Hi,

I finally decided on an itinerary for a 2 week trip to Australia from the US at the end of March. I like to meet people and thought the the Ghan would be a place. I also wanted to take in the site and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. Of course, I have to explore Sydney and do the tourist thing.

Fly into Sydney
Fly to Adelaide to catch Ghan
Spend 2 days on Ghan
Arrive at Darwin
Spend 2 days in Darwin
Fly to Cairns
Spend 3 days at Silky Oaks
Explore Daintree
Spend 2 days in Cairns
Explore Greate Barrier Reef
Fly to Sydney
Spend 5 days in Sydney
Explore Sydney
Fly back to US

Your thoughts?

Thanks

IMHO the 4 days on the Ghan and in Darwin are wasting precious time.

Hi, australiabound!

It's a good itinerary, and you will see much of the best of Australia. Adelaide is perhaps the weak link in the chain (it's pleasant, but not memorable), so is this alternative possible?

Fly into Sydney and then to either Darwin or Alice Springs.
Catch the Ghan, but go between Darwin and Alice (or vice-versa).
Then fly to Cairns as suggested. The rest of the itinerary is just fine!

Hi,

Thanks for the suggestions. I will be staying at the Intercontinental in Sydney. Is this a nice hotel?

Thanks

Australiabound, for what it's worth, Melbourne friends who caught the Ghan from Alice Springs to Adelaide told us they wished they'd travelled first class instead of second class. They don't strike us as fussy people, but they said that, in hindsight, they thought the extra fare would have been worth it.

australiabound - If you scroll down the left hand column you will find a post concerning the Intercontinental hotel - which contains some good information for you.

Hi,

Thanks Judy for the advice. I am traveling in Gold Kangaroo class. I wanted to start my trip off with a bang and stay refreshed for a good time in the Great Barrier Reef.

Thanks Prue. I had a choice of the Four Season or the Intercontinential. I have stayed at both hotels in other cities in the past and it was a toss up. They are both good hotels.

Hi,

Well thanks everyone for all your suggestions. I received all my paperwork today and will be heading to Australia on Friday.

I kept the itinerary that I mentioned earlier. I realize that I could spend more time in the Great Barrier Reef or Sydney rather than spending 2 days on the Ghan. I remembered seeing a show call Great Railway Journeys a couple of years ago. It was about the Indian Pacific and it looked interesting. I chose to do the Ghan because it was only 2 days. It will also give me a chance to rest after a 24 hour journey from New York. I never have ridden an overnight train. The longest train ride I have ever been on is Amtrak's Acela from New York to Washington and other commuter rail roads. I thought I would give this a try. Will I like it? Ask me in April.

From what I read, Silky Oaks looks like a nice plavr to stay and use it as sort of a base for the Great Barrier Reef.

The whole idea of this trip is to see different regions of Australia. After a hectic year working, I wanted a nice leisurely trip. Just like the US, you can't see Australia in one trip. I realize that but I just want to sample some of the best regions. It's like someone coming to the US. Many varied opinions.

Well, once again thanks and I look forward to have a great time. One last thing, exchange rate is poor due to decline US dollar. I got some Australia currency today. Like the colors. More vibrant than US currency.

Australiabound

Have a great trip Australiabound!

Enjoy