February Australia Visit
 

I've read information about visiting Australia in February (great info, thanks) and have a few questions about my itinerary. Some background, I'm in my 30s and traveling alone, everything is flexible. I love the outdoors, exploring and also city life.

I know February is hot but I'm coming from a location thats below freezing for months and I don't mind the heat or humidity. How rainy is rainy? I lived in Hawaii where it rained very hard every afternoon for about an hour so it really didn't damper any activities. If the rain may stop me from being outdoors, I have the option to change to New Zealand.

10 days late February
1 1/2 days in Sydney Land in Sydney 8:00 AM first day
1 1/2 days Port Douglas (one in Daintree, may have a car)
2 days in Cairns (one snorkeling tour with a stinger suit)
3 days unknown, (possibly Ocean Road or Tasmania)
2 days Sydney (one in Blue Mountains)
Leave on the 11th day

Thanks in advance, any suggestions are appreciated.

Rain is possible in Sydney but not all that likely, not until April. It's also not nearly as hot as around Xmas, although one never knows on any given day.

Your trip is very rushed, and costly - going that far in that short a time yields very little reward for your time and trouble getting there. The distances are considerable.

But I can't fault your selection of targets - I love Tassie, go see Port Arthur from Hobart (http://portarthur.org.au), and before you go to Australia, check with your local libraries to get A Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes - a hefty read but it will give you the background you need to understand Australia in the short time you'll have to get acquainted with the country.

In February it is the (very) rainy season in far North Queensland. It could rain non stop for 8 or more hours, there could also be cyclones, a weather event you don't want to experience.

Sydney has lots to offer, as does Tasmania. If you really want a snorkelling experience, a couple hours either north or south of Sydney will have options.

Thanks for the information. I will be flying between areas, and the cost isn't a factor. I really hope to visit the Cairns area, but I will leave my plan flexible. For my other days, any advice for Tasmania vs. Ocean Road?

Tassie vs GOR - that's a toss-up. With limited time, like two days, the GOR is probably better - read up on the route and pick an overnight. Then drive the rest the next morning, maybe to quaint Port Fairy (looks like it sounds...) and turn around, now head back to Melbourne on the faster inland freeway.

Tassie for just two days is almost a joke, you can't really do it justice. Maybe flying into Hobart real early in the day and making the trip to Port Arthur, getting back late, and spending the next day in Hobart and environs, and leaving late in the day. Awfully tight, but maybe better than nothing?