TravelerKaren

We're stuck on our Blue Mountains visit. We had thought of renting a car and staying one night. But after reading more comments we're now wondering if the hassle of a car is worth it and maybe we just take the train up to Katoomba, spend the first day doing Scenic World's offerings, and some not to strenuous walks, overnight, maybe at Carrington's, then the next day catching up on other sights that can be gotten to without a car, maybe using the the local loop bus, and then return via the train or a river cruise. We even wonder if there's any reason to spend two nights.

Our other option was to use a tour company, like OZ or Blue Diamond, which have mostly day trips, though we were going to check out an overnight option. We tend to like though not doing tours that might limit our ability to spend more time if we like at one spot or another.

On our return we'd stay at SYD airport for an early flight next morning to Cairns.

So we'd like to hear opinions. What would be your recommendations for the Blue Mountains?

Bokhara2

I'd drive.

It's very straight forward, about 90 minutes and infinitely more flexible than either taking public transport or doing a tour. Useful to carry your luggage if you're checking out of your Sydney hotel.

I think one night would probably be sufficient. If you wanted to extend to the Jenolan Caves or out to the Central West ( Orange/ Mudgee), you might add a night.

If you really didn't want to drive from Sydney, you could always do as you suggested & take the train - and rent a car in Katoomba. Or use the local buses. I just like the flexibility of having my own wheels.

I can't comment on tours; I'm a local, haven't done one, so have no first hand knowledge.

The "river cruise" isn't all that convenient if your destination is the airport. It's a catamaran from Parramatta to Circular Quay, part of the Sydney Ferry system.

TravelerKaren

Bokhara2,

Thanks. We're leaning to just one night based on your comments. We also didn't want to complicate the time there by having to worry about the car so we'll look at the local transportation options. Let you know what we decide.

TravelerKaren

I think we are getting closer to finalizing our plans.
Bokara, we've decided to take your advice and rent a car and drive to the Blue Mountains. We do like the freedom of having our own wheels brings. We basically removed Brisbane and added time in Blue Mountains and Daintree/Cape Trib area. We will look into private tour of the Tablelands while in PD too.

Day 1: Arrive Sydney evening (overnight here)
Days 2-5: Sydney
Day 6: P/U car, drive to Blue Mountains & overnight
Day 7: All day in Blue Mountains; drive to Sydney airport hotel late evening; overnight here
Day 8: Fly early am to Cairns - p/u car and drive to PD
Day 9-12: Port Douglas (reef cruise, Kuranda, beach day,tablelands)
Day 13: Drive to Daintree/Cape Trib for 2 nights
Day 14: Daintree/Cape Trib (hiking, horseback riding)
Day 15: Drive to Cairns airport for noon flight to Melbourne thru Brisbane, arrive early evening
Day 16-18: Melbourne (city tour, Phillip Island, Steam Train)
Day 19: P/U car and start GOR drive; overnight Apollo Bay
Day 20: Port Fairy (GOR)
Day 21: Robe (GOR)
Day 22: Victor Harbor (GOR)
Day 23: Drive to Cape Jervis and ferry to Penneshaw KI am; overnight in Kingscote after touring Parandana, Stokes Bay area
Day 24-25: Drive to Flinderchase NP area, tour this area today and tomorrow; overnight in Flinderchase NP these nights?
Day 26: Drive to American River area and overnight in Penneshaw
Day 27: Early ferry back to Cape Jervis, drive north to Hahndorf and surrounding area; arrive Adelaide late afternoon or early evening
Day 28: Adelaide
Day 29: Return car in Adelaide and Fly back to Sydney airport hotel
Day 30: Fly back to US

How does this look? Also, does anyone have experience on Kangaroo Island? Does it make sense for us to move to different part of the island for days 24 & 25 or should we stay in the same hotel the entire time and drive to the different areas each day?
We appreciate your feedback as always.
Karen

Patty

We spent 3 nights on KI and split our stay between 1 night in Penneshaw and 2 nights at Hanson Bay cabins on the western end. I think it makes sense because it does take a while to get from one end to the other. Also we wanted to limit any driving after dark due to the amount of wildlife (I've never seen so much road kill before or since). Make sure your rental car company will allow the car to be taken on the ferry to KI.

TravelerKaren

Patty: How did you like Hanson Bay? We were considering that place. From what I've read we will be able to take the car onto the island but cannot drive after dark. We need to confirm all this with the rental agency first. Did you rent a car on the island take it with you on the ferry?

Patty

We flew from Adelaide to Kingscote and rented a car on the island but had similar restrictions (higher deductible after dark). We really liked Hanson Bay. We stayed in the older cabins which were rustic but had everything you needed and a nice view. We did their nocturnal walk and staying there meant we only had to drive a very short distance from the cabins to where the tour started. We were able to see kangaroos and wallabies on our walks near the cabin.

TravelerKaren

Patty, thanks for your feedback. We'll put Hanson Bay on our short list.

trotsky

Karen- you can see (and cuddle) koalas in Adelaide at Cleland Wildlife Park. Many other native animals up close & able to be approached. Cleland is not far from Adelaide, in the Adelaide foothills. Easily accessable by public transport if you don't wish to drive.

TravelerKaren

Trotsky - thanks for the info - we will definitely put the Cleland Wildlife Park on our places to visit while in Adelaide.