Help! Husband Wants to Move Trip to May! Yikes!
Feb 4th, 2007, 03:08 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Help! Husband Wants to Move Trip to May! Yikes!
OK, I was the one who posted the message about going to Australia in August, but I just had a conversation with my husband and I told him that we could possibly swim with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef from March through June. For a moment was talked about pushing the trip back until next May (I'm in grad school so, I'm stuck to an academic calendar). But then he said, "let's do it this year". OK, on one hand, I'm wildly excited, on the other, I'm a planner and we're talking three months away! So, I'm coming to ask for help!
I think we'll have much better weather in May/June. So that will be a plus. I posted a couple of days ago about wildlife being our priority. So here's what I think we'd like to do:
Australia Zoo (we were huge Steve Irwin fans, so this is kind of a must for us, even though it means a lot more flying...)
Ningaloo Reef
maybe something else in Western Australia???
Tasmania--5 or so days
New Zealand (south island?) --5 to 7 days
We have more time than money, but I'm thinking we'd try to do the whole thing in about two and a half weeks...I know it's a lot of traveling, but I'm not going to try to see the whole of Tasmania or the whole of New Zealand. We just want to have some nature/wildlife experiences in this different part of the world.
Any tips at all or suggests on how to arrange our time would be extremely helpful. We really don't want to spend any time in cities.
Thank you all! Can't wait to hear what you have to say!
I think we'll have much better weather in May/June. So that will be a plus. I posted a couple of days ago about wildlife being our priority. So here's what I think we'd like to do:
Australia Zoo (we were huge Steve Irwin fans, so this is kind of a must for us, even though it means a lot more flying...)
Ningaloo Reef
maybe something else in Western Australia???
Tasmania--5 or so days
New Zealand (south island?) --5 to 7 days
We have more time than money, but I'm thinking we'd try to do the whole thing in about two and a half weeks...I know it's a lot of traveling, but I'm not going to try to see the whole of Tasmania or the whole of New Zealand. We just want to have some nature/wildlife experiences in this different part of the world.
Any tips at all or suggests on how to arrange our time would be extremely helpful. We really don't want to spend any time in cities.
Thank you all! Can't wait to hear what you have to say!
Feb 4th, 2007, 07:40 PM
#2
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 825
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To use the Aussie expression I am sure you are familiar with, Crikey! I hope you are arriving in Auckland or Perth as Australia Zoo to Nigaloo to Tassie to N.Z. is a heck of a trip.
I think changing from August to May is a wise move. Having once lived in Hobart, August can be freezing and you really don't want to experience Australia in the middle of winter. Tassie is a small Island and apart from the wilderness IMO doesn't have much more to offer than other areas of Australia ( I know others on this forum will disagree) so I reckon 3 days there would be plenty. Spend the extra couple of days in Queensland.
In W.A Cable Beach in Broome is a different experience and the Margaret River area attracts many tourists, but probably not the place to go for wildlife.
I think changing from August to May is a wise move. Having once lived in Hobart, August can be freezing and you really don't want to experience Australia in the middle of winter. Tassie is a small Island and apart from the wilderness IMO doesn't have much more to offer than other areas of Australia ( I know others on this forum will disagree) so I reckon 3 days there would be plenty. Spend the extra couple of days in Queensland.
In W.A Cable Beach in Broome is a different experience and the Margaret River area attracts many tourists, but probably not the place to go for wildlife.
Feb 5th, 2007, 12:19 AM
#3
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi there,
More time than money doesn't sort of fit with your wish list - as DownUnder says there are huge distances involved here - you would have to fly; your selections are difficult, and you are probably too late to get the bestest of best deals.
And the expense of travelling round Australia is down to transport. Accommodation can be cheap if you don't mind hostels (many of which have twins/doubles with shared facilities).
So need to know, really, how much of a shoestring you are on.
Remember, once you you are up at Exmouth for Ningaloo your options for cheap flights are somewhat limited, and it's a long way from anywhere.
