We just returned from 3 weeks in Australia in celebration of our 40th wedding annniversary, and it was truly a trip of a life time. Without knowing it, all you pros at OZ travelling, answering questions and chit-chatting, helped me immensely with my plan and itinerary, so here is my itinerary without much comment. Glad to answer any questions as they may arrive.

Quantas LAX to SYD arr 7am Wed 6Oct Had arranged for early check in at Quay West Apts. Used to be apts, converted to hotel by Mirvac group. Wow! Harbour view day and night, no neighbors looking in, laundry facs, exc location near Rocks and Circular Quay. Normal tourist stuff for 1st timers. Rocks, Opera tour, harbour tour (Recommend Capt Cook's "Coffee Cruise&quot. Went to Opera Marriage of Figaro, bot tix via internet before leaving home. Shopped QVB and ate at the needle. Ferried out to Watson Bay for lunch at Doyles.

Direct flt to Ayers Rock 10Oct 2 nts at Sails in the Desert. Sound of Silence dinner (if bugs make you squeamish, don't go) was very interesting, esp astronomy. Sunrise tour to Uluru and vistor center small bus with geologist. Same co. sunset to Olgas. A couple short hikes, nothing strenuous. We give high marks for knowledge of geologist/naturalist guides.

Quantas to Cairns 12Oct, rented car, drove to Silky Oaks on the Mossman River. We can't say enough about this oft listed luxury lodge. Treehouse unit is very private, and the dinners rival 5 star restaurants anywhere in the world. Rainforest tour through Silky Oaks by Ian in van of about 8 people. Ferry the Daintree, rainforest walk, Cape Trib, Myall beach walk, barbie lunch, boat ride on the Daintree.

15Oct boarded Coral Princess II for 4 nte GBR cruise Cairns to Cairns, with stops in Cooktown, Lizard Island and Ribbon Reefs for some of the best snorkeling we have ever done. Boat has only 20 cabins. Food very good. On board marine biologist Lisa was an absolute encyclopedia of knowledge, and constantly available.

Then 3 nts Heron Island after nasty flight from Cairns for overnight in Gladstone during intense t-storms. Heron Island is not for everyone, what with 70,000 nesting noddy terns in residence, but we loved it. After a bit of unpleasant weather, finally got in some very good if a little rough snorkeling.

Glad you Queenslanders finally got some rain, but I'm afraid I favor James Boags over your XXXX.

Home through Brisbane overnight direct to LAX, missing one bag, but knowing (or perhaps wishing) it is on the way to us.

We loved Australia, met many wonderful people from all over the world. Australians were friendly to us everywhere we went. Restaurants, airports, boats, buses: every where. Some one bot us one of those pictures they take of you while dining up in the needle.

We love you, Australia. My wife loves Sydney, I'm partial to North Qlnd. But it was fun everywhere we went.

It may take a day or two to answer any questions, but I will check in once in a while. Thanks a bunch everybody. You sure helped me.

BillJ..glad you enjoyed our country and thanks for the feedback. On our visit to the States we found people everywhere were unbelievably friendly and helpful so Im glad you found the same here ! Cheers !

Billj
Thanks for your report - I'm glad you enjoyed your time in our country.

And your next trip here is.......???

Is the needle centrepoint?

Great to hear you had a great time. It has been raining in Sydney recently (at last) luckly for you seems you missed it.

Ooops! It is of course the Sydney Tower I was talking about. Instead of looking it up, in my haste, I referred to it as if it was the Seattle landmark of similar nature. So sorry.