narrowin down options on Australia trip
Feb 19th, 2008, 05:15 PM
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narrowin down options on Australia trip
We have approx.18-21 days available for trip to Australia between the end of June-Aug. 15. Best time to go for this kind of trip? Interested in nature and culture. We only have so much time, and hoping for advice on narrowing our options.
Looking at Sydney, (are Blue Mtns. worthwhile on day trip at this time of year?)
Alice Springs (MacDonnell region worth a day?)
Tour with overnight in Kings Canyon to Ayers Rock or skip the Canyon? Name of tour company--small group.
In Uluru, which tour is best-one of the walks or Anangu Tour--morning or evening?
Would love to spend some time in Darwin area--possible or too much? Kakadu, Litchfield, Katherine Gorge?
Cairns, Port Douglas or rainforest stay? Kuranda or Atherton? I love to dive, my partner doesn't swim but I want more time than just one day out to the reef. Coral Princess or stay on Lizard Island or?....any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Looking at Sydney, (are Blue Mtns. worthwhile on day trip at this time of year?)
Alice Springs (MacDonnell region worth a day?)
Tour with overnight in Kings Canyon to Ayers Rock or skip the Canyon? Name of tour company--small group.
In Uluru, which tour is best-one of the walks or Anangu Tour--morning or evening?
Would love to spend some time in Darwin area--possible or too much? Kakadu, Litchfield, Katherine Gorge?
Cairns, Port Douglas or rainforest stay? Kuranda or Atherton? I love to dive, my partner doesn't swim but I want more time than just one day out to the reef. Coral Princess or stay on Lizard Island or?....any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Feb 19th, 2008, 06:03 PM
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Hi guys,
1 - Blue Mountains. Will be cold at that time of year but still worth a day trip, especially if you like hiking or checking out old style (art deco) towns. You can drive there or catch a train there. try www.cityhobo.com for info on that.
2 - Alice Springs will also be cold at that time of year. You will have blue skies and temps of around 14C during the day. It will be really cold to freezing overnight. I did a three day groups safari at the end of May about 7 years ago in Alice and it surprised me just how cold it gets at night. The MacDonnell region is definitely worth a trip. There are several tour groups that do day trips. I went with a small group that does chicken and champagne tours. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Most tours do one side of the MacDonnells (I always forget if it was the East or West MacDonnells). I went with a couple of friends to the other side and found it even more interesting. I think it's because there weren't as many tourists. There is a homestead near this side called Ross River homestead. Nice setting,.
3 - Kings Canyon is definitely worth going to. Most tours will get your there early in the morning for a 3 - 4 hour hike through some amazing scenery. I don't know if you ever saw the film "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert"? Parts of the film were shot in Kings Canyon.
Ayers Rock or Uluru is great. I did the walk around the base of the rock. I think it's a 7km circuit. I loved it because every angle looked so different. Many parts of the rock are considered sacred areas so photography is not allowed, but being there to experience it for yourself is a must.
The group I went with was called Sahara Safaris. I have no idea if they are still operating. We went to Uluru on day 1. Spent the afternoon walking around Katajuta (Olgas) which was well worth doing. Spent the evening at the rock, taking photos as it changes at sunset. Woke up early the next morning to watch the rock at Sunrise. Then drove to Kings Canyon. Woke up early to do the Canyon hike. Then drove back to Alice. We would pick up deadwood from the side of the road for our evening fire. We camped in permanent tented sites. It was really enjoyable, but cold.
4 - Darwin. You could spend a couple of days there. Then, hire a car and go to Litchfield National Park. You can do that in a day. If you have time, go to Kakadu. The rangers are back at that time of year and offer free guided tours on weekends. Kakadu will be such a stark contrast to Alice Springs and surrounds. And it will be warmer weather too.
5 - Go to Port Douglas if you have time. Cairns is ok, but Port Douglas is much nicer. You can do reef trips from Port Douglas. And at that time of the year you will be able to swim in the beautiful beach. The stinging jelly fish won't be a problem.
You should have time to do all those things if you plan it well.
Check with your travel agent if you can buy an internal plane pass. Otherwise check Virginblue.com. They have happy hour at 1pm or 12noon Sydney time. www.jetstar.com also offer cheap flights. The earlier you book the better.
You could spend 4 - 5 days in Syd. Fly to Alice. Do a 3 day tour. Fly to Darwin and spend 6 days there which would include Litchfield, Darwin and Kakadu. Fly to Port Douglas and spend 5 nights there just hanging out. thwo in a couple of days for air travel and you have a 21 day travel agenda.
1 - Blue Mountains. Will be cold at that time of year but still worth a day trip, especially if you like hiking or checking out old style (art deco) towns. You can drive there or catch a train there. try www.cityhobo.com for info on that.
