emetro

Hello,
I would like to take my two teenage boys to Australia this summer (US summer) and need some advice on fun and exciting things to do and see. We are just in the beginning stages of planning and two ideas we are tossing around are the Great Barrier Reef and the outback.
We are planning on being in Australia for 14 days.
Any suggestions would be wonderful!

ivenotbeeneverywhere

You can do both just by going to Cairns and surrounds. Google Cairns things to do and see and then google Atherton Tablelands, Savanna Train North Queensland. A great trip is on a boat from Cairns to the tip of the Cape at Bamaga, an Aboriginal town, then returning by 4 wheel drive or flying. However I do not know the details of this anymore but locals maybe able to help you out.

ivenotbeeneverywhere

This is obviously an old website but gives you some idea:

http://www.captaincook.com.au/home.a...88240BB400C0A8

Saltuarius

Good advice given above but are the boys into adventure sports like white water rafting, outdoor activities like snorkeling, horse riding and hiking or nature viewing? Cairns and surrounds are still a great place for them.

emetro

Thanks for the great jumping off points. The boys are definitely into adventure activities. Our last trip was to Coast Rica - zip lines, waterfall repelling,hot springs, etc.

RalphR

We took our boys to Australia many times as they grew up over the years - visiting my wife's family and taking them on trips to various places in the country. I'm sure they would agree that our trips to Heron Island on the Barrier Reef, as well as the RV trips we did in the Top End (Kakadu, Litchfield, etc.), and the Red Center (Uluru, Olgas, Kings Canyon, West MacDonnell Ranges) were their favorites.

longhorn55

When we lived in Australia (and during subsequent visits), we always headed north for the winter (U.S. summer). You've already mentioned going to the GBR which is a good choice. I would agree with RalphR that the Top End (Darwin, Kakadu, Litchfield, Katherine) is another good choice for that time of year. My teenage son loved swimming at the natural springs at Litchfield, Edith Falls NP (outside of Katherine) and Berry Springs Park (outside of Darwin). He also enjoyed hiking at Edith Falls, canoeing at Katherine Gorge NP and spotlighting crocs on the Crocodile Night Adventure in Katherine. Lots to see and do in the Top End and the weather is great in the winter!