Australia 18 day trip advice
Mar 30th, 2013, 05:37 AM
#21
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On a semi-curious note, are there any reactions to the comment in a post on the absence of Brisbane in the itinerary? Our family is planning a 30-day trip and DW and I have a disagreement on Brisbane. The kids would vote it in once they know where the Australia Zoo is!
Mar 30th, 2013, 09:46 AM
#22
kernelguy: I don't think the OP has time to include Brisbane--but with 30 days, you do. I haven't been to Brisbane or the surrounding areas but will be going on my upcoming trip in May. Previous trips took us to Sydney, Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians, and Pt. Douglas as a base for the GBR and points north. We've loved every place we went.
If your kids are animal lovers you might want to check out: www.clandullacottages.com.au. We'll be staying there for three nights as a base to visit Lamington National Park. My "little boy" is 60--and I'm 56 -- and we're both very excited to play with the animals! It's a "farm stay"and you can bottle feed the baby animals; play with kangaroos on the property, and help put the animals to bed.
Afterwards, we'll spend two nights on the Sunshine Coast. Both areas are only a little more than an hour from Brisbane.
If your kids are animal lovers you might want to check out: www.clandullacottages.com.au. We'll be staying there for three nights as a base to visit Lamington National Park. My "little boy" is 60--and I'm 56 -- and we're both very excited to play with the animals! It's a "farm stay"and you can bottle feed the baby animals; play with kangaroos on the property, and help put the animals to bed.
Afterwards, we'll spend two nights on the Sunshine Coast. Both areas are only a little more than an hour from Brisbane.
Apr 7th, 2013, 06:45 AM
#23
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Sounds like a great trip. We are in the process of planning our trip to Australia for next yr and will definitely be bookmarking for reference. Have a wonderful time and look forward to reading your trip report.
Apr 10th, 2013, 04:25 AM
#24
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Not sure why you need to tip the free tour guide well. What are you hoping he will do for you. Most of the hotels have huge displays of available tours. You might find what you want there, although zipping to Town Hall will be fun to see the sights, culture and people of Oz!
I have lived in Sydney area for 5 years... I really enjoyed the Hyde Park Barracks and The Rocks Tour. The Rocks Ghost Tour was fun.
I have lived in Sydney area for 5 years... I really enjoyed the Hyde Park Barracks and The Rocks Tour. The Rocks Ghost Tour was fun.
Apr 15th, 2013, 02:52 AM
#25
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Ha, the "free" tour has no price, but its been made clear they expect a good sized tip.
I've discovered a free tour of bondi beach also, which is really free, but is st 9:00 a.m. Sunday. Might be to early to get over there. Is there any activity on bondie at that hour?
I've discovered a free tour of bondi beach also, which is really free, but is st 9:00 a.m. Sunday. Might be to early to get over there. Is there any activity on bondie at that hour?
Apr 15th, 2013, 05:21 AM
#26
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I can't see exactly when in May you'll be in Sydney but if you're around late May Vivid is really worth some time.
Have a look at the website http://www.vividsydney.com/
Have a look at the website http://www.vividsydney.com/
Apr 17th, 2013, 01:03 AM
#28
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Australians don't tip, except maybe in restaurants, but if you left no tip there wouldn't be a huge problem. Restaurant staff may be on $15-20 an hour. I would say that the tour operators hope that as a North American you'll be suckered in to giving a tip. Aussie wages, even minimum wage is high compared to the US. If money is tight, you could slow down on the tips.
Apr 21st, 2013, 09:46 PM
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Images2: Hope your trip is coming along great. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we are on a 30-day trip and our plans have some common places. We took quite a few tips from your itinerary. After researching some more, I had some comments.
On Uluru sunrise... There seem to be quite a few strong reactions to the new sunrise viewing area at Talinguru Nyakunytjaku. Many people say that the old area is far better and have gone there 'unofficially'. We plan to do the same too.
On Kings Canyon ... We are driving a campervan (actually a motorhome) and are taking the risk with Kings Canyon in spite of the reviews.
On the reef trip... you seem to plan a half-day boat trip from Cape Tribulation. Did you find the trip better than the ones from Port Douglas? This is one large decision that we are yet to make - the number of visits to the reef and the operators we should use. We are staying at Palm Cove for 6 days and should have enough time for the trips and Daintree and Atherton.