Where is your entry point into Australia? have you booked that yet?
Must you go to Australia Zoo? Forgive me but why?
If you are flying into SYD - go to Tassie first - then to Perth. Then maybe check out some of these options.
www.easyridertours.com.au
www.westernxposure.com.au
I've been checking this out for my own return to WA. It's a wonderful part of the country but takes more time and effort than the more beaten tracks.
All depends really on what sort of travellers you are.
Hope this helps.
More time than money doesn't sort of fit with your wish list - as DownUnder says there are huge distances involved here - you would have to fly; your selections are difficult, and you are probably too late to get the bestest of best deals.
And the expense of travelling round Australia is down to transport. Accommodation can be cheap if you don't mind hostels (many of which have twins/doubles with shared facilities).
So need to know, really, how much of a shoestring you are on.
Remember, once you you are up at Exmouth for Ningaloo your options for cheap flights are somewhat limited, and it's a long way from anywhere.
Where is your entry point into Australia? have you booked that yet?
Must you go to Australia Zoo? Forgive me but why?
If you are flying into SYD - go to Tassie first - then to Perth. Then maybe check out some of these options.
www.easyridertours.com.au
www.westernxposure.com.au
I've been checking this out for my own return to WA. It's a wonderful part of the country but takes more time and effort than the more beaten tracks.
All depends really on what sort of travellers you are.
Hope this helps.
Feb 5th, 2007, 09:09 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You're right more time than money doesn't fit with our wish list. I guess that's life. So we're rethinking our itinerary, and we've decided to cut out the Australia Zoo. It just doesn't make sense to be flying coast to coast. We'll save that for another trip!
So, if we fly into Sydney, spend a couple of nights there. Head over to Tassie, then Perth...maybe see something else in WA (I'll check out those tours fuzzylogic), then up to Ningaloo for the main event--whale sharks!...This cuts out NZ. Wonder where we might squeeze that in, if at all?
We've booked nothing yet. Still trying to figure out if this possible--have we really missed out on all the best deal?! So, we'd be trying to do this whole trip for under $7000--including airfare. I know that's a squeeze because airfare will be such a huge part of the budget! But we're planning on getting double rooms in hostels, hopefully only spending $60-$70 (US) for rooms. We're fine doing picnic lunches and breakfasts and maybe eating out only a couple of times for special treats.
Any more suggestions? We do want to be able to see koalas and roos and other Australian animals, not sure where to do this on the West coast, up until this point, I had been concentrating on the east coast...Also, any comments about the Ningaloo Reef rather than the Great Barrier?
Thank you fodorite friends!!
So, if we fly into Sydney, spend a couple of nights there. Head over to Tassie, then Perth...maybe see something else in WA (I'll check out those tours fuzzylogic), then up to Ningaloo for the main event--whale sharks!...This cuts out NZ. Wonder where we might squeeze that in, if at all?
We've booked nothing yet. Still trying to figure out if this possible--have we really missed out on all the best deal?! So, we'd be trying to do this whole trip for under $7000--including airfare. I know that's a squeeze because airfare will be such a huge part of the budget! But we're planning on getting double rooms in hostels, hopefully only spending $60-$70 (US) for rooms. We're fine doing picnic lunches and breakfasts and maybe eating out only a couple of times for special treats.
Any more suggestions? We do want to be able to see koalas and roos and other Australian animals, not sure where to do this on the West coast, up until this point, I had been concentrating on the east coast...Also, any comments about the Ningaloo Reef rather than the Great Barrier?
Thank you fodorite friends!!
Feb 5th, 2007, 01:17 PM
#5
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 825
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you haven't seen the GBR I think it is a definite must on any trip to Australia. It knocks out Aussies let alone travellers. I would also suggest Kakadu as a wonderful wildlife experience. By concentrating on the east and central area you would see all the animals Australia is famous for (including a trip to Austrlia Zoo) and then include Tassie or N.Z. if it you have the budget.
