Best 3 Weeks in OZ Xmas and New Year
 

Hi - can anyone help us. We intend to spend 3 weeks (leaving UK just after Xmas day in order to be in Sydney for New Year's Eve) and just wondered if anyone has any ideas of a suitable itinerary. We want to be in Sydney for New Year's Eve, that is a must. We would like to spend 5/7 days in one location at the Barrier Reef but other than that anything down the east coast can be considered. Without going overboard budget isnt a problem, its for a special wedding anniversary so we want to do it in style.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Tracy

Tracy,
If Lizard Island, lizardisland.au.com is in your budget then give that a go. Or have you considered a live-aboard on the reef. When back in Cairns head up to the Atherton Tablelands for scenery and wildlife. There are a number of lodges which have great little cottages or tree-houses for romantic stays. www.yungaburra.com

If you have not been to Australia before then you might want to head west of the Tablelands to get an outback feel.

At that time of year, southern Australia can be very hot and dry and it can be very humid in the north. Actually, Sydney can be hot and humid too. Cyclones are a chance in the north also.

Get in early for your Sydney new years eve accommodation if you plan to stay at one of the nice hotels in Sydney.

Actually like MissGreen says get in early for Sydney accommodation but not just the nice hotels. We found trying to book even Hostels for Xmas to New Year for our students close to impossible from about mid August. Many hostels have a minimum stay of 7 days and some I discovered today have extended that to 10-14 days. All hostel prices go up beds go from being about $23 in a shared dorm to $48 or so. I just check hostel world and most are showing booked out for 25 Dec -3 Jan.

Thanks for your help. I will definitely check Lizard Island out, we had already looked at Hamilton Island which I think is in the same area in any case.