2 - Alice Springs will also be cold at that time of year. You will have blue skies and temps of around 14C during the day. It will be really cold to freezing overnight. I did a three day groups safari at the end of May about 7 years ago in Alice and it surprised me just how cold it gets at night. The MacDonnell region is definitely worth a trip. There are several tour groups that do day trips. I went with a small group that does chicken and champagne tours. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Most tours do one side of the MacDonnells (I always forget if it was the East or West MacDonnells). I went with a couple of friends to the other side and found it even more interesting. I think it's because there weren't as many tourists. There is a homestead near this side called Ross River homestead. Nice setting,.
3 - Kings Canyon is definitely worth going to. Most tours will get your there early in the morning for a 3 - 4 hour hike through some amazing scenery. I don't know if you ever saw the film "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert"? Parts of the film were shot in Kings Canyon.
Ayers Rock or Uluru is great. I did the walk around the base of the rock. I think it's a 7km circuit. I loved it because every angle looked so different. Many parts of the rock are considered sacred areas so photography is not allowed, but being there to experience it for yourself is a must.
The group I went with was called Sahara Safaris. I have no idea if they are still operating. We went to Uluru on day 1. Spent the afternoon walking around Katajuta (Olgas) which was well worth doing. Spent the evening at the rock, taking photos as it changes at sunset. Woke up early the next morning to watch the rock at Sunrise. Then drove to Kings Canyon. Woke up early to do the Canyon hike. Then drove back to Alice. We would pick up deadwood from the side of the road for our evening fire. We camped in permanent tented sites. It was really enjoyable, but cold.
4 - Darwin. You could spend a couple of days there. Then, hire a car and go to Litchfield National Park. You can do that in a day. If you have time, go to Kakadu. The rangers are back at that time of year and offer free guided tours on weekends. Kakadu will be such a stark contrast to Alice Springs and surrounds. And it will be warmer weather too.
5 - Go to Port Douglas if you have time. Cairns is ok, but Port Douglas is much nicer. You can do reef trips from Port Douglas. And at that time of the year you will be able to swim in the beautiful beach. The stinging jelly fish won't be a problem.
You should have time to do all those things if you plan it well.
Check with your travel agent if you can buy an internal plane pass. Otherwise check Virginblue.com. They have happy hour at 1pm or 12noon Sydney time. www.jetstar.com also offer cheap flights. The earlier you book the better.
You could spend 4 - 5 days in Syd. Fly to Alice. Do a 3 day tour. Fly to Darwin and spend 6 days there which would include Litchfield, Darwin and Kakadu. Fly to Port Douglas and spend 5 nights there just hanging out. thwo in a couple of days for air travel and you have a 21 day travel agenda.
Feb 20th, 2008, 01:10 AM
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Hi,
Brilliant choice of places I reckon. In Winter go North which is just what you are planning to do.
Yes, it will be cold in the Centre at night. There are some brilliant tours you can do ex Alice or Uluru and ideally pick one that starts in one and finishes in the other, and arrange transport open-jaw likewise.
The only thing is, imho the way to experience the great emptiness is to camp. And that's what many operators do, but it will be cold!
Having said that there are companies who offer accommodated tours. To make best use of your time I would try and find a company that covers all of what you want to do. Most do the big 3 - rock at sunset and/or sunrise; walk round the base; Olgas, Kings Canyon.
Alternatively, just concentrate on Uluru and spend your other days as follows: I day in Alice checking out the Desert Park and the Telegraph Station (and other stuff if you are so minded) and then hire a car are drive the West Macs. Brilliant! There are lots of other possibibilites. I guess what I am trying to say is that everyone goes to Kings Canyon and the Olgas but, but ..
One of the best trips I have ever done in Australia was out to Chambers Pillar. I hope the company still operates, cos they were wonderful. pause .. found them.
http://www.outbackexperience.com.au/
Kakadu/Litchfield - definitely - but do Kakadu with a tour else you'll miss so much.
FNQ - if I had the money I'd go to Lizard Island.
Do lots of research on the best order to visit these places - depending on flight times/prices (if that's important) and dovetailing with organised stuff.
Of the top of my head Sydney - Centre - Top End - FNQ - Sydney probably best.
Cheers.
Brilliant choice of places I reckon. In Winter go North which is just what you are planning to do.
Yes, it will be cold in the Centre at night. There are some brilliant tours you can do ex Alice or Uluru and ideally pick one that starts in one and finishes in the other, and arrange transport open-jaw likewise.
The only thing is, imho the way to experience the great emptiness is to camp. And that's what many operators do, but it will be cold!
Having said that there are companies who offer accommodated tours. To make best use of your time I would try and find a company that covers all of what you want to do. Most do the big 3 - rock at sunset and/or sunrise; walk round the base; Olgas, Kings Canyon.
Alternatively, just concentrate on Uluru and spend your other days as follows: I day in Alice checking out the Desert Park and the Telegraph Station (and other stuff if you are so minded) and then hire a car are drive the West Macs. Brilliant! There are lots of other possibibilites. I guess what I am trying to say is that everyone goes to Kings Canyon and the Olgas but, but ..