Feb 5th, 2007, 01:37 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi DownUnder! Thanks for you comments. Ningaloo Reef is a must for us. The whole reason we are pushing up the trip is for the opportunity to see the amazing whale sharks. I guess I was asking whether we should try to do both reefs (crazy flying though!) Other than Ningaloo Reef, I can't really figure out what we'd want to see in WA--everything is just so far that even seeing anything else would require another flight.
Still planning on doing Tasmania, but wondering about squeezing in NZ. I'm really trying not to do to much, but it is so hard to imagine spending this much money for the flight and not seeing as much as possible. I need to check into the flight situation because I'm a bit confused on what the routes are like. I'm wondering if it is possible to fly into NZ and out of Australia? Are there any flights into Tasmania from NZ.
And if anyone is wondering--I have about ten guidebooks in my house right now, but they just seem to bring up more questions! Any suggestions?
Still planning on doing Tasmania, but wondering about squeezing in NZ. I'm really trying not to do to much, but it is so hard to imagine spending this much money for the flight and not seeing as much as possible. I need to check into the flight situation because I'm a bit confused on what the routes are like. I'm wondering if it is possible to fly into NZ and out of Australia? Are there any flights into Tasmania from NZ.
And if anyone is wondering--I have about ten guidebooks in my house right now, but they just seem to bring up more questions! Any suggestions?
Feb 5th, 2007, 03:26 PM
#7
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 825
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Swimming with the whale sharks is supposed to be awesome so I can understand it being a must. Flying Air New Zealand you should be able to fly via Auckland for N.Z and then to Melbourne. Tassie would have to be an Australian domestic flight check www.webjet.com.au and then another flight direct Hobart to Sydney. There are plenty of direct flights Sydney/ Cairns for the GBR or a stopover at Maroochydore for Aust. Zoo. The flight to Exmouth Gulf is the big one and perhaps could be approached via Darwin. A bit of research needed there, but I have flown Cairns to Darwin via Mt. Isa so I know that can be done. Getting back from Ningaloo is then tricky and you would probably return via Perth then Sydney (stopover) for the trip home. A lot of flying and lots of research to find the cheapest way of doing it. An Aussie Pass may be your best bet.
Feb 5th, 2007, 03:44 PM
#8
Eliza -
I was curious about your post, so I did some research on Ningaloo Reef. Are you aware that it's a 1200 km drive from Perth? It seems you can also fly to Nor'West Cape, but from there you'd need to pre-book a bus or taxi at Learmonth Airport to take you the remaining hour's drive to Coral Bay.
This site is very informative if you need more info:
http://www.ningalooreefdive.com/coralmain.htm
WA is indeed a vast state and unfortunately, many of the attractions are hundreds of kms apart - we've barely scratched the surface in two-2+ week long visits (and we haven't even gone north of Perth yet), with a third visit scheduled for next month. I realize you want to see as much as possible, but considering Perth is about as far away as you can get from North America (I assume that's where you're coming from???) you might want to spend more time there. There's a lot to see and do.
Downunder won't be surprised to hear that I respectfully disagree with him/her about Tasmania (but I haven't lived there!). I think it's a wonderful place with loads of things to see and do - especially if you enjoy the outdoors - and plenty of wildlife. We've been there twice now, spending more than two weeks each time and we're thinking about a third visit. For what it's worth, we had some great weather in October and some awful weather in March. I doubt May is the best time to visit.
As for NZ, you can easily spend two weeks or longer just hitting the highlights of ONE island. It has a lot to offer, and if you rush through it, you'll miss much more than you'll see.
There seems to be a trend amongst visitors to OZ and NZ to cram as much as possible in to as little time as possible. I understand that temptation, I really do, but I think many visitors vastly underestimate the distances involved, the time it takes to get from point A to point B and the importance of taking time to enjoy the places you visit.
