I think I would try and rearrange your travel to be in Sydney for New Years Eve but if you have arranged flights etc then you won't have the flexability.
Just coming to Australia and going to Sydney and Melbourne would be a " why bother" question as all you are seeing are two multicultural cities and absolutely nothing of the country at all. That is not what Australia is about and being on your own does not mean that you cannot partake of the things Australia has to offer either.
I will leave others to comment on your itinerary but leave you with these thoughts. Sydney is certainly worth a visit as its a wonderful city - the other cities in Australia are not worth making a trip to Australia just to see!

For someone travelling solo, I think your itinerary looks pretty good. You will find that the Australian cities are terrific. Sydney is definitely the most scenic, but Melbourne with its lane ways, shops, buildings, cafes etc. is very European and a good contrast. They are both "worth seeing". Use them as your base and go on day trips to explore a bit further. From Sydney a day trip to the Blue Mountains is a must and from Melbourne a day trip to Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade or a day trip to the Yarra Valley and the Healsville Sanctuary ( kangaroos, koalas, platypus) are definitely worth considering. Boxing Day 26th. is a big day in Melbourne as all the shops are open with their major Sales. Christmas Day may be quiet so do a bit of research on that one. If it is hot you can always take the tram to St. Kilda beach.

Hi Mnss,

Good on ya for going solo!

I have to agree with LizzyF (stop the presses! this doesn't occur every day!) As you're going to be flying into Sydney (an amazing city with tons of things to do), I'd reconsider Melbourne, which, a nice city in itself, it's not WHY people travel to Australia - to spend time in cities.

I'd add that time some place else. Where? Well, I notice you don't have anything listed for the Great Barrier Reef - seems a shame to travel all that way and not visit one of the most amazing places in the world; but perhaps that's just a personal preference?

If not adding time there, I'd opt for Queenstown, where again, there's a multitude of things to explore.

Wellington on New Years? Well, Sydney's the obvious choice, but things may be booked up already and many hotels have a minimum stay requirement as well. To maximize your time and see more of New Zealand, I'd suggest flying from the North Island to the South and scrapping Wellington.

Brisbane is a great city, but again, the "city thing" - not worth flying there "just" for the Australia Zoo; you can find plenty of wildlife without making a stop there.

As far as feeling "lonely" and wanting to stay in big cities, you can sometimes feel isolated even in a big city...I don't know what your travel style is, or the type of accommodations you like, but I think staying at smaller properties would give you a chance of meeting other people.

Also, you really need to get cracking on this due to the holiday season. I can't really tell if you have your airfare locked in already; no matter. I can tell you this is a very very busy time. I've just spent weeks (literally) with a client over the same time period - I actually contacted TWENTY different properties in Bicheno/Coles Bay/Freycinet, Tasmania trying to find 2 nights hotel/motel/cabin accommodation for Dec. 27th & 28th! I had fears they'd be spending their 2 days sleeping in their car, but finally found something!

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie & Kiwi Specialist

Being in the Accommodation Industry I am surprised that Melodie had that much trouble in getting her clients something and that is perhaps because she is in the US and not in Australia and can only contact those people who are listed with Travel Agents.
If you do your own booking then do so from one of the local websites in the area that you are going to. The other aspect that I am surprised about is that there are 20 different properties with accommodation in the area mentioned.
Elizabeth
Born and bred in Australia with local knowledge Specialist

Thanks very much everyone!

Well, DownUnder and I seem to be rather like-minded! those day trip suggestions are awesome.

Obviously I'm not traveling all the way to Australia ONLY to see the cities, though the cities I'll visiting rank very high among world cities with the highest quality of life along side some European cities, BTW.

Having said that, I'll definitely be spending a lot of time exploring areas outside of major "metropolitan territories."

As for spending new year's eve in Sydney, well, it obviously crossed my mind. But then I thought Sydney would certainly be extremely crowded during that time. Not only that, but hotel rates will also be through the roof.

If the rate was 250 AUD for a single room on Dec 28 and I booked my room through new year's eve, the rate would go up to 600 AUD per night for every single night, including the night of which the rate was much lower had new year's eve not been included in the reservation!

