bechan- thanks for your comments on the Lizard Island trip. I have been reading a lot of nice things about that trip. We are really leaning toward that one. We are not spending much time in Cairns, I know, but it is not the best season. That trip sounds really great. Kind of a overview for when we (I hope) come back at the right time of year.

helyslucy- The more we read about Western Australia, the more we want to see. In fact we have now added another 10 days so we can do the Margaret River area and a trip North up the coast to Coral Bay.

Yes, I know, it will be summer while we are there and will be hot. That is OK by us. We have lived in the desert areas of West Texas and New Mexico where temperatures well over 100F are a regular thing. Our current home in the Texas Gulf Coast area sees 100 to 103 with 80+% humidity regularly during the summer(except this year-we have had rain and mid to high 90's, very unusual). Lots of water and an A/C car are the ticket here.

Thanks for the dive info, we have Rottnest Island and Fremantle or on the to do/see list. We are really looking forward to exploring the winerys too!

Thanks so much for the replys.

I vouch with helslucy that it will be hot. In Cairns and Sydney there will be the humidity you’re used to but in Adelaide and Perth it’s a dry 40C heat. Stick with a few Aussie traditions, the beach and a Holden. When you drive order a white Holden commodore for the air conditioning. In SA after seeing the Barossa for two nights and Adelaide (in Adelaide maybe stay at the Grand in Glenelg (a beach with a tram) and the Hills stick to the coast also. I stayed at a nice B&B at Trafalgar Cottage in Port Elliot last weekend next to horseshoe bay. Its a great spot to see the Cockle train, Horse tram to granite island and McLaren vale wines, and would be a great stop before heading too and getting more coast at KI. Just a note Kangaroo Island, oddly is now known more for its Koala population.

Labrat,

Thanks for the auto recommendation. We are lookinng forward to the Adelaide area and Kangarro Island.

I am glad to know the heat in Adelaide and Perth will be on the dry side. That is what we liked about our time in West Texas and New Mex, hot but not so much humidity-much easier to on a body.

Thanks for your imput.

Your itinery looks very exciting and somewhat challenging.

I'd have stayed at Port Douglas ahead of Cairns, as it is far more intimate and picuresque (good range of acommodation, especially if you stay near Macrossan Street, such as at the Hibiscus Gardens Hotel), is the prime kick-off point for the Reef, and an easy drive to the Daintree.

In Adelaide, a good alternative to the Orangrie (excellent, by the way) is St Githa's Garden (won a category in the best garden in Australia award several years ago and it remains good with a gorgeous stone cottage as your accommodation). Both places are about a 20 minute drive into the city of Adelaide - so you'll be some distance out.

The website for St Githa's is: http://www.stgithas.mx.com.au/cott.html

It is operated by a couple I know very well - Sandra and Laurie. Lawrie is a former racing driver and his hobby is restoring classic cars, while Sandra is an exceptional cook.

There is also good range of B&B acommodation in the Barossa Valley and the Southern Vales (both leading Australian wine areas).

If you are planning on hiring a car and visiting Kangaroo Island via the ferry from Cape Jervis, you pass through the Southern Vales, so you could stay there a night or two on your way to the island.

You could also consider staying at Glenelg, on the coast, for a night or two, if you want to be right on the beach and near cafes etc.

In Adelaide you'll find great restaurants in the city in Hutt Street and Gouger Street; Norwood Parade (Norwood), O'Connell Street (North Adelaide), and King William Road (Hyde Park - and also a great place for fashion boutiques).

Feel free to email me if you want any more info.