You're spending a lot of money and valuable vacation time to visit a wonderful part of the world, perhaps you'd better enjoy your visit if you narrowed your options and slowed down a bit.
Okay, I've said my piece.
Whatever you decide, I wish you a great holiday!
I was curious about your post, so I did some research on Ningaloo Reef. Are you aware that it's a 1200 km drive from Perth? It seems you can also fly to Nor'West Cape, but from there you'd need to pre-book a bus or taxi at Learmonth Airport to take you the remaining hour's drive to Coral Bay.
This site is very informative if you need more info:
http://www.ningalooreefdive.com/coralmain.htm
WA is indeed a vast state and unfortunately, many of the attractions are hundreds of kms apart - we've barely scratched the surface in two-2+ week long visits (and we haven't even gone north of Perth yet), with a third visit scheduled for next month. I realize you want to see as much as possible, but considering Perth is about as far away as you can get from North America (I assume that's where you're coming from???) you might want to spend more time there. There's a lot to see and do.
Downunder won't be surprised to hear that I respectfully disagree with him/her about Tasmania (but I haven't lived there!). I think it's a wonderful place with loads of things to see and do - especially if you enjoy the outdoors - and plenty of wildlife. We've been there twice now, spending more than two weeks each time and we're thinking about a third visit. For what it's worth, we had some great weather in October and some awful weather in March. I doubt May is the best time to visit.
As for NZ, you can easily spend two weeks or longer just hitting the highlights of ONE island. It has a lot to offer, and if you rush through it, you'll miss much more than you'll see.
There seems to be a trend amongst visitors to OZ and NZ to cram as much as possible in to as little time as possible. I understand that temptation, I really do, but I think many visitors vastly underestimate the distances involved, the time it takes to get from point A to point B and the importance of taking time to enjoy the places you visit.
You're spending a lot of money and valuable vacation time to visit a wonderful part of the world, perhaps you'd better enjoy your visit if you narrowed your options and slowed down a bit.
Okay, I've said my piece.
Whatever you decide, I wish you a great holiday!
Feb 5th, 2007, 04:26 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Melnq8, I get what you're saying about taking time to smell the roses! I am not usually a person who rushes through trips, but I'm so muddled by this trip!
I know that Ningaloo is far from Perth. There is going to be a lot of flying in this trip, no matter how I try to arrange it! (Where is the Aussie Pass available? I can't seem to find it)And the distance in WA is part of problem. I was thinking now of doing something like this:
Fly into Sydney, connecting flight to Tasmania (Hobart?) 5 to 7 days in Tasmania (freycinet, tasmanian devilpark, hobart area, etc.)
GBR Cairns area 3-5 days (maybe Daintree? Fly to Darwin, then fly to Ningaloo?)
flight to ningaloo 3 days
flight to perth and somehow try to get home from there! (home is NYC)
My head is spinning and this is not making any sense. Should I leave out NZ? If we did New Zealand, it would be on the front in, like DownUnder suggested. I know this is a stupid itinerary. It's like trying to go Alaska and Hawaii in the same trip! All we want is to snorkle, swim with whale sharks, see some animals, maybe go on a night safari...no cities! (or only for as little time as possible!)
I'm really freaking out here. I just can't figure out how to arrange this trip and the clock is ticking!
I know that Ningaloo is far from Perth. There is going to be a lot of flying in this trip, no matter how I try to arrange it! (Where is the Aussie Pass available? I can't seem to find it)And the distance in WA is part of problem. I was thinking now of doing something like this:
Fly into Sydney, connecting flight to Tasmania (Hobart?) 5 to 7 days in Tasmania (freycinet, tasmanian devilpark, hobart area, etc.)
GBR Cairns area 3-5 days (maybe Daintree? Fly to Darwin, then fly to Ningaloo?)
flight to ningaloo 3 days
flight to perth and somehow try to get home from there! (home is NYC)
My head is spinning and this is not making any sense. Should I leave out NZ? If we did New Zealand, it would be on the front in, like DownUnder suggested. I know this is a stupid itinerary. It's like trying to go Alaska and Hawaii in the same trip! All we want is to snorkle, swim with whale sharks, see some animals, maybe go on a night safari...no cities! (or only for as little time as possible!)