Songdoc: Thanks a lot for your suggestions. The farmstay didn't work out due to the size of our group - my father also is in the trip and that makes it 5 people. Would do this later. We ended up doing the flashy thing and staying in one of the highrises on the beach in Surfers' paradise.
Alan: Thanks for your 'insider' tips on the area. Hope you have a good vacation yourself.
On Uluru sunrise... There seem to be quite a few strong reactions to the new sunrise viewing area at Talinguru Nyakunytjaku. Many people say that the old area is far better and have gone there 'unofficially'. We plan to do the same too.
On Kings Canyon ... We are driving a campervan (actually a motorhome) and are taking the risk with Kings Canyon in spite of the reviews.
On the reef trip... you seem to plan a half-day boat trip from Cape Tribulation. Did you find the trip better than the ones from Port Douglas? This is one large decision that we are yet to make - the number of visits to the reef and the operators we should use. We are staying at Palm Cove for 6 days and should have enough time for the trips and Daintree and Atherton.
Songdoc: Thanks a lot for your suggestions. The farmstay didn't work out due to the size of our group - my father also is in the trip and that makes it 5 people. Would do this later. We ended up doing the flashy thing and staying in one of the highrises on the beach in Surfers' paradise.
Alan: Thanks for your 'insider' tips on the area. Hope you have a good vacation yourself.
Apr 27th, 2013, 01:08 PM
#30
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This is a very crowded itinerary, even for someone with huge energy levels. What I see missing is time to take in the local ambience - coffee at circular quay and watching the diverse crowds; strolling around The Rocks and the city area instead of rushing through on the way to another 'sight'.
Taronga Zoo is well worth more than a hour to rush to see the Australian animals, and even though someone posted that Manly is a very ordinary beach (not) the ferry ride and walk along the ocean side of the peninsula is well worth it.
As someone who has lived in both Sydney and Brisbane, I must say Brisbane is a lovely small city with unique buildings and lifestyle. Great food, friendly natives!
A tip to keep the traditional owners of Uluru on side - it has not been known as Ayers Rock for some years; Uluru is its traditional name and it's a sacred site for the Aboriginal owners.
Do enjoy your trip to Australia, and, please, take time to absorb more than 'sights'.
Taronga Zoo is well worth more than a hour to rush to see the Australian animals, and even though someone posted that Manly is a very ordinary beach (not) the ferry ride and walk along the ocean side of the peninsula is well worth it.
As someone who has lived in both Sydney and Brisbane, I must say Brisbane is a lovely small city with unique buildings and lifestyle. Great food, friendly natives!
A tip to keep the traditional owners of Uluru on side - it has not been known as Ayers Rock for some years; Uluru is its traditional name and it's a sacred site for the Aboriginal owners.
Do enjoy your trip to Australia, and, please, take time to absorb more than 'sights'.
Apr 27th, 2013, 02:19 PM
#31
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Hi, images2. Just popping in again to say have a wonderful trip to Australia. Enjoy the diversity of what you are going to do and see. Take lots of photos. I find they keep me going when it's cold and miserable in winter! Hopefully you will have time to post a report when you return.
By the way, did you sort out the Kakadu entry fee? It was $25 each when we were there. You will also be required to pay a park fee for Uluru - can't remember whether that was $15, $20 or $25.
I forgot to add too that the Alice Springs Desert Park is a great place to visit. Lots of wonderful birds close by, the Bird of Prey display is interesting, too, and just walking through and looking at the native flora is worth the visit. We went to Simpson's Gap hoping to see the black-footed wallabies - they were all hiding behind rocks laughing at these silly tourists hoping to see them. Good luck!
We are off in July for 3 months so I have decided a blog is the way to go. Make notes as we travel, update the blog every second or third day, then when I come to write my TA report it's all there. At least that is the theory.
By the way, did you sort out the Kakadu entry fee? It was $25 each when we were there. You will also be required to pay a park fee for Uluru - can't remember whether that was $15, $20 or $25.
I forgot to add too that the Alice Springs Desert Park is a great place to visit. Lots of wonderful birds close by, the Bird of Prey display is interesting, too, and just walking through and looking at the native flora is worth the visit. We went to Simpson's Gap hoping to see the black-footed wallabies - they were all hiding behind rocks laughing at these silly tourists hoping to see them. Good luck!
