Lois R.

Hi there, <BR> <BR>we're planning a very special anniversary trip to Australia. <BR> <BR>It's our first time, and of course want to go to Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef (we love the water, animals, and nature, and feel like we would be foolish if we didn't see Sydney, since there is so much to do - definitely want to climb the bride and see Taronga Zoo). <BR> <BR>However, after reading some articles, we really want to go to Western Australia (Perth and Monkey Mia specifically, would like to see Margaret River wine area, Cape Naturaliste, and Rottnest Island as well!) <BR> <BR>Can you tell me if this is a realistic itinerary, and how much time we should spend in each area to see the highlights without feeling incredibly rushed. We have two weeks, maybe two and half weeks maximum. <BR> <BR>Lastly, is something like this going to be very expensive, or do those muti-stop air passes this affordable? <BR> <BR>Thanks so much, and I look forward to your replies. Please reply here, as my e-mail has been down. Thanks again!!

Rhonda

Lois, congratulations on your special anniversary! <BR> <BR>Same ol' question - What time of the year will you be here? Remember our summer is normally wet in Qld (Dec - Mar). <BR> <BR>With only 2 - 2 1/2 weeks I'd do EITHER the east coast OR the west coast, but NOT both. There really isn't enough time. <BR> <BR> <BR>Check out web sites for: <BR>qantas <BR>ansett and <BR>virgin airlines <BR> <BR>They all give great internet flight prices. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip! Any questions I'd be happy to try and find answers for you. <BR> <BR>

Lois R.

Hi Rhonda! <BR> <BR>Thanks so much for your help and kind words! <BR> <BR>My husband just found out that if we go in late June/early July, he will be able to take three weeks. <BR> <BR>However, we can only take two weeks if we go in September. <BR> <BR>What would you suggest? <BR> <BR>I have read that September is the ideal time to go weather wise, so we are thinking that maybe we will go then, and concentrate on the East Coast. <BR> <BR>Oh how I wish I could get to the West Coast though, with all the wonderful nature and wildlife activities, but I just cannot imagine coming all the way there, and not seeing Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef! <BR> <BR>Any other help and advice is so appreciated! <BR> <BR>What would you suggest? Thanks so much!

marg

If you only have two or three weeks, go to one or the other - you really don't have enough time to do both. <BR>Western Australia in September (springtime) is spectacular - the wildflowers are unique and absolutely magnificent. If you want to go to Monkey Mia, bear in mind that it is about 830 km north of Perth - a long drive. If you do drive there, check out the Pinnacles National Park en route. <BR>My recommendation would be to hire a car in Perth, drive north to Kalbarri National Park (about 600 km north of Perth), then return to Perth via New Norcia and York. Keep going south to Margaret River and Cape Naturaliste. Incidentally I understand you can see dolphins at Bunbury (south of Perth). <BR>Spend a few days in Perth so that you can do Rottnest Island, go to Fremantle, visit Kings Park and generally have a look around the city. <BR>On the other hand, June/July is an ideal time to visit Queensland and the reef. Big decision!

Rhonda

If you take 3 weeks in June/July could you spend 2 weeks in W.A. and fly home via Sydney for a few days? You would definately be doing something different as most US tourists would probably only see the east coast. Remember that's our coldest time of the year; you'd need a coat. If you do decide to fly Perth to Sydney, there is a time difference of 3 hours (I think) and a flight time of about 4 hours - there goes a day just travelling! You will, however, appreciate the vastness of this country and, if travelling in daylight, see how different the middle of our country is compared to yours. <BR> <BR>Decisions, decisions. Good luck.

criscollin

Is it Australia cheap or expensive ? what kind of food they have ? eating in restaurant is expensive ?

october_fun

Lois
To save costs you could also check out the wineries in the Hunter Valley from your base in Sydney. Google and you will be able to get information on tours etc from Sydney. If you travel in June/July weather will be pleasant in northern queensland but winter in Sydney so you will need a combination of clothes. If you stay on the east coast you could call into Brisbane and visit Tangalooma resort. They have bottle nosed dolphins who come to the resort each evening to be fed. September is the start of whale watching season too. There are lots of day tours on vessels to watch the humpbacks migrating to the Antarctic. I am trying to think of ways to save you travel time and money but to be able to do some of things that appealed about Western Australia.
Good luck but dont forget to keep asking questions. I did before our recent trip to the States. Google and fodors were my best friend.

Susan7

October-fun I don't think Lois is a member of Fodors anymore--the name is in grey for inactive accounts. The query is from 2001.

october_fun

Susan thanks for that. I usually look at the dates but this time I obviously didnt.

criscollin

Dolphins who come each evening ? My girlfriend would be delighted, so i can't tell her because she would like to go even now

cwn

As an American who has seen a little of areas you are considering plus some you didn't mention...Do Sydney and the West Coast then if time allows go for some time around the GBR.

Western Australia is the best and should not be missed! What we saw of that area was wonderful, some of the best times of the trip.

For a description of what we did and pictures go to:

www.aroundtheworldin132days.blogspot.com

go to the index on the right hand side and click on Jan, We arrived in Sydney on Jan 21 and left Sydney on a cruise ship to GBR Feb 18. The blog is day by day. We spent 6 of our days riding the India Pacific and Ghan instead of flying. Also went to Darwin instead of the Northern part of the West coast.

By flying and renting a car you will be amazed at what you can really do in 2 1/2 to 3 weeks. Also plan on staying 2,3 or 4 days in cottage type places at each stop and branching out from there. Self cateringplaces were cheaper and we saved $$ fixing our own food, lots of places to pick up carry out items made meals simple and very good. With three weeks and a couple of well planned flights you should be able to have a very worthwhile rewarding visit to Sydney, the West coast (at least parts) and the Cairns area.

People tended to discouraged us from all our moving around, but we had a ball and would do it again in a heart beat...in fact I am beginning the plans for another trip down under for 2014. The prices were and seem to still be on par whithwhat we spend in the US.

cwn

Oh, you are lucky to be planning for July or Sept. We were there in Jan-Feb...not ideal, but still not as bad as we thought. The WET in the North was something!

Melnq8

criscollin -

If you're really interested in WA, I suggest you start a new thread of your own, instead of reviving a thread from 2001.

I live in WA and would be happy to help you plan a trip here.

cwn

Hi Melinq8....

I wondered just the other day when I started thinking about our next trip to Australia if you were still in the Perth area.

criscollin....

Do get Meliq8's help on WA. She provided me with wonderful ideas for great and often inexpensive places to stay plus great places to pick up treats from the area and places to eat...and of couse things to see and do!

Melnq8

Yep, still here.

crazyfamilyof4

Hi, not sure where ou are at and sorry if i repeat what is already said. As I live in WA can I just say that it is a VERY big area and you can easily spend 2 weeks here and then a few days in Sydney.

I am yet to go the the GBR - but our beaches are amazing over here no matter where you go and the diving and snorkling even at the local Rotto ...aka Rottnest is sensational!

I love Sydney and fly over pretty much every year but I am yet to go further out then the city . . but I have been to Bondie and Manly and our beaches are much more quiet and just stunning.

If you can come to WA you won't regret it! Happy to help with suggestions . .. a lot of us locals use www.stays.com.au to book our trips away. Good luck!

gmenca2182

Found a lot of information about WA on this website, you just need to be able to understand italian though! http://www.vivereinaustralia.com/curiosita.html