My boyfriend & I are taking our first trip to Australia this month (June 2011). We will be there just shy of 2 weeks and so far have decided on Sydney for the first few days as well as a visit to the Great Barrier Reef at some point as well. We are residents of Hawaii in our mid/late 20s, are quite flexible (don't mind 'roughing it) and are definitely travel warriors- interested in packing in the most adventure in the time we have.

We are trying to decide if we have time for a 3rd destination- and where we might want to go. So far we've considered: Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Kangaroo Island, or Uluru/Alice Springs.

It would be wonderful to see some land roaming wildlife - whether in a natural habitat or otherwise, so that is something we are definitely interested in.

Any suggestions to help decide on a 3rd location - as well as any tips on best-of's, must-dos and must sees in Sydney and the GBR, tips on where to stay, getting around etc. would be very greatly appreciated!!

Thanks in advance & cheers!

Kangaroo Island was the highlight of my 3 months in Australia. I spent 2 days there with a group. Adelaide is a nice calm city too. Enjoy!

I'd include Uluru. Great time to go and you can fly Uluru - Cairns.

If you are in Cairns for the GBR then go to the Atherton Tablelands as that is where the most of the wet tropics endemics are found and lots of other wildlife as well.

Uluru and Kangaroo Island are great destinations but in my opinion require more time than you have.

There are a number of reports on the Atherton TAblelands on this forum, here is one that came up http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...therton-ta.cfm

Definitely give Melbourne a go. Great city with loads to do.. AFL, Great Ocean Road, Penguins, Good Food, Good Shopping, Yarra Valley, Ski Slopes.

Kangaroo Island's beauty will not really be on display in the winter, although a trip to the Barossa if you do head to Adelaide would be a great way to kick back in such a lovely part of Australia.

Hi kristen,

Have a look at this great web site that gives you details of some classic drives through the NT. It gives you a good feel for what you can see and accomplish in 3-5 days and is broken up into 5 different regions, one of which covers Uluru-Alice.

It is relatively cheap to hire a campervan to tour some of these areas. All of these drives can be accomplished with a standard vehicle but it also gives side options, if you wish to hire a 4WD.

http://en.travelnt.com/experience/driving.aspx

Fraiser Island is really fun and a great place to have some adventure!

Melbourne offers wonderful modern Victorian architecture in the world. Different shopping district and cuisines can be found at Federation Square and the New Quay. Come down and enjoy chilling in a simple and modern place.