I'm really freaking out here. I just can't figure out how to arrange this trip and the clock is ticking!
Feb 5th, 2007, 05:41 PM
#10
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All right, I've never been to Australia, but we are planning a trip in the near future, so I read this forum all the time to get information. I'm a little embarrassed to be even giving an opinion--but I was looking at the map, and I'll just throw this out there:
Looks to me like Tasmania is pretty far out of your way. And I imagine in May, it might be getting fairly cold down there.
What if you fly into Sydney. Then up to the GBR/Cairns/Daintree area. Spend some time there, and then fly to Darwin. From what I can tell, you could go into Kakadu National Park in May--and the waterfalls would still be running. (I'm not sure this is true--you'd need to check and make sure that it still wouldn't be flooded).
There are different wildlife parks, etc. in the Top End that you could visit to see some of the animals you don't want to miss. (And you would be able to see other wildlife in the Atherton Tablelands/Cairns/Daintree area I think).
Then go on to the Ningaloo Reef and Perth.
With the trip you had planned, you were going to be very far north (Daintree/Top End), very far south (Tasmania), very far east(Sydney) and very far west (Ningaloo). This itinerary cuts out one of those extreme directions, and gives you a bit more time in the other areas.
Tasmania is supposed to be beautiful--but, since you are pressed for time, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to visit it on another trip (closer to the Australian summer).
Just something to think about.
Looks to me like Tasmania is pretty far out of your way. And I imagine in May, it might be getting fairly cold down there.
What if you fly into Sydney. Then up to the GBR/Cairns/Daintree area. Spend some time there, and then fly to Darwin. From what I can tell, you could go into Kakadu National Park in May--and the waterfalls would still be running. (I'm not sure this is true--you'd need to check and make sure that it still wouldn't be flooded).
There are different wildlife parks, etc. in the Top End that you could visit to see some of the animals you don't want to miss. (And you would be able to see other wildlife in the Atherton Tablelands/Cairns/Daintree area I think).
Then go on to the Ningaloo Reef and Perth.
With the trip you had planned, you were going to be very far north (Daintree/Top End), very far south (Tasmania), very far east(Sydney) and very far west (Ningaloo). This itinerary cuts out one of those extreme directions, and gives you a bit more time in the other areas.
Tasmania is supposed to be beautiful--but, since you are pressed for time, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be better to visit it on another trip (closer to the Australian summer).
Just something to think about.
Feb 5th, 2007, 06:43 PM
#11
Eliza -
My head is spinning too, and it's not my trip!
I would absolutely leave out NZ (and this is coming from someone who loves NZ). Save it for when you can take the time to appreciate all that it has to offer.
It seems that you're most interested in Ningaloo Reef, so I'd use that as a starting point (not literally).
How much time do you want to spend there? Keep in mind you're going to be jet lagged and don't underestimate the effects of traveling halfway across the world in a cramped flying tube.
Regarding Tasmania - Hobart makes a very good base. You can see most of what you've mentioned by taking day trips from Hobart. This will cut down on moving from hotel to hotel and will be less stressful IMO.
Still sounds like way too much for the likes of me, but different strokes...
Also seems very expensive...
Found this site regarding Aussie Airpass:
http://qantas.resultspage.com.au/flights/Aussie%20Pass
My head is spinning too, and it's not my trip!
I would absolutely leave out NZ (and this is coming from someone who loves NZ). Save it for when you can take the time to appreciate all that it has to offer.
It seems that you're most interested in Ningaloo Reef, so I'd use that as a starting point (not literally).
How much time do you want to spend there? Keep in mind you're going to be jet lagged and don't underestimate the effects of traveling halfway across the world in a cramped flying tube.
