Nearest Place in QLD to visit Great Barrier Reef?

[lovecolt]

For those that lives in QLD or been to Great Barrier Reef from Brissy, where's the nearest town i can drive to, and do a Great Barrier Reef tour without having to take a flight to one of the islands along the north east coast?

[GucciPiggy]

I think Townsville would be your best bet to see the reef.

[lovecolt]

Had abit of research. Initially, was thinking of Lady Elliot Island, but its abit expensive as you need to take a flight (although it looks awesome). Then i found Fitzroy Lagoon at 1770 town (weird town name)....might check it out tommorrow in detail.

[AK47]

Been to townsville and cairn yrs back. Damn shoud have took the Great Barrier reef tour.... can you believe it, i choose not to. :o

[Raymond6]

I would recomend that you drive up to Proserpine there are some very nice hotels there or camping grounds from that point you can take day tours to the islands at a fairly resonable price most tours include a lunch.