2 weeks trip in Australia
 

Hello,

I am a 31 years old girl and I am going to Australia for 2 weeks in November.
I have already the plain tickets bought and some 2 hotels reservations (in Melbourne and Port Douglas). My itinerary is:
- 3 days in Melbourne
- 2,5 days in Tasmania
- 3 days in Sydney
- 2 days in Brisbane
- 5 days in Port douglas

In Tasmania I would like to go to Freycinet Natural Park but I don't know where to go near Brisbane for a relaxing 2 days. Do you have any tips?
Tips for not spending too much money are also welcome :)

Thanks

Sorry, but I think you're taking on too much for so little time. I'd cut out one or even two of your destinations depending on your interests.

15 days and you're covering a distance of 3,800km.

Paris to Tehran (Iran) is a shorter distance!

I think you vastly underestimate the size of Australia. Half your time will be spent in planes.

Cut out the south (Melbourne/Tasmania) and stick to Sydney and Port Douglas. Skip Brisbane - nothing to see there.

not sure about there being nothing to see in Brisbane - we were there for 4 days, albeit some of that was taken up with watching a certain cricket match, [about which 'nuff said] and we enjoyed exploring the town for a day to two [well, it was better than the cricket!]

I would certainly prioritise Sydney, [good for at least 4-5 days] and depending on your interests, Tasmania, Melbourne and PD. But with only 2 weeks, IMO it would be a good idea to pick 3 places and stick to them.

Cut out Brisbane. It's too hard to get around, the traffic is terrible. It's not very interesting.

You already have 5 days in Port Douglas, which is the best part of Queensland anyway for seeing the reef, diving, visiting the daintree and just chilling back

Add the 2 days to your days in Tasmania. It's the best of the south, you can see some nice places there in 5 days.

I wouldn't spend more than those days you planned in Sydney, it's not a very kind place once you have seen the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Hi rrocha
I'd agree with using your Brisbane says in Tasmania, not at all because there is nothing worth seeing in Brisbane; but because you have too much packed into your Itinerary.

Tasmania is a contrast to your other Australian ports, too.

First though, I think you need to have a good look at each of the destinations, either here or on their own websites - or both - to get an idea of what's available that meets your interests.

Sydney is much more than the Harbour Bridge & Opera House. Any number if us here could give you interesting Itineraries for 2,3,5 days or more with ease. But until we know what interests you, it would either be a generic Itinerary like the ones followed by our millions of visitors every year - or something we personally like, but which wouldn't make the best of YOUR trip for YOU.

My other query is whether you will rent a car in Tasmania & for possible side trips from Sydney, Melbourne in Cairns/ Port Douglas.

Just to answer your query about Brisbane though, is spend some time exploring Southbank, take some ferry trips on the river, visit the Art Gallery & Lone Pine animal sanctuary. Some interesting shopping & browsing areas and excellent restaurants, pubs & bistros.

I might take a day trip to Mt Tamborine, & perhaps have a walk around there and/ or drive down to Bangalow along the Gold Coast beaches. Or I might go out to Stradbroke or one of the other islands.

That said, on your schedule, I would drop Brisbane & spend 5-6 days exploring Tasmania.

Hello everybody!
Thanks for all the answers. You are so kind!!

I was trying to do the schedule of everything and I agree with not going to Brisbane and going to Tasmania more days (I think that it will be my favorite place next with the PD)
I bought a Qantas Multicity pack and I don't know how much will I pay to change those flights! If it isn't expensive then I will change my flight to tas-sydney-cairns (I am cutting on one flight!!). So we can relax more in tasmania!

I was thinking of renting a car in Tasmania. I believe in Port Douglas we will have so much activities to do that I don't know if a car will be a good option (I want to go to the water!!!). In Melbourne and Sydney I am not renting a car.
If changing flights is expensive I was thinking of going to Noosa. What do you think?

Am I crazy? :)
Thanks for all the help. I am studying for a big exam in November so I don't have much time to schedule and see everything.

Three destinations for a 2-week trip is exactly right, especially if one of those destinations is Tasmania which deserves a minimum of 5 to 6 days. Do not plan on going to Noosa (and drop either Port Douglas or Melbourne too). Every extra destination you try to include will subtract a half-day of sightseeing due to the time needed to get to/from airports, time spent waiting in airports and time flying.

Here's how I would apportion the time for your trip:

Sydney 4 days (including day trip to Blue Mountains)
Port Douglas 4 -5 days
Tasmania 6 - 7 days

You do not need a rental car in Port Douglas as long as you get accommodations within walking distance of town. (That's not a problem.) However, when you factor in the costs of transport from Cairns to PD and back again and the costs of organized tours (e.g. to Daintree or Mossman), you might find that renting a car for your stay is more cost-effective. You'll just have to do the math. You could also consider renting a car for just a day in PD if you want to do a self-drive tour to Daintree (which we've done a couple of times). Just be sure to book your car a day or two ahead of when you will want it--there's not a large inventory of rental cars in PD.

Finally, I suggest you play around with the various itineraries possible with these destinations. You may find it works out better to start your trip in Port Douglas (taking an internal flight there from Sydney the same day you arrive). PD would be a nice place to get over jetlag!

if you decide not to drive, your hotel in PD will book a transfer from Cairns airport and back for you and there are plenty of trips available but you need to make sure you book a few days in advance as we found that they filled up quickly.

OTOH a car does give you the freedom to move around as you like and the driving is easy.

Thanks for all the input.

I am going to decide this week what to do. Cancelation of flight is 25 dolares per person + the price difference.
But if I only change the dates there is no fee so maybe I would do that and go from Sydney to Cairns with a stop in Brisbane airport in the same day (it's the best I can do without spending more money).
Thanks once again :)

Hi, That sounds like a really cool trip mate! There are so many exciting things you can checkout in Brisbane. You definitely need to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which is said to be the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, cz here you get to cuddle adorable little Koalas! And then if you’re the adventure-loving type, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb will be perfect for you. The climb, which usually takes about 2 hours or so, provides some pretty amazing views as well. Then hop on board a river cruise that will take you along the gorgeous Brisbane River. Located along the southern bank of the Brisbane River is the South Bank and the Cultural Centre which is a great place to chillout. There are so many parks and manmade beaches here. Be sure to visit the Epicurious Garden here, where you can buy yummy, organic seasonal produce. Now when it comes to finding accommodation in Brisbane, its important that you find a place that provides comfortable as well convenient accommodation so you can travel easily within the 2 days that you have. Oaks 212 Margaret is really cool place cz its just about 20 minutes from the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and within easy distance to other places as well. Plus around the hotel you find many cafés, restaurants sprawled around. Look through their best rates guaranteed and you will be able to get a sweet deal. Hope this helped you  Have a nice, safe trip!