Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

THE CAPRICORN COAST & THE SOUTHERN REEF ISLANDS 331
for A$100 (US$65) including all equipment. Five-day open water and 4-day
shore courses are A$580 (US$377) and A$169 (US$110), respectively. A 3-day/
3-night southern Great Barrier Reef dive cruise costs A$495 (US$322), plus
A$65 (US$42) for all equipment rental. Night dives are free but you pay A$10
(US$6.50) for chemical sticks and light.
WHERE TO STAY
Acacia Motor Inn This tidy motel is a short stroll from the town center. It
recently has undergone a complete refit inside and out, with new furniture, carpets,
and TVs, as well as a repaint and the addition of shade sails around the pool
area. The rooms are clean and well-kept, extra-large family rooms at a decent
price. Local restaurants provide room service, and many are within walking distance.
The five family units have kitchenettes.
248 Bourbong St., Bundaberg, QLD 4670. & 1800/351 735 in Australia, or 07/4152 3411. Fax 07/4152
2387. acabund@fc-hotels.com.au. 26 units (all with shower only). A$72 (US$47) double. Extra adult A$11
(US$7.15) adults, extra children under 12 A$6 (US$3.90). A$5 (US$3.25) crib. AE, DC, MC, V. Undercover parking.
Amenities: Outdoor saltwater pool; nearby golf course; access to nearby health club; bike rental; tour
desk; room service (6:30am–9pm); in-room massage; coin-op laundry; same-day dry cleaning; nonsmoking
rooms. In room: A/C, TV/VCR w/pay movies, dataport, stocked minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
LADY ELLIOT ISLAND
80km (48 miles) NE of Bundaberg
The southernmost Great Barrier Reef island, Lady Elliot is a 42-hectare (105-
acre) coral cay ringed by a wide shallow lagoon filled with dazzling coral life.
Reef walking, snorkeling, and diving are why people come to this coral cay
that’s so small you can walk across it in 15 minutes. You may snorkel and reefwalk
during the 2 to 3 hours before and after high tide, so plan your schedule
accordingly. You will see dazzling corals and brilliantly colored fish, clams,
sponges, urchins, and anemones. Divers will see a range of marine life, including
green and loggerhead turtles (which nest on the beach Nov–Mar). Whales
pass by from June to September.
Lady Elliot is a sparse, grassy island rookery, not a lush tropical paradise, so
don’t expect white sand and palm trees. Some people will find it too spartan;
others will relish chilling out in a beautiful, peaceful location with reef all
around. Just be prepared for the smell and constant noise of those birds.
GETTING THERE You reach the island by a 30-minute flight from Bundaberg
or Hervey Bay. Book your air travel along with your accommodation.
Round-trip fares are A$175 (US$114) for adults and A$88 (US$57) for children
ages 3 to 12. There is a 10-kilogram (22-lb.) luggage limit. Seair Pacific
(& 07/5599 4509; www.seairpacific.com.au) operates day tours from Brisbane
and the Gold Coast, which include flights, snorkel gear, glass-bottom boat ride,
lunch, and guided activities.
Moments The Birds of Lady Elliot
When you land on the grass airstrip at Lady Elliot Island, you’ll think
you’re on the set of Hitchcock’s The Birds. The air is thick with tens of
thousands of swirling noddy terns and bridal terns that nest in every
available branch. They leave their mark on every surface, including you (so
bring a big cheap hat for protection).