Regarding Tasmania - Hobart makes a very good base. You can see most of what you've mentioned by taking day trips from Hobart. This will cut down on moving from hotel to hotel and will be less stressful IMO.
Still sounds like way too much for the likes of me, but different strokes...
Also seems very expensive...
Found this site regarding Aussie Airpass:
http://qantas.resultspage.com.au/flights/Aussie%20Pass
Feb 6th, 2007, 01:41 AM
#12
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK - on my first visit to Australia I arrived in Cairns, and did my first snorkelling ever on the GBR ex Cape Trib. It was fantastic.
I then went off on a big wander and spent some time in WA. I am chuffed to bits that you are immoveable on your wish to go to Ningaloo. I thought the snorkelling was as good if not better than the GBR - and the divers were in 7th heaven on one boat I went out on with visibility of 30m or more. Turqouise Bay was great too.
The difference is that round Cairns you have the wonderful Daintree; on the coast of WA you have the wonderful Shark Bay (and I'm not talking Monkey Mia here- there is other stuff to see).
One of the things I really wanted to do was go to Karijini NP - impossible in December 1997 - no tours (too hot), though you could maybe do it now if you were mad enough. And uneconomic to hire a car (and probably not sensible either for a solo traveller).
There are many places in Australia with stunning eroded landscapes, swimming holes and wildlife (though don't expect to see it behind every rock).
Some are well known - some less so. Karijini is one of the latter.
And you could do it all.
I sort of feel I am trying to sell this idea!! I'm not - and certainly wouldn't if I thought the placing of it on public view would lead to 5 star resorts next year.
Forget doing the GBR and Ningaloo. No need. And I think you need to decide between Tassie and NZ. Tassie will cost you - NZ you could do on the way.
So - to be practical.
Get yourselves a flight to Sydney with anyone who offers a stopover in NZ. Air NZ is the obvious choice.
Fly to Syd - fly to Perth with a cheapie. Then pick a trip up to Exmouth - and a trip from Exmouth out to Karijini - and then either back to Perth - or truck on to Broome and get a flight back to Sydney.
Then NZ on the way back.
I have to ask - is the $7000 you mention for each of you, or you both together?
And assume it's USD?
I then went off on a big wander and spent some time in WA. I am chuffed to bits that you are immoveable on your wish to go to Ningaloo. I thought the snorkelling was as good if not better than the GBR - and the divers were in 7th heaven on one boat I went out on with visibility of 30m or more. Turqouise Bay was great too.
The difference is that round Cairns you have the wonderful Daintree; on the coast of WA you have the wonderful Shark Bay (and I'm not talking Monkey Mia here- there is other stuff to see).
One of the things I really wanted to do was go to Karijini NP - impossible in December 1997 - no tours (too hot), though you could maybe do it now if you were mad enough. And uneconomic to hire a car (and probably not sensible either for a solo traveller).
There are many places in Australia with stunning eroded landscapes, swimming holes and wildlife (though don't expect to see it behind every rock).
Some are well known - some less so. Karijini is one of the latter.
And you could do it all.
I sort of feel I am trying to sell this idea!! I'm not - and certainly wouldn't if I thought the placing of it on public view would lead to 5 star resorts next year.
Forget doing the GBR and Ningaloo. No need. And I think you need to decide between Tassie and NZ. Tassie will cost you - NZ you could do on the way.
So - to be practical.
Get yourselves a flight to Sydney with anyone who offers a stopover in NZ. Air NZ is the obvious choice.
Fly to Syd - fly to Perth with a cheapie. Then pick a trip up to Exmouth - and a trip from Exmouth out to Karijini - and then either back to Perth - or truck on to Broome and get a flight back to Sydney.
Then NZ on the way back.
I have to ask - is the $7000 you mention for each of you, or you both together?
And assume it's USD?
