I understand that Jan 26 is Australia Day. Do shops, attractions etc close on that day? I am planning to be in either the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley - can anyone advise whether my trip will be affected? <BR> <BR>Many thanks, Pauline.

Australia Day is a public holiday but this should not affect you in the Blue Mountains or the Hunter Valley. Offices, businesses and possibly some shops will be closed but anything tourist orientated will be open for business as usual.

Pauline, you should probably change your plans for this day and head into Sydney. Most Australian cities celebrate Australia Day with huge fireworks display and the one over Sydney Harbour is the most spectacular of all. However if crowds and congestion are not your thing then stick with the Blue Mountains.

I agree with Scott. Find some place to celebrate with the Aussies. They have a good time and it was a fun day to picnic and play. What better way to know the people than celebrate with them.

Be in Sydney for this day. I go there evry year and it is bigger than Anzac day. You'll have a great time and the town will be alive. Big party in Hyde Park. Enjoy. cec

While Sydney is pretty huge it's mainly filled with families and public transport may be hectic as there is also a major rock festival on that day, if you want to escape go to the Hunter Valley for a few days and go on some wonderful vineyard tours and escape the crowds