Australia trip - need advice
 

My husband and I will be traveling to Australia next February for two weeks only (I know it's far in advance, but we had to book tickets as we are using miles). We'll arrive in Sydney on a Sunday and do the usual tourist thing i.e. harbour cruise, bridge walk, The Rocks, city tour, opera house, etc. in no particular order. We'll be staying at a hotel in Darling Harbour, The Four Points Sheraton. Has anyone stayed there? If so, what is your impression? On Wednesday, we're off to Tasmania. Should we fly or take the ferry, Spirit of Tasmania, from Sydney? Has anyone taken the ferry, and it is worth the money? We plan on staying in Hobart for 3 days (taking a side trip to Port Arthur). Any recommendations for a hotel or B&B in Hobart? After Hobart, we would either like to do the Gold Coast or GBR. I vote for the GBR for 4 days as we can stay at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas (Husband has points to use). Take day trip to GBR, day trip to Daintree, etc. Husband also likes the thought of spending time at the Gold Coast, but I don't believe we can fit it all in as we want to relax and enjoy ourselves also. Should we bag Tasmania in favor of GBR and GC? Should we give up on the GC in favor of Tasmania? Is there some other part of the country we should see instead?

Hi, koalagirl!

The ferry would be nice and relaxing, but since your time is limited and you want to cram as much as possible into your day, I think I'd opt for the flight. One of the reasons I am saying this is cost.... since you have plenty of time between now and February, you can watch and wait and "bag" a cheap flight from Sydney to Hobart or Sydney to Launceston. Watch the www.virginblue.com.au site -- in fact, look at it twice daily from now until you leave (you could also check the www.jetstar.com.au site, too). When the sales come -- and prices have recently been as low as $AUD48 for a flight from Sydney to Hobart -- jump in and get your tickets online. Do not delay, however, if the $48 fare comes up again, as these are known to disappear within a few hours.

I would certainly favour the Great Barrier Reef over the Gold Coast! Many people don't agree with me, but I always say that the ugly conglomeration of 1960's motels, 1980's high-rise hotels, US-style theme parks, and crass commercialism (advertising absolutely everywhere) which constitutes the Gold Coast is worth driving an extra 50 km just to avoid. The beach is nice, but there are better beaches elsewhere. The theme parks are okay for kids, but they don't amount to much when compared to, say, Disney World. The Gold Coast will probably look awfully like places you have back home, and don't care for all that much. However, the Reef is quite an experience.

Hi , We spent 5 days in Tasmania in April and greatly enjoyed it. We got a $124./ night deal at the Lenna from the Tourist Office when we arrived. It's quite lovely located at Battery Point. The reservation staff @ Lenna knows the best thai restaurant in Australia.Why waste time on the ferry when you can get there more quickly and probably less expensively by air and have more time in either Sydney or Tassie. I don't believe the trip is like sailing through the Swedish archipeligo, just open sea after you leave the harbour.
We greatly enjoyed climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge at sunset and the Spit to Manly walk.
If you add more time to Tasmania try to get out to Freycinet NP.

We spent time in N Queensland and went out to the Reef. There's tons of stuff to do up there between reef and rainforest and tableland.
Hopefully Pat Woodford of Lilybank B&B fame Cairns will weigh in.

Have fun!

AndrewDavid

Koalagirl,

I don't have much advice for you at this point, but we seem to be planning the same trip you are - or very close to it! We also already booked for next February using miles, and will start in Sydney, head to Tasmania for a few days, and then up to the GBR. That is about as far into the definite planning I've done. Going to the GBR during the wet season makes me a little nervous, but we can't not go, since we probably won't make it back to Australia very soon. I was happy to read the post about checking for cheap flights to Tasmania, as we have not booked that yet.

Happy Planning!!

Hi koala girl and cmack and thanks for the intro, Andrew. Whilst February is not considered the ideal month in the north because of humidity, possibility of tropical downpours and the slight chance a cyclone, it's a very "alive" time for rainforest - as long as there's no cyclone around it can also be marvellous for reef. Sydney and Brisbane can also be humid in February.
koalagirl - as you have your points for Sheraton Mirage, you'd be mad not to take them. It's a pretty flash place with enormous swimming pools, its own golf course and backs onto Four Mile Beach - you won't be able to swim in sea (except in netted area) because of box jelly fish, but the beach is lovely to walk along.

From there you can take a day trips to Cape Tribulation, Atherton Tableland, Mossman Gorge - plenty to do. You're also close to the Rainforest Habitat (have breakfast with the birds if you like) near Port Douglas which is the best nature park in the area.

Flames of the Forest(Theatre of Light) near Port Douglas is an unforgettable dining experience weather permitting. I don't have their website - just do a search for Flames of the Forest Port Douglas Queensland and it'll pop up.

We stayed at a lovely B&B in Battery Point in Hobart called Barton Cottage http://www.interbed.com.au/bartoncottage.htm
Battery Point is an historic part of Hobart that is full of English looking cottages and a few small shops & cafes. It's a 5 min walk to Salamanca Place where there is a terrific Sat market and also the waterfront with restaurants etc. If you would rather a hotel I believe the Hotel Grand Chancellor overlooks the waterfront. Lots more B&Bs on www.babs.com.au
Kay

Forgot to add that I would definitely fly to Tasmania if you only have 2 weeks. The ferry (Spirit of Tasmania) would take up too much time.
Kay

Thank you to everyone for your expert advice. We'll definately fly to Tassie rather than the ferry, and I believe we'll take the GBR over the GC. I know we'll return someday to OZ, as I would like to see Ayers Rock, and the top end. I know that February is frightfully hot that time of year for those sights. Again, thanks to all.

AD
"The reservation staff @ Lenna knows the best thai restaurant in Australia"

They referred you to Longrain in Sydney, all the way from there???? That is considerate of them :P

Sydney chauvanist pig; eat chili and die!
A/D

:o

Koalagirl, you've made the right choices. A trip to Oz without seeing the GBR would be a crime and the Sheraton at Port Douglas is a magnificent hotel.

I'm surprised nobody mentioned how rough the ferry trip to Tassie can be. You can generally recognise the Spirit of Tasmania when it pulls into dock - it's the one with all the chunder down the side :-o

Have a great visit to Oz.

Margo, Is that face the result of too many chilis? Is Longrain where you took Michi?

tongue in cheek,,
A/D

Koalagirl,

Totally agree with the other posters that you should fly to Tassie....I've taken the ferry (and had relatively calm waters, and enjoyed the experience, but then I had time to spare and you don't). Maximize your time in Tassie....there's heaps to see and do.

Also wisely, spend your time in the GBR rather than the Gold Coast (think the Oz version of Miami Beach).

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie & Tasmania Specialist

AD -
I don't recall chili being a problem at Longrain, but when you get to my age, and drink like I do.......

For Thai food lovers, Longrain has the most interesting, innovative food around, since Darley Street Thai went posh, then went!

No-one mentions it much here - and it is in a daggy part of town (walk from Central Station), but eating here is an experience. Although not "local Thai diner" cheap, it's not too expensive, either. :p

I agree with those who said avoid the Gold Coast. Unless you like shopping malls and fast food restaurants, there is nothing there for adults. Kids might enjoy the theme parks, but I was very disappointed and bored. I love Australia, but recommend the Sunset Coast if you don't want to go to the Great Barrier Reef. The area around Noosa and Maleny is lovely. We've visited both the Sunset Coast and the Hinterlands on 2 separate occasions and would love to try it a third time. I wish it were a bit closer to home. Long sigh. . .