Also, I thought it was just so cliche wanting to spend new year's eve by the Sydney harbor watching the fireworks. I live rather close to New York and until this day I've never been there on new year's eve just to spend hours and hours standing on my feet in times square waiting for the new year to start!

Again, I very much appreciate all the help.

Mnss, I think that watching New Years celebrations in Sydney and watching them in NY are 2 different things but I take your point about the cost of hotels in the city at that time. Not that all hotels in the city are that expensive as you can be within a few minutes trip to the centre in a hotel and still pay a reasonable amount ( this is probably a little tip from someone who lives in Australia and is not a travel agent in the US - and I am not certified either - the latter has a slightly different meaning though in comparison to what Melodie means). You will have to tell us your likes and dislikes so that perhaps we can suggest something that will be of interest to you.

Hi mnss,

Of course there is absolutely no point trying to change your itinerary now to fit in NYE in Sydney!!

It is a great show, but if you don't want to pay idiot prices then you must book months in advance.

So be there in Wellington instead. Why not?

I have my fingers crossed that you get a good day for your sailing across the Cook Strait from Picton because if you do it is a wonderful journey. Up there with the best.

I think your itinerary is pretty good. I wouldn't have divided my days quite like that 4/4/2 for Sydney/ Melbourne/ Queenstown, but you have, and that'll be fine.

Day trips - things to see:

There's enough to do in SYD but if you have a spare day go to the Blue Mts.
Tips for SYD would be to take the ferry to Cremorne Point, walk around to Mossman and return to CQ from there. Time your return for dusk - spectacular. Also if you are interested in history and like a good view - go visit the SE pylon of the bridge.

Melbourne? Best left to others - but you could check out if there is anything on at the Arts Complex and don't miss Fed Square.

Christchurch? One of the best things I nest

Hi mnss,

Of course there is absolutely no point trying to change your itinerary now to fit in NYE in Sydney!!

It is a great show, but if you don't want to pay idiot prices then you must book months in advance.

So be there in Wellington instead. Why not?

I have my fingers crossed that you get a good day for your sailing across the Cook Strait from Picton because if you do it is a wonderful journey. Up there with the best.

I think your itinerary is pretty good. I wouldn't have divided my days quite like that 4/4/2 for Sydney/ Melbourne/ Queenstown, but you have, and that'll be fine.

Day trips - things to see:

There's enough to do in SYD but if you have a spare day go to the Blue Mts.
Tips for SYD would be to take the ferry to Cremorne Point, walk around to Mossman and return to CQ from there. Time your return for dusk - spectacular. Also if you are interested in history and like a good view - go visit the SE pylon of the bridge.

Melbourne? Best left to others - but you could check out if there is anything on at the Arts Complex and don't miss Fed Square.

Christchurch? One of the best things I remember there is a visit to Lyttleton. Go by bus; return by walking up the bridle path and take the cablecar down the other side; pick up bus to get back to the city.

All the best.

Please note the correct spelling for Mosman - otherwise you may have problems with your research!

Hey, Prue - a typo.

Of course, I have never been there myself.

haha.

LizzF,

You're ncorrect on how an agent works, whether they're in the US or in Australia (I'm no more limited than an Australian travel agent who makes travel arrangements for clients all over the world).

I work with a US based wholesaler who does a huge volume of business; and contracts group rates lower than the average person will get going on the internet for a one time booking.

Also work with an "inbounder" who's located in Sydney and Melbourne. This is the operator that we use as a back up and give clients their toll free number in Australia or New Zealand if they encounter any problems.

And I also work direct with smaller properties, such as B&B's or tour operators.

And yes, I was surprised too to find that many properties in the small area of Bichneo/Coles Bay, but with some research you can find them, and I was determined to find my clients something!

It took me TWO HOURS to email all the properties, and then the next day I was really getting nervious when all the replies were booked out.

