Rachel

Hello all. My husband and I are beginning to refine our itinerary for our trip to Australia in August. We're wondering if some of you could look it over and give us any suggestions for things that we don't have planned yet, but should not miss. <BR>Also, any suggestions for apartment accommodations in the Whitsunday area would be much appreciated.<BR>Thanks so much!<BR><BR>4 days Sydney<BR><BR>Fly to Mackay;spend 4 days in Whitsundays--we want to base ourselves on the mainland-were thinking Airlie Beach--any suggestions?<BR><BR>Fly to Melbourne. 2 days in Melbourne, then 3 days on Great Ocean Road (we know it will be cold, but it looks amazing anyway).<BR><BR>Then, we still have 7 days left in oz! Where to go next? (We're not interested so much in going to Ayers Rock).<BR><BR>Thank you so much for your advice!<BR><BR>-Rachel

Alan

Hi, Rachel!<BR><BR>It would seem you have two choices here: warm or cold. If you like the sun, you could well consider flying from Mackay to Brisbane before you head back to Melbourne, and spend a few days around the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast. If the cold weather is more to your liking, how about a side trip from Melbourne across the strait to Tasmania? Or a trip from Sydney to Canberra and on to the Snowy Mountains? You're right, the Great Ocean Road is picturesque, but doing part of that route and then heading inland to the nation's capital and the Snowy Mountains might be even tastier, since (unlike most of the people who write to this forum) you actually seem to have time on your hands, rather than trying to cram everything into a few days!<BR>Whichever you choose, welcome to Australia!

Anand

You could visit Cairns and go up to Port Douglas as well. On the way to Port Douglas, make sure you visit the Crocodile Park.<BR><BR>Well, that is if it is to your liking.<BR>Anand

Aussie

Hi Rachel, We spent a couple of days at Airlie Beach in March.<BR>Our apartment was great.<BR>The Water Edge Apartments..Even though it wasn't that close to the water the rooms had spectacular ocean view & the swimming pools looked as though they just flowed into the ocean.<BR>The apartment we had had 2 bedrooms even though there was only the 2 of us. <BR>The apartment has a Bali feel to it.<BR>There is a coffee shop which served meals at night on Friday & Saturday & lunches everyday.<BR>The main street is a very short stroll & there are cafe's of all sorts there.<BR>Airlie Beach was over flowing with backpackers in March, they seem to fill up the Hotels in the main street at night. We had wonderful meals at the Hotel across the road from the foreshore.<BR>There are lots of boat day trips you can take to Island Resorts for the day & you are at the bottom of the Reef.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip

Mike

G'day Rachel. <BR>August along the Great Ocean Road can be cold and windy, but spectacular neverthe less. <BR>Why not go all the way through to Adelaide and then to the Flinders Ranges. The time is well suited for that. <BR><BR>If you decide to drive along the Great Ocean Road and past Warrnambool, let me know and I'll reveal to you a great place where you are sure to see plenty of Koala in the wild. <BR><BR>Enjoy your trip, <BR>Mike.