suite, Wistari Suite, or private Beach House A$890 (US$579) double. Extra adult A$150 (US$98),
extra children 3-14 A$90 (US$59). Free crib. Rates include all meals and many activities. Ask about special
packages. AE, DC, MC, V. No children allowed in Point suites or Beach House.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar;
outdoor pool; 2 day/night tennis courts; Jacuzzi; massage; limited watersports equipment rental; Heron Kids
Junior Rangers program (7-12 only) in Australian school vacations only; game room; activities desk; baby-
sitting; coin-op laundry; lounge with TV; public phones; Internet access. In room: Ceiling fan, fridge,
coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, no phone (except in the 4 Point Suites and the Beach House).
Kids
BUNDABERG: GATEWAY TO LADY ELLIOT ISLAND
384km (238 miles) N of Brisbane; 1,439km (892 miles) S of Cairns
The small sugar town of Bundaberg is the closest to the southern-most point of
the Great Barrier Reef. If you visit the area between November and March, allow
an evening to visit the Mon Repos turtle rookery. Divers may want to take in
some of Australia's best shore diving right off Bundaberg's beaches.
GETTING THERE & GETTING AROUND
Bundaberg is on the Isis
Highway, about 50km (31 miles) off the Bruce Highway from Gin Gin in the
north and 53km (33 miles) off the Bruce Highway from just north of Childers
in the south.
Sunstate Airlines
(book through Qantas at
&
13 13 13
in Australia) flies
from Brisbane daily and from Gladstone three times a week.
Queensland Rail
(
&
13 22 32
in Queensland, or 07/3235 1122) trains stop
in Bundaberg every day en route between Brisbane and Cairns. The fare is A$59
(US$38) from Brisbane economy class on the Tilt Train; fares range from A$163
(US$106) for a seat to A$316 (US$205) for a first-class berth on
The Sunlan-
der
from Cairns.
McCafferty's
(
&
13 14 99
in Australia) and
Greyhound Pioneer
(
&
13 20
30
in Australia) call here many times a day on their coach runs between Bris-
bane and Cairns. The 7-hour trip from Brisbane costs A$58 (US$38). From
Cairns it is a 22-hour trip, for which the fare is A$155 (US$101).