Here's one of the websites I used.
(success! They're staying at the Wintersun Cabin & Caravan Park)

http://www.ozstays.com.au/accommodation/bicheno_accommodation/bicheno_accommodation_a.html

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

Exactly Melodie - I am well aware that you use wholesalers and that is the problem. My sister is Australia's top Travel Consultant and I am well aware of how things work in your industry as I am in mine - the accommodation industry. Most accommodation places are NOT on that website that you have noted and that is why any tourist to Australia is much better getting their own accommodation from the more used and trusted Australian websites.
Actually I am going to ask Fodors if I can advertise on this forum using my website and email address. What is good for one person should be ok for the rest of us too. How you blatantly get away with advertising I don't know but advertise you do.
You probably would not have needed to waste 2 hours trying to get your clients accommodation if you used the more tried and trusted websites as well.

Hi Mnss,
I am sorry we will not be home in Wellington when you are planning to visit - we could have shown you a lot of the great places to visit in Wellington over the two days - but we sail south early on 1 January. What time does your ferry arrive in Wellington on 31 December? Maybe we can organise some sightseeing on a limited scale.
What age range do you fall into?

Oh, for heaven's sake, Liz, give it a rest. This is really tedious.

Neil, there is supposed to be a rule on this forum that YOU DO NOT ADVERTISE. Many of the writers who help people with their questions have businesses and are in either the hospitality industry or the accommodation industry and you do NOT see them advertising that they are " John Doe @ Best Accommodation in Port Douglas. com " or " Jane Doe Tours for everyone anywhere- the Specialists in the Industry.com". Now you might find it boring but so do the rest of us who watch Melodie each and every day - if it is good for one it is good for the rest of us. I know that you have had "get-to-gethers" with Melodie but that should NOT persuade you to condone the breaking of rules whether they are from the USA, Canada or Australia. So in this case Neil GO AND BAG YOUR HEAD!.

Liz,
Whilst I know Melodie does have her email address on all her posts I'm not sure that she has actually benefited that much from it.

But the important thing is - she, just like you Liz, often give such good advice. And I have to believe that Melodie does it for the exact same reasons as you and I and that is because we are just so happy to share our experiences and knowledge.

And you both make big contributions on this site - so come on now - shake hands and make up and let's move on!

I will say mnss, that you really, really do need to ensure your bookings. Having been a travel agent myself, I know that December/January is a very busy time and I too, have had difficulty finding flights and accommodation this close to your departure.

Hope you have a great time and a Happy New Year, wherever you are!

My oh my! leave your Fodors's thread for a couple of days and see what transpires...!

dotty,

That is so sweet of you! but unfortunately I'll be arriving in Wellington around 9:05pm, so I would only have January 1 to do some sightseeing. I read that the city is very compact and manageable though, so I'll probably just enjoy long walks around the harbor and the city center. And I'll definitely be visiting the national NZ museum Te Papa.

Then from Auckland, I've decided to do a day trip to Waitomo caves- very excited about that.

I'm now just as excited about visiting NZ-if not more- as I was initially about visiting Australia!

So In Australia, I'll have three full days in Sydney (well, two days as I'll be recovering from 20+ hours of flying) plus one day trip to the Blue mountains.

Melbourne: 2 days in the city plus two day trips to Philip island and Yarra valley. I might sail a hot air balloon near Melbourne too!

Please feel free to make additional suggestions- I'll be on my own; I can always do more things to keep myself occupied!

I would believe you Stormbird if Melodie stopped putting her email address on posts and stopped calling herself a " CERTIFIED AUSSIE SPECIALIST" whatever that might mean. Does being a certified Aussie specialist mean that you know more about Australia than the average Australian? How many various tours, trips and famils do you have to do before you are certified? Don't forget that not only is she a certified Aussie specialist but she is also a Certified Tasmanian specialist and a certified NZ specialist and probably more. So when she goes under a different name, without additions and email address then I will believe you.

The power of Christ compels the demon out of you Lizzy!

STREUTH! mnss

Well, it doesn't matter exactly what kind of certification Melodie has as long as she is providing valuable advice!

I think I probably know enough about the places I'm going to have a fantastic vacation. I appreciate everyone's help.

Scrolling past all of the foolishness...

