Cairns - Great Barrier Reef in April

Moved to travel

I can recommend Port Douglas, we were there for a family holiday two Easters ago, with children aged 5 and 2 at the time. There was plenty for us to do, such as the Rainforest Habitat (where our children could see loads of animals, many of which roamed freely, including the wallabies and kangaroos which they could feed) and cruises to the reef. I agree with 190k about the chopper flight over the reef, we did it with a company called Quicksilver - you take a boat from Port Douglas to the outer reef, swim/snorkel at the reef (or take children in 'submarine'), after which you can fly home, over both the reef and rainforest. The spectacular views make this money very well spent.


From Port Douglas, we drove about 45 minutes towards Cairns to the Skyrail, a great (if slightly sanitised) way for a family to experience the rainforest.


If you do find yourself in Port Douglas, try the On the Inlet restaurant. It is a bit hidden away, but has good food and lovely views when the sun goes down.


Only negative at this time of year - 4-mile beach looks beautiful, but you can't use it, due to sandflies and stingers. We stayed at the Rydges Reef Resort - I would recommend spending a bit more money for something of better quality.