Betsy

I am preparing to travel to Australia with one other person in late Feb./early March. We will only have appx. 2.5 weeks to explore, and we're starting in Sydney. I'd like to hear from other people who've visited the country what places are "must sees" and which ones are overrated tourist traps. I'd also like tips on the best ways to travel. Any other info would be great also. My travel partner and I want to camp in the bush for a night, but neither of us are very knowledgeable about "camping rules". So, if you know of a good mini-tour that includes camping and hiking, that info would be much appreciated as well.

Caz

Australia is very large & lots to see - if you want to camp & experience the "outback" you need to fly to Darwin & there are camping type trips that will take you to the best spots - Kakadu is a must. Cairns is beautiful - but again you need to fly there (its a long way to drive!!) If you want to see the capital cities - best to fly into each one. Sydney - don't miss the Blue Mountains, Darling Harbour, Opera House, Harbour Bridge etc. A driving trip from Brisbane to Sydney via the coast, takes in some lovely coast spots. <BR>2.5 weeks will only get to see a small amount - you probably won't get time to get to Perth. (like travelling East Coast to west coast in USA) hope this helps.

Caz

Australia is very large & lots to see - if you want to camp & experience the "outback" you need to fly to Darwin & there are camping type trips that will take you to the best spots - Kakadu is a must. Cairns is beautiful - but again you need to fly there (its a long way to drive!!) If you want to see the capital cities - best to fly into each one. Sydney - don't miss the Blue Mountains, Darling Harbour, Opera House, Harbour Bridge etc. A driving trip from Brisbane to Sydney via the coast, takes in some lovely coast spots. <BR>2.5 weeks will only get to see a small amount - you probably won't get time to get to Perth. (like travelling East Coast to west coast in USA) hope this helps.

Anne

I always think knowing where not to go is as important as where to go. My advice (being an Australian) is not to go to the Gold Coast in Queensland - it can certainly be described as very touristy and not particularly attractive. 2.5 weeks is very limiting so my suggestions are - Sydney (with a day or two in the Blue Mountains, fly to Alice Springs to see Ayres Rock and camp out, fly to Darwin and try and see Kakadu, fly to Brisbane or Cairns and see the northern part of Queensland. <BR> <BR>Would like to suggest you come to South Australia (where I live) to taste the best wines in the world but you won't have time! <BR> <BR>Have a great trip.

Peg

Betsy, there has been a huge amount of rain and floods in Queensland at the moment, if you are flying into Sydney in the next couple of weeks, be sure to check how conditions are as it is still in the rainy season. Feb/Mar is the perfect weather to hire a car and head down south through NSW, see our capital city Canberra and on through Victoria country towns and take a ferry across the Tasman to the Apple Isle (Tasmania)where you can experience the wilderness of Cradle Mountain. It would save you time if you can fly into Sydney and out of Melbourne this would save fares and having to backtrack. I recently met 4 Canadians who are doing that and having a wonderful time. Peg.