Things to do in Christchurch City: Botanic Gardens, "new" Art Museum, Canterbury Museum, Mona Vale, Arts Centre (high quality theatre as well as the studios), there's a Farmers/Craft Market there on weekends. Favorite place to stay in Christchurch for the location and knowledgeable staff: Windsor Hotel. It's an old boarding house now a B&B (and what a breakfast) Very clean, in an excellent location near the museums, and on the tourist tram line. (windsorhotel.co.nz) If it's not for you I would suggest finding another B&B in that location (Armagh Street area) rather than in the Christchurch CBD.

Mnss: I think there are hot air ballooning trips over the Yarra Valley.
There certainly are over the city of Melbourne; I've often watched 4 or 5 drifting over the cityscape in the early morning. Either way, it's a fantastic thing to do.

LizzF,

Did you even READ what I posted?

It doesn't seem that way - I clearly stated that I use 3 methods of reservations: a wholesaler, inbounder, and working direct with smaller properties and tour operators.

The website I listed is an Australian website and so were the two others I used in trying to find my client's accommodation.

I'm not calling myself a Certified Specialist - that title was bestowed on me by Tourism Australia. YOUR government started the Specialist program (and other countries have tried, unsuccessfully, IMO, to copy it.)

Tourism Australia has worked very hard at developing the program and has put in alot of advertising dollars to make sure it's a success to generate more visitors/revenue to Australia. As you and your sister are both in the industry, I'm surprised you don't know anything about it.

All you have to do is visit the official Australian Tourism website and it's explained. Same thing for New Zealand. And yes, their are "modules" with the program where you can learn more about one specific area, in depth (such as Tasmania).

I've never claimed to know more about Australia than an Aussie, but obviously this is the way you've taken it. Do I know more about Australia than the average American? Yes, I do.

I saw the value of Tourism Australia's program from the very beginning, in 1994. I love Australia, and I've visited many times; both on famil trips and on my own dime. There's a criteria that must be maintained in order to be chosen as a Specialist, and I've completed it and maintained it every year, and I'm proud of it.

I've never listed my website on this forum because that WOULD be advertising.

Stormbird: thank you

Mnss: ignore the bickering and have a wonderful trip! We can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

How much time do you think I need in LAX before checking-in to SYD?

I was originally booked on a flight that arrives in LAX at 7:39pm, and then my flight on Qantas to SYD is scheduled to leave at 11:45pm, which would give me around four hours to pick up my suitcase and check-in to SYD.

However, I just received an email notice from NWA stating that my flight into LAX has been rescheduled to arrive at 9:39 pm, which would give me roughly two hours between flights. I think that would have been OK had I not had to pick up my suitcase and check-in at a different airline. I'm getting worried because in the winter flights are often delayed because of all the de-icing of runways and all that.

My other option would be to reschedule to another flight that arrives into LAX at 5:30 pm. What would you do?

mnss: I would try to book the earlier flight into LAX, just to be on the safe side. When I flew from LAX to Syd, we got to the airport very early but the check-in line was looong and it took for. ever. If your flight is even 30 minutes late, it could be very tight.

In Wellington, I enjoyed the Chocolate Fish Cafe and the Wrights Hill scenic area, which is a great place to take beautiful photos of Wellington and the harbor.

Hi Mnss,

You have good reason to be concerned - LAX is just a nightmare (SFO is much better, but as your original flights were into LAX, I doubt NWA would be flexible enough to change that - although it never hurts to ask since the schedule change was on their end).

It's worth a shot - ask for a supervisor and explain your problem and hope for someone who's sympathetic. They may want to charge a change fee, but you'll have to decide if it's worth it to you.

As you say, since you're not on an airline with an interline agreement with Qantas, who would check your baggage straight through, you'd have to grab your bags, hustle out to the island at LAX, get the shuttle to the International terminal and check in at Qantas.

No one wants to check in THAT early for a flight, but your alternative is to spend hang-wringing, stomach churning moments at the airport wondering if you'll make your international flight. You don't want to begin your trip like that!

One alternative is to pack smart and take your bag onboard your NW flight, but even then you could still have anxious moments, especially, as you say, it's winter and there could be delays.

As agents we're instructed to tell clients to be at the airport
3 hours prior to a flight, so I'd have to say I'd err on the side of caution and take the earlier flight.

One positive note is that there's really good "people watching" at LAX - oh, the outfits you'll see! And who knows, maybe even a celebrity or two!