We are off in July for 3 months so I have decided a blog is the way to go. Make notes as we travel, update the blog every second or third day, then when I come to write my TA report it's all there. At least that is the theory.
Apr 27th, 2013, 02:35 PM
#32
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Thanks so very much everyone. Don't worry, we will stop and smell the roses. I have no plans in the evenings, so just that alone is time to absorb the local atmosphere.
Kernelguy, we haven't taken the reef trip yet, since we are due to leave home this coming Thursday. Maybe you can tell us how your trip goes! We have booked the trip out of Cape Trib already.
Dotty, it looks like we will need to buy passes at Kakadu. I plan on doing it in the next day or two since it says that it's best to do it by email.
We're actually visiting Yellowstone, in Wyoming on our way, so we'll be meandering to the West Coast for the long flight.
Perhaps I'll be able to post some along the way.
Thanks so much everyone for your great help.
Photos, there will be lots!! My passion.
Kernelguy, we haven't taken the reef trip yet, since we are due to leave home this coming Thursday. Maybe you can tell us how your trip goes! We have booked the trip out of Cape Trib already.
Dotty, it looks like we will need to buy passes at Kakadu. I plan on doing it in the next day or two since it says that it's best to do it by email.
We're actually visiting Yellowstone, in Wyoming on our way, so we'll be meandering to the West Coast for the long flight.
Perhaps I'll be able to post some along the way.
Thanks so much everyone for your great help.
Photos, there will be lots!! My passion.
Apr 27th, 2013, 05:16 PM
#34
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Sounds like an amazing trip! My only suggestions would be to agree with the poster who said skip Manly and take the ferry to Watsons Bay instead. And you don't need a tour guide for Bondi, I can't at all think what they could show you that you couldn't find yourself. Just take your time wandering Campbell Pde and ducking into the back streets.
May 11th, 2013, 01:33 AM
#35
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We have arrived in sydney. This is a fantastic city. Flight from l.a. Just fine. We bought weekly mymulti passes then took the 400 bus to the train station. Train went straight to cir quay. Easy.
Zoo is fine, but overpriced. Not excellent. Ferries are a joy. Watson bay far exceeds manly. We skipped the blue mountains today, instead spent 3 hrs. In the botanical gardens. Loved every minute. Met someone who said that was the right choice since they've been doing controlled burns in the mountains and visibility is not great at the moment.
The "free" walking tour of sydney is pretty good, the one of the rocks not so much. We're staying at the Russell hotel, in the rocks, which is in a great location. Not to fond of sharing the bathroom though.
The fish market is really interesting. Loved the outer shops much more than the ones in the enclosed area. Darling harbor much nicer than we expected.
Expect to walk, walk, walk. Things are more spread out than we expected. Outstanding social vibes. We've experienced such friendly people. They stop us and want to share so much info about their city as possible. Very friendly and open.
Rocks art market is full of good things, not junk. Bars are very trendy. Dress up or feel out of place. I arrive in my walking shoes, oh well. Opera kitchen, right at the opera house
Has fantastic night views, fun place for a light dinner and drinks.
Internet connections haven't been to good, but I'll try to post more as we go.
Pick up the free guide at the airport when arriving. There are discount coupons in it.
Biggest shock, 600ml bottle of coke is $4. I refuse to spend that. Woolwoths at town hall train stop is good for food shopping. Albi at Manley ferry area has good prices.
We have one more day in sydney, then flying to cairns.
Zoo is fine, but overpriced. Not excellent. Ferries are a joy. Watson bay far exceeds manly. We skipped the blue mountains today, instead spent 3 hrs. In the botanical gardens. Loved every minute. Met someone who said that was the right choice since they've been doing controlled burns in the mountains and visibility is not great at the moment.
The "free" walking tour of sydney is pretty good, the one of the rocks not so much. We're staying at the Russell hotel, in the rocks, which is in a great location. Not to fond of sharing the bathroom though.
The fish market is really interesting. Loved the outer shops much more than the ones in the enclosed area. Darling harbor much nicer than we expected.