One of the best trips I have ever done in Australia was out to Chambers Pillar. I hope the company still operates, cos they were wonderful. pause .. found them.
http://www.outbackexperience.com.au/
Kakadu/Litchfield - definitely - but do Kakadu with a tour else you'll miss so much.
FNQ - if I had the money I'd go to Lizard Island.
Do lots of research on the best order to visit these places - depending on flight times/prices (if that's important) and dovetailing with organised stuff.
Of the top of my head Sydney - Centre - Top End - FNQ - Sydney probably best.
Cheers.
Feb 20th, 2008, 02:39 AM
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You might check the timing of school holidays during that period, as some things may be more crowded then:
http://tinyurl.com/yszfrg
We did an 18-day trip during the same time last year (late June, early July) and considered a lot of the same things. Here's a link to our report, in case it's helpful:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35028342
http://tinyurl.com/yszfrg
We did an 18-day trip during the same time last year (late June, early July) and considered a lot of the same things. Here's a link to our report, in case it's helpful:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35028342
Feb 20th, 2008, 03:05 PM
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Winter is the best time for the Blue Mountains, that's when Sydney locals tend to go: it's the season of open fires and hearty breakfasts. It's a beautiful area for walks of all kinds.
Alice and the MacDonnells will give you a much better sense of the Centre than Uluru. Yulara, the tourist resort at Ulurua, is an isolated bubble, do a search on this forum for previous complaints about the resort.
You already have good suggestions for Alice Springs, the Desert Park is definitely worth a visit. I'd add the Olive Pink Botanical Gardens (her biography is good pre-trip reading, if it's still in print) and the Art Centre, Araluen. They have the best collection of Albert Namatajira paintings in Australia--he is one of the first Aboriginal artists to paint in a Western style.
Also not to be missed Papunya Tula Gallery (Todd St) owned and run by Western Desert artists. If you want to buy Aboriginal art, buy it here where the money is going back to communities.
Alice and the MacDonnells will give you a much better sense of the Centre than Uluru. Yulara, the tourist resort at Ulurua, is an isolated bubble, do a search on this forum for previous complaints about the resort.
You already have good suggestions for Alice Springs, the Desert Park is definitely worth a visit. I'd add the Olive Pink Botanical Gardens (her biography is good pre-trip reading, if it's still in print) and the Art Centre, Araluen. They have the best collection of Albert Namatajira paintings in Australia--he is one of the first Aboriginal artists to paint in a Western style.
Also not to be missed Papunya Tula Gallery (Todd St) owned and run by Western Desert artists. If you want to buy Aboriginal art, buy it here where the money is going back to communities.
Feb 20th, 2008, 03:40 PM
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Travel627,
You mentioned nature so I would spend a couple of days in the Blue Mountains and on the Atherton Tablelands as that is where you will find the greatist diversity of habitats and species.
As the nature is so different from the northern hemispere, make sure you do some homw work and or use a guide to get more out of the experience.
You mentioned nature so I would spend a couple of days in the Blue Mountains and on the Atherton Tablelands as that is where you will find the greatist diversity of habitats and species.
As the nature is so different from the northern hemispere, make sure you do some homw work and or use a guide to get more out of the experience.
Mar 27th, 2008, 05:30 AM
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Travel627~My husband and I absolutely loved our three days in the Tablelands. We stayed in Atherton. We went on several hikes to lovely waterfalls. I have never been to Ireland, but it is what I imagine it to be like. Startlingly lovely green rolls hills for as far your eye can see. It was almost like an optical illusion. I also agree with the previous post on Port Douglas. It is a very charming small town, whereas Cairnes is more of the tourist t shirt shop place. It is very crowded, of course has more night life if that is important to you. It is a typical port town. As far as I know, all of the excursions go out of both places too. We did not care for the Blue Mountains, but other people have suggested we did not take the right approach. We went with a tour company that picked us up in Sydney. Also, they bill it as the "Grand Canyon" of Australia, which it is not. But, so many people really like the Blue Mountains, so perhaps listen to the locals on the best way to visit them.
Mar 27th, 2008, 06:14 PM
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If nature is a priority, I wouldn't stay in Cairns city (plenty of unspoiled areas in immediate surrounds of Cairns) or Port Douglas which has become an overdeveloped tourist town, or part-time home to the out-of-state zillionaires on the hill. Once again, unspoilt areas in its near vicinity.
If you check www.bnbnq.com.au you'll find selection of accommodation in FNQ, much of it with wildlife and rainforest on site, some at beaches, with helpful local operators who'll point you in the right direction for whatever you need. (Kuranda is listed under Cairns as its practically a suburb of Cairns and not really Atherton Tableland) - the rest are listed under their own areas.
If you check www.bnbnq.com.au you'll find selection of accommodation in FNQ, much of it with wildlife and rainforest on site, some at beaches, with helpful local operators who'll point you in the right direction for whatever you need. (Kuranda is listed under Cairns as its practically a suburb of Cairns and not really Atherton Tableland) - the rest are listed under their own areas.
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