Folks,<BR><BR>I'll be in Australia for 21 days begining Sept. 1. You can thank the Olympic organizers for that! I am committed to 4 days each in Sydney and Melbourne -- that is all I am sure of at this point. <BR><BR>I thought about spending 2 days in the Blue Mts., 3 days in Canberra, and 2 days driving from Melbourne to Adelaide, then 2 - 3 days in Adelaide. <BR><BR>An alternative to the schedule above is 1 day each in Canberra and the Blue Mts., 2 days in Adelaide (skip the drive), and spend 6 days in Tasmania or New Zealand.<BR><BR>For folks familar with these areas, what would you do? Is there enough to do for 3 days in Canberra and Adelaide? Or is 6 days in New Zealand and Tasmania generally more interesting then extra time in Adelaide/Canberra/Blue Mts?? I am intersted in parks &amp; nature (but NOT in a weeklong bushwalk never see anybody else kind of way), restaurants, art galleries and art museums, rollerblading, biking, and hopefully a little rowing.<BR><BR>Also any comments on restaurants -- I'm really a foodie.<BR><BR>Many thanks for any help. Mary

<BR>I have never been there, but from what I've been told (from people both who live there &amp; tourists), Canberra is a one-day stop, if that. The Blue Mountains are wonderful as is the Great Ocean Road drive between Melbourne &amp; Adelaide. Give yourself at least 3-4 days on the G.O.R.<BR><BR>I've never been to Adelaide, so I can't help you there.<BR><BR>Tasmania is beautiful and pristine, but very isolated and rural.

Mary - <BR><BR>3 days in Canberra sounds like a lot - unless of course you are very interested in learning about the Australian Gov't (I see from your email address that might be a possibility). I found one day was more than enough to fill my needs, and to be honest I wouldn't recommend it at the expense of other cities. I like your idea about spending the 6 extra days in either Tas. or NZ. I think that itinerary will give you a broader view of a beautiful country. I have to drive back &amp; forth from Melb. to Adelaide a few times a year to visit family so I can't be very objective about the drive (I hate it). But, trying to see things thru the eyes of an outsider... maybe I could see where the attraction of seeing the scenery would be appealing....maybe <BR><BR>Again, being un objective.....Melbourne has the best restaurants per sq. meter of any place I have ever lived. If you are a true foodie, I would recommend buying a Good Food Guide (sold at any newsstand/bookstore) for about $10 AUD. I have found them to be quite reliable.<BR><BR>Whatever you do, you will have a great time. Enjoy.

Like the previous notes, 3 days in Canberra is probably too much. <BR> <BR>If you do the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide 2 days is ideal. Make sure you stay in b&b accomodation, and visit the wineries of the Coonawarra. <BR> <BR>Make sure in Melboure to get out of the city and visit the surrounds. <BR> <BR>Coming from Adelaide, I love going to Melbourne, but 4 days is enough. <BR> <BR>If Melbourne thinks it's food is great, Adelaide's is it's equal at 2/3 price. Runle street is the place to go for unbelievable cosmopolitan experience. <BR> <BR>

Skip Canberra altogether; spend the time on the drive from Melbourne to Adelaide via the coast, and taking time while in Adelaide to spend 24 hours in the Barossa Valley.

All other advice is good. I'd skip Canberra and add days anywhere else. You could also go to Cairns/Port Douglas if you are interested in the reef and rainforest. Both are pristine and gorgeous.

We used to live in Adelaide and have returned twice since, going back again in September. Visit Canberra once and thought it was a big yawn, although the archtiecture and landscape of the ACT is interesting. Hardly worth more than a day, IMO. <BR> <BR>Adeleaide is a beautiful, underrated city. The festival center is agreat theatrical/muscial venue. Barossa Valley is worth a trip. Closer by, with great reds is McLaren Vale. <BR> <BR>The Adelaide Hills have lovely views and there are nice old towns outside, such as Hahdorf. <BR> <BR>The Great Ocean Road is an awesome trip. made it once and sitll remember it. Good restaurants, too. <BR> <BR>Also, don't underrate Sydney's attractions. Good restaurants. The Brdige, the Opera House, the Aquarium are all worth a look. <BR> <BR>Hope you enjoy - and perhaps we will see you along the way. <BR> <BR>W8S <BR> <BR> <BR>

Mary, <BR> <BR>As an Adelaideian, I can assure you there is plenty to see in Adelaide. <BR>We have the best winegrowing areas in Australia, and dare I say the world. <BR>Take a day to head south to the McLaren Vale wine region superb food and wine and another day to do the Barossa Valley. Again wonderful food and wine. <BR>Adelaide is renowned one of the best cpaitals in Australia for eating out - cheaply too, I might add. <BR>If you have the chance try to go to Kangaroo Island for the day - well worth the trip. A unique and proably one of the world's best kept travel destinations. <BR>I personally find Canberra, sterile and soulless. It's full of politicians, naturally. The best attraction in Canberra is the War Memorial. <BR>The Blue Mountains are a must see. <BR>Tasmania is worthy of at least 5 days of your time. <BR>You will have a wonderful time. All the best