Feb 6th, 2007, 03:24 AM
#13
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I actually have been to Tasmania. I love it, and it's a very special place, but I'm struck that you don't want time in cities. Well, small or not, Hobart is a city. The connection between Sydney off the overnight flight and Hobart is generally horrid and you lose a lot of time this way. Contrary to the poster who has never been there, it is not cold in Tasmania in May, it is autumn and lovely. It is cold in August. Your interest seems to be in wildlife, and while I could recommend certain wonderful wildlife parks, Tasmania's main draws for me are history (buildings, architecture, small villages, Port Arthur) and beauty of the scenery. It is out of the way, although not dramatically so, and based on your description of your interests so far, I'd be tempted to skip it this trip.
Feb 6th, 2007, 12:06 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all for your helpful comments and interest. We think that we're going to increase our budget (up to about $9000) and our time down under (to three weeks).
New Zealand is totally out. That'll have to be another trip.
New Plan:
Flight from NYC to Sydney
Flight straight to Hobart in Tasmania
6 days in Tasmania
Flight from Tasmania to Cairns
5-6 days at the Great Barrier Reef
Flight from Cairns to Perth
travel from Perth to Exmouth
4 days at the Ningaloo Reef
Flight home
The idea is to do this in under three weeks so that we can use the Aussie Pass. Flights will take the lions share of the budget--I was quoted 2300 per ticket using the Aussie Pass. Does that sound about right to everyone? I know this trip sounds crazy to a lot of you! I've done the slow trips--we spent three weeks just driving down the coast of France! But we want something different for our Australia experience. Thank you all!
New Zealand is totally out. That'll have to be another trip.
New Plan:
Flight from NYC to Sydney
Flight straight to Hobart in Tasmania
6 days in Tasmania
Flight from Tasmania to Cairns
5-6 days at the Great Barrier Reef
Flight from Cairns to Perth
travel from Perth to Exmouth
4 days at the Ningaloo Reef
Flight home
The idea is to do this in under three weeks so that we can use the Aussie Pass. Flights will take the lions share of the budget--I was quoted 2300 per ticket using the Aussie Pass. Does that sound about right to everyone? I know this trip sounds crazy to a lot of you! I've done the slow trips--we spent three weeks just driving down the coast of France! But we want something different for our Australia experience. Thank you all!
Feb 6th, 2007, 03:20 PM
#15
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 825
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think that looks like a wonderful trip. You will certainly experience the diversity of Australia and perhaps one day return and see our great cities. Don't underestimate them, they are worth seeing!
Feb 6th, 2007, 07:25 PM
#17
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
oliverandharry (or anyone else who knows!)--we will be in Australia during late September--we had decided to save Tasmania for another trip, because we thought it wouldn't have warmed up enough yet.
Apparently I'm pretty confused about the climate there. Should we consider adding it in? We want to be able to hike, etc. while we're there. It sounds so beautiful that we want to be able to really take in all the scenery!
Apparently I'm pretty confused about the climate there. Should we consider adding it in? We want to be able to hike, etc. while we're there. It sounds so beautiful that we want to be able to really take in all the scenery!
Feb 6th, 2007, 09:05 PM
#18
We visited Tassie in late October one year and had great weather with the exception of a few cold and blowy days in Freycinet and Stanley. We also visited in March one year and the weather was pretty awful. We hiked quite a bit on both trips.
During our October trip, we met a woman who worked at the Cradle Mountain Visitor’s Center - she told us that Cradle Mountain only gets about 35 really nice days per year and it had snowed just two days before.
Apparently it rains 7 days out of 10 and the sun shines only 1 day in 10 in the Cradle Mountain area. We were blessed with two nice days in a row!
I found the following Tasmania weather info online:
Summer: December to February with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). Summer brings warm sun, sea breezes, squeaking sand and long twilights. A great time for boating, bushwalking, beaches and fishing.
Winter: June to August with an average temperature of 12°C (52°F). Winter sees pure white snow on highland peaks which provides excellent skiing and it's a great time to rug up and explore galleries, antique shops and heritage sites. Days can be crisp and bracing and evenings cosy in front of an open fire.