Expect to walk, walk, walk. Things are more spread out than we expected. Outstanding social vibes. We've experienced such friendly people. They stop us and want to share so much info about their city as possible. Very friendly and open.
Rocks art market is full of good things, not junk. Bars are very trendy. Dress up or feel out of place. I arrive in my walking shoes, oh well. Opera kitchen, right at the opera house
Has fantastic night views, fun place for a light dinner and drinks.
Internet connections haven't been to good, but I'll try to post more as we go.
Pick up the free guide at the airport when arriving. There are discount coupons in it.
Biggest shock, 600ml bottle of coke is $4. I refuse to spend that. Woolwoths at town hall train stop is good for food shopping. Albi at Manley ferry area has good prices.
We have one more day in sydney, then flying to cairns.
May 12th, 2013, 02:19 AM
#37
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Thanks so much Bokhara. Do you live in sydney?
Today, after visiting 2 museums, we went to bondi beach. Fantastic beach, and nice park area. Iga grocery store, on a street above the beach, curlewis street, had lunch supplies.
After a couple hours on the beach, we walked to bronte beach. Such a beautiful area, easy walk. We bused to bondi junction and changed buses to bus 333 back to the city.
We couldn't miss a bridge walk so we then found our way up to the bridge to enjoy sunset. 2 days ago, we rounded Dawes point, under the bridge, towards the sunset, and captured stunning photos of the setting sun. Maybe the colors were so deep oranges and reds because of the smoke particles in the sky.
Wish we could stay at leat 2 more days here, but its time to move on.
Today, after visiting 2 museums, we went to bondi beach. Fantastic beach, and nice park area. Iga grocery store, on a street above the beach, curlewis street, had lunch supplies.
After a couple hours on the beach, we walked to bronte beach. Such a beautiful area, easy walk. We bused to bondi junction and changed buses to bus 333 back to the city.
We couldn't miss a bridge walk so we then found our way up to the bridge to enjoy sunset. 2 days ago, we rounded Dawes point, under the bridge, towards the sunset, and captured stunning photos of the setting sun. Maybe the colors were so deep oranges and reds because of the smoke particles in the sky.
Wish we could stay at leat 2 more days here, but its time to move on.
May 12th, 2013, 02:54 PM
#39
Hi Images,
Yes, I'm up on the Northern Beaches. Love that Bondi to Bronte walk. We have some wonderful Harbour walks in & around Sydney.
Glad we're helping you break the Coke habit!
Looking forward to the rest of your trip.
Yes, I'm up on the Northern Beaches. Love that Bondi to Bronte walk. We have some wonderful Harbour walks in & around Sydney.
Glad we're helping you break the Coke habit!
Looking forward to the rest of your trip.
May 13th, 2013, 02:27 AM
#40
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Ha, we've found diet coke in the the grocery stores, larger bottles for more reasonable prices. Need the caffeine...
We traveled back to the airport via train from cq to mascot, then bus 400 again. Waited 15 minutes for the bus, no problem. 3 hour flight to cairnes. Driving south from the airport towards innisfall, (only sign i saw) turned left and easily found the gilles hwy just past gordanville, where we turned off for the tablelands. Before reaching this hwy. there was an iga market, ( at charlotte close exit) where we bought more supplies.
Alan helped with his suggestions for the day. We stopped at the cathedral fig tree, oh my, amazing, then at lake barrine for the rainforest walk. Its so green here, beautiful, and the sounds of birds just wonderful. I took a few great bird pics in this area.
Now we overnight in yungaburra. More friendly people here. Not much open tonight though. Tomorrow we'll explore the tablelands.
We traveled back to the airport via train from cq to mascot, then bus 400 again. Waited 15 minutes for the bus, no problem. 3 hour flight to cairnes. Driving south from the airport towards innisfall, (only sign i saw) turned left and easily found the gilles hwy just past gordanville, where we turned off for the tablelands. Before reaching this hwy. there was an iga market, ( at charlotte close exit) where we bought more supplies.
Alan helped with his suggestions for the day. We stopped at the cathedral fig tree, oh my, amazing, then at lake barrine for the rainforest walk. Its so green here, beautiful, and the sounds of birds just wonderful. I took a few great bird pics in this area.
Now we overnight in yungaburra. More friendly people here. Not much open tonight though. Tomorrow we'll explore the tablelands.
