Queensland - snorkeling

We visited Cairns which I recommend, not sure snorkeling is good unless you go to the Great Barrier Reef that likely would require taking a boat.

Brisbane is OK, but not my favorite place in Australia.

Also, I understand that snorkeling or scuba diving in northern Australia at some time of the year, I think Summer, the ocean is filled with small jellyfish type creatures that are actually deadly. Just be sure about that.

Please make sure that the dive/snorkeling business is reputable: ask if they stay during your snorkeling or if they go back to pick up more snorkelers. We had that happen on a dive trip many years ago. What could happen?! We went with a different operation after that and after asking that most important question.

A general comment: I strongly suggest that you try snorkeling in the controlled environment of a local swimming pool in order to become familiar with the gear and comfortable with the procedures before venturing out into the rougher water of the ocean. There is a learning curve to be negotiated before you'll feel comfortable enough in the water to enjoy the experience - log a few hours in the pool before venturing into conditions that might otherwise be problematic for you.
Queensland wouldn't be my choice for a novice snorkeler, especially if you dread the long boat ride to get out to the reef. There are better options for a newbie.
If you plan to be in Perth or Fremantle, I'd suggest booking a local snorkeling tour out to Rottnest Island. It's barely a 30 minute ferry ride to get there, and the calm, sheltered waters might be just what you're looking for with lots of sea life close to shore.
The island is a nice place in its own right - you can overnight on the island, rent bikes and see the sights ... including the little quokkas that inhabit the place.

Hi Kerri, where in Queensland will you be staying? There are many options for snorkelling trips from Cairns. Fitzroy Island is a 45 minute ferry ride from Cairns, snorkelling equipment is available for hire and you can snorkel from the beach. We always follow local advice regarding stingers and other hazards in the ocean anywhere in Australia.

As noted, Cairns is the base for snorkeling. I’ve done a couple trips with different companies. The companies are used to dealing with those new to the sport. They give instruction while on the boat and there is monitoring. They didn’t really like that I asked about duck diving as an experienced snorkeler. they prefer people to stay on top of the water, but didn’t stop me from doing more. They will wave back those who get a bit far from the boat. They have wet suits appropriate for avoiding jelly stings and people are required to use them during the jelly season.

They actually accommodate non-swimmers. On one of my trips, there were several who held a floating ring and were gently pulled around.

There are a number of companies - I was there in 2019 and don’t know who survived Covid disruptions.

@Kerri

https://greenisland.com.au/

A popular tour event.

Regards Ron

Lady Elliot Island - you can fly there and snorkel from the beach. We did it many years ago and it was magical. The resort there still seems to get good reviews (it’s a low key camping/cabin comfortable accommodation, definitely not luxury).

Thank you for all the helpful advice! I think I will try out the pool before our trip. I'm still trying to figure out where to go in the state but I like the sound of Fitzroy and Lady Elliot Islands. The biggest part of our trip will be spent in Perth, and Rottnest Island is a must. That sounds like an excellent option.

Has anyone snorkeled from the Frankland Islands?

We haven't, but after checking out the website for This Tour I have to say that it looks pretty nice - short boat ride, calm, shallow waters, and experienced guides. Looks like it would be an excellent entry-level experience for a novice snorkeler.
I'd only reiterate my previous advice to gain a bit of experience and achieve a level of comfort in the water beforehand so you can spend your time enjoying the environment as opposed to hyperventilating with nervousness over the unfamiliarity of everything.
I would caution you, however, that once you've passed the learning curve and gained a level of experience it can become addictive - ie you'll never want to get out of the water.

I'm a bit afraid of the water as well, but after many "easy" snorkeling excursions in the Caribbean, and owning an inflatable snorkel-vest, I don't worry so much anymore. You don't write "... Great Barrier Reef", but I'll note some comments from our guidebook, and my experience:

If you tend to get seasick, and especially if you only can allocate one day to this full-day excursion, you should book the biggest, most professional Barrier Reef outing you can find. Don't fuss about "living local" or any of that. You want the most stable, fastest boat, with the best guest support available. When our huge steel catamaran (100 guests ???, bowl of motion pills on the bar ...) got to the reef, we found a floating aluminum barge with permanent aluminum picnic tables for our catered lunch. The side of the barge had a few steps down to a long walkway where you were waist deep, walking on aluminum planks. Beside you was a bench, where you sat down (now almost chest deep) to put on your fins, and pushed off directly to your snorkel (paired, independent outing ... ) without any struggles. When you came back, you got to sit on the same bench and take off your fins.

They hosed down the tables just before we left. I didn't book to feel like Jacques Cousteau, and got just what I needed for a nice outing.

Edit: I should have said that the snorkeling was spectacular. It was a calm, sunny day, with great visibility and no current to deal with. I think the boat came with a semi-submersible for non-snorkelers, extra cost, did not try it.