Spring and Autumn are pleasant seasons with temperatures in the mid teens. Autumn is calm, cool and sunny with the trees displaying an amazing array of red and golden colours. This is the time for apple and grape picking and the Season of Entertainment and Romance (held every two years). Spring is cool and fresh with daffodils, apple blossom and wildflowers blooming. Gardens are at their best and the trout start biting again in the highland lakes and streams.
Rainfall varies dramatically from east to west. Hobart is Australia's second driest city with an annual rainfall of 626mm (24"
. On the west coast, the rainforests thrive on an average of 2400mm (95"
http://www.tasmania.visitorsbureau.c...sitorinfo.html
During our October trip, we met a woman who worked at the Cradle Mountain Visitor’s Center - she told us that Cradle Mountain only gets about 35 really nice days per year and it had snowed just two days before.
Apparently it rains 7 days out of 10 and the sun shines only 1 day in 10 in the Cradle Mountain area. We were blessed with two nice days in a row!
I found the following Tasmania weather info online:
Summer: December to February with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). Summer brings warm sun, sea breezes, squeaking sand and long twilights. A great time for boating, bushwalking, beaches and fishing.
Winter: June to August with an average temperature of 12°C (52°F). Winter sees pure white snow on highland peaks which provides excellent skiing and it's a great time to rug up and explore galleries, antique shops and heritage sites. Days can be crisp and bracing and evenings cosy in front of an open fire.
Spring and Autumn are pleasant seasons with temperatures in the mid teens. Autumn is calm, cool and sunny with the trees displaying an amazing array of red and golden colours. This is the time for apple and grape picking and the Season of Entertainment and Romance (held every two years). Spring is cool and fresh with daffodils, apple blossom and wildflowers blooming. Gardens are at their best and the trout start biting again in the highland lakes and streams.
Rainfall varies dramatically from east to west. Hobart is Australia's second driest city with an annual rainfall of 626mm (24"
. On the west coast, the rainforests thrive on an average of 2400mm (95" http://www.tasmania.visitorsbureau.c...sitorinfo.html
Feb 7th, 2007, 08:33 AM
#19
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Melnq8--Thank you!! I am reconsidering our itinerary. I'm excited to think that we may be able to add Tassie to this trip!
You said you were there in late October. I wonder if Cradle Mountain would still have snow on the ground (from the winter) in early October? Do you know if they get piles of snow in the winter, so it takes a while to melt? Trying to figure out the hiking possibilities.
You said you were there in late October. I wonder if Cradle Mountain would still have snow on the ground (from the winter) in early October? Do you know if they get piles of snow in the winter, so it takes a while to melt? Trying to figure out the hiking possibilities.
Feb 7th, 2007, 03:32 PM
#20
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Tassie weather has been getting bad press during this talkfest from people who I don't think have ever been here, so I thought I would add my 2 cents worth.I live in The Huon Valley (30 minutes south of Hobart). The May weather is generaly delightful and a very pretty time of the year with all the Autumn colours. Being a temperate island, Tasmania enjoys the 4 seasons and this is reflected in the gardens in this state. Don't stay in Hobart - it is just another capital city (but definitely worth a day trip) - enjoy a Tassie country exerience if you can...nothing is any great distance here and there is very little traffic with less than 1/2 a million permanent population in the whole state.
For your accommodation needs - go to www.wotif.com - they have accommdoation 28 days out and although May is a reasonably busy month on the acommodation calender, you will still get some great bargains. This is a most reliable site to use for your accommodation bookings.
Whatever you decided to do - have a wonderful stay in Australia.
For your accommodation needs - go to www.wotif.com - they have accommdoation 28 days out and although May is a reasonably busy month on the acommodation calender, you will still get some great bargains. This is a most reliable site to use for your accommodation bookings.
Whatever you decided to do - have a wonderful stay in Australia.
