snorkel near brisbane...islands or day trips to see southern GBR

[rachdoak]

I’ve researched I promise! But need help. 2 weeks in Brisbane area. I want shore snorkeling north or south of Brisbane in July as opposed to only taking day trip boats out. Islands are the only way. I want to see pretty corals since we might not have time to go north on the GBR. Would love to stay 1-2 nights and have lots of time to snorkel although tides limit the times like ive read about Heron Island. LEI is expensive, cant camp for Musgrave bc will have no gear, Keppel seems to be the cheapest, but one hour walk to get to good snorkeling. Heron seemed good but trying to decide if it’s still too expensive if we cant time the tides right and dont get to snorkel much(im open water certified but new to understanding tides) .I read the channel is also closed most of the (short winter)day for boats. I love the idea of snorkeling whenever we want, but maybe better to just do day trips with a company to the reefs or take the ferry to N Stradboke(but coral maybe not as nice)? Id spend the money for an island if it’s worth it. Other cheaper options other than heron and keppel?