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

I just called NWA and had them reschedule my flight to the earlier one. I'm certainly willing to wait at LAX for 6 hours if the alternative were MISSING MY VERY FIRST FLIGHT TO SYDNEY

Do you think I need to book my day trip transporation well in advance?

I also wonder whether I should take the train independently or book a day trip with a bus company? the advantage of taking the bus to the blue mountains seems to be that they also stop at other local "attractions" along the way such as wild life parks.

The very first time I went to the Blue Mts I took the train. You then have to get yourself from the stn to where the action is - 3 sisters, skyway, giants steps down into the valley - whatever it is you want to do. You can walk there from the stn in 30-40 mins and I believe there is a hop on hop off bus too. But you might have to wait for it.

I you take an early train then you have the freedom to do as you please. And if what you want to do is a good long walk then that's the way to go.

On the other hand, if you just want a "taster" then an organised trip removes the hard work!!

And it can be fun to travel with a bunch of strangers for a day. I've never done any of them, but there are loads of day trips to choose from. So many that I doubt it would be a problem to book just the day before.

If where you are staying doesn't have a lot of info - go down to the Sydney Visitor Centre in the Rocks (Argyll St) where there is an extensive selection of brochures.

Hi Mnss!

Glad that you were able to switch your flights - you'll know the LA airport better than anyone after this!

Have a great trip!

Melodie

Liz, I wouldn't want you to think that my silence of recent days means that I've taken your advice to, as you so elegantly put it, bag my head. As always, I will resist the temptation to reply in kind.

As for Melodie's "advertising", I believe she gets all the business she can handle from local word-of-mouth referrals. I think fair-minded Fodorites take her sign-off as no more than an indication that she's professionally qualified to provide the advice she dispenses here. It may have escaped your attention, but to my knowledge she has never mentioned her business name in any of her posts.

I thought I'd use my brain for a change (after all, I am a chemical engineer) and decided to allocate 4 days to Port Douglas. After seeing some amazing pictures of the Rainforest in Northern Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, I thought I definitely had to see them for myself.

So, I would spend a day on the beach, one day at the Rainforest, one day snorkeling at the GBR, then the fourth day I could visit Atherton Tablelands.

I think Atherton Tablelands is located on the other side of Cairns thought, so I wonder if it's really worth all the trouble of getting there, especially since I'll be spending a day the Rainforest already.

That does sound better than spending four days in Melbourne, doesn't it?

But that means I would be spending only three days in Sydney, including the one day trip to Blue Mountains.

I would have to spend one night in Melbourne though, as my flight to NZ is scheduled to leave from there early in the morning.

Hello Mnss

Ive just arrived back in NZ having spent one glorious week in Port Douglas. Its a really super place. Must admit the family found it difficult adjusting to the heat. Temp 30 and humidity 30%. Spent a great deal of time lolling near water. Apparently the humidity goes up to 90 % in the summer and swimming in the ocean is out - "Marine Stingers."
We hired a car for the day. Zoomed down to Cairns and went on the Skyrail to Kuranda village. I would certainly recommend this.
We then backtracked to the Daintree Nat. Pk. Good walking tracks here. The kids were very tired so we could only go on a short walk. It was a full on day but most enjoyable.
We had booked to go on a trip to the GBR sadly we had to cancel due to rough seas. We'll be back though.

Wellington is a very lovely city and is a pedestrians dream. My favourite NZ city.

Thanks Heathy, that sounds great!

I just booked a tour that starts with a hot air balloon ride over Daintree, after which we'll be taking the scenic train ride and then later in the day the sky cable way.

I do realize that summers can be really hot and humid in that region, but what can I do. I'd rather be there than back home where it could be snowing for days non-stop!

Nine weeks to go- can't wait.

Hi again, mnss,
The Cairns / Atherton area is a firm favourite of mine, and yet I didn't realise you could go ballooning over the Daintree! Enjoy what you have planned - you will certainly cover some really interesting places that will help to whet your appetite to return to this part of the world.
When travelling on the ferry from Picton to Wellington watch out for dolphins - we have seen them often on our journeys, especially around late afternoon / early evening. I hope you will enjoy Wellington as much as Heathy and I do.