My friend and I are visiting Perth for about 8 days then flying to Cairns/Port Douglas for 6 days, to end our trip. We are both in the military stationed in South Korea and can't wait to go. We need some help though on places to stay in Cairns/Port Douglas, we're thinking about hostels, is this a good idea? Also we need to rent a car in Perth, any places for renting to people under 21? Much help would be appreciated.

I would highly recommend Port Douglas over Cairns. It has a great beach, is much smaller and more attractive, has all the necessities, is closer to Mossman Gorge, Daintree, Cape Trib., etc and has a Marina for Reef trips. <BR>Try www.pddt.com.au for accommodation options. Try and get as close to the town as possible. There is a good hostel called the Port O'Call

It's highly unlikely any car hire place in Australia is going to hire a car to anyone under 21. That is the minimum age to hire a car/motor scooter or whatever, in Australia. However, if you would like to try your luck try www.budget.com.au or www.hertz.com.au or www.thrify.com.au to start. Another thought might be to try www.altavista.com.au and do a search on car hire places. The three I have listed are the three biggest ones in Australia. As for accommodation in Cairns/Port Douglas try www.queensland-holidays.com.au they might be able to help with that.

Hi, I have hired a car in Perth and I was 19 at the time. The company was called Rent a Rocket (no joke!). the car was a bomb but it went ok and got me to see plenty of places. I just don't think the main car rentals will do it, but the independent ones certainly do. Just look up the phone book when you get there. <BR> <BR>Regards, <BR>Janine

Thanks everyone, especially Janine, that's some great information on a car rental. Is the price good? Even though it doesn't really matter that much to the two of us. Thanks again for the great information.

Hi again Alan. Price for renting the bomb were cheap from memory (quite a long time ago). I assume you are American stationed in Korea? If so, your American dollar will go very far in Australia right now, so you will think things are cheap when you convert them. I will try and get some info for you regarding flights from Perth to Cairns and let you know at another post. <BR>Hostels are very good places to stay, especially in Cairns and Port Douglas. Sorry can't recommend any but they are always full of travellers and will be more fun for 2 young guys than staying in hotels. Cheaper too. Spend more time in Port Douglas rather than Cairns (more beautiful and more things to do there). Whatever you do under no circumstances do you ever hitchhike!! Will reply again with flight info if able to. Regards, Janine