DropBear

I am trying to plan my next holiday but cannot even decide on the destination. It may just take one comment to sway me one way or another so any feedback on the choices we have would be appreciated.

# 1. Ghan Adelaide to Darwin. The problem I have, though it sounds a marvellous trip, is that like most Australians I tend to cling to the coast by my fingertips. I have little appreciation for the outback but do want to see the rock (ashamed to say I have never seen it!) I am drawn to this journey but in reality wonder if I would find tedious.

#2. Paddlesteamer on the Murray. The trip would include a stay in Adelaide with a winery trip (though I have done that segment before) Anyone been on the paddlesteamer?

#3 Lord Howe Island. This really appeals to me except the size of the planes that go there would be a factor. I like huge planes !!

marg

As another local who lives very close to our coastline, I would vote for a trip to the outback. I would fly rather than train unless you can afford the fare of about $1200 one way to have a sleeper. If you do train it, make sure you do some side trips at Alice and Katherine. Getaway had a feature on last week's program (4 March?) on the train trip.
Outback Australia is very different to coastal Australia as I'm sure you would appreciate. The scenery ranges from forgettable to spectacular - I'm sure you would not regret seeing some of it.

Paul_S

Hi DropBear,

Unless you are a train fanatic then I would not contemplate going by train from Adelaide to Darwin. The scenery is dead boring and the cost is prohibitive in my opinion. I have done it from Adelaide to Alice and would never consider doing it again.

Cheers

Paul_S

DropBear

Thanks for the replies.

After I wrote this this morning I considered perhaps just doing one segment on the Ghan from Alice to Adelaide then doing a shorter cruise on the Murray, but now after reading Paul's reply I miss give the whole train thing a miss.

I have only ever spoken with one other person who has been on the Ghan and all they did was rave about the food. I think they were too preoccupied to look out the window!

margo_oz

Well, I'd love to do the Ghan thing - I've been to Perth on the Indian Pacific and that was great - but one way is enough.

Lord Howe would be good - and it's only a short flight.

Murray - depends on your age range - don't see it as too exciting.

I'd go to the Centre, either by the Ghan, or flying, go ballooning, see the rock, do the trips, I'd love to hear about them from an Australian perspective!

Paul_S

Hi Margo,

I have done all the things you mention and I am an Australian living in Alice Springs. So my thoughts I guess are from an Australian perspective.

By all means DropBear fly to Alice and go to the Rock, I choose not to go to there anymore because of the hefty fees involved but if it is your only time then do it. I have been to the Rock more times than I can remember luckily I got to go there in the good old days when you could go and see what you wanted to see.

Ballooning in the centre is okay, personally I have done it in more scenic locations but it is still an experience.

If you do decide to come to the centre then try to make it for our winter months as it is much more pleasant out bush, no flies and good daytime temps.

Cheers

Paul_S

Lyndie

Don't let the planes worry you-they are big enough! I think ours was a 36 seater. Lord Howe Island is a fabulous destination with lovely clear blue water, some great climbs and walks, beautiful scenery, a couple of nice beaches and one or two good restaurants. Good accommodation is hard to find. Capella Lodge is nice (great food) however it's a long walk or cycle from the main town area. There is a new lodge since we visited 3 years ago. Sorry I cannot remember the name. Be warned though-the weather is extremely unpredictable. In the 9 days we were there mid year-we had a mini-cyclone, lots of rain, with winds that blew you right along the road, sunshine for about 2 hrs every second day. We met couple who went every year for 13 yrs and they said it did not matter what season you went there, it was always unpredictable. Water is cold also! We stayed at a place called Leanda Lei-not recommended-our neighbours kept us awake most nights with their noisy kids and TV blaring away! Spend extra and stay some place 5 star that guarantees peace and quiet. Otherwise it is certainly worth a visit. Locals can be a bit cool and blase with tourists-they keep their paradise very much to themselves and tolerate visitors-JUST!

margo_oz

Paul_s

I haven't done any of the things Dropbear asks about.

I'l love to get to the Centre - watching airfares with interest.

Have no particular interest in Murray Cruise - I'm not old enough yet!

Lord Howe - sounds good....

Options from Sydney are great!

DropBear

I am not old YET lol. Maybe just a little bit

I think a good trip would be Sydney, Alice, Broome, Darwin, Sydney. This trip would give a good snapshot I think of Northern Australia. Give the train a miss.

Then perhaps the next holiday or visa versa to Lord Howe.

Thanks all for your input.

Question for Paul, how is the climate in October?

Paul_S

In October it is getting humid and is generally warm to hot. Last October we were experiencing 40+ daytime temps. You can bet the flies will be out in force so bring a fly net or go crazy.

DropBear

I was hoping October would be ok, was nice FNQ that time of year. Maybe this year I will do Lord Howe then and perhaps go mid -winter next year. It is just when I decide I want to do something waiting is so painful !!

I could maybe go Sept? Maybe just be patient.