We are planning to visit Australia next year and would appreciate any input on the "perfect itinerary", "centrally located deluxe hotels", "best time to go", "amount of time needed" (we don't like to rush), etc. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Well! this will have to be in a few stages as we don't know what your interests are. <BR>If, for instance, you were coming in March then I would start in Tasmania and work my way up north. <BR>Tasmania would be lovely at that time and so by the time you got up to the Barrier Reef that too would be pick temperatures and time of year. <BR>I will leave you with this for the moment and hopefully you can let us know what your interests are so that we can more clearly make suggestions - also what time of year you would be coming would be useful. <BR>

So much depends on when you intend to visit. For example, you wouldn't want to visit the far north during their wet season (from now through to March). On the other hand, this is the best time to visit the southern parts of Australia - Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia. The centre (Alice Springs and Ayers Rock) is best visited in our winter time (May to September)- sunny dry days but cold at night. If you want to see Western Australia's wildflowers which are really unique, you should time your visit there for August/September/October. <BR>

Australia is such a huge and diverse country that there's no such time as "the best time to go".... if you have one particular part of Australia in mind, then, of course, that's a different matter; for instance, if you were coming to Sydney, I would recommend April through mid-May or from mid-September to mid-November. I guess the best way to get advice from this site is to make a decision first either about WHAT you want to see, or WHEN you are likely to come. I am probably repeating what has been written above now, but here are a few general guidelines: in summer (from late November to end February) Queensland and the inland are VERY hot, while Tasmania is pleasant. In winter (June through to around mid-August) you would find Tasmania far too cold, but the inland would be great (chilly at night, but bearable by day). Lots of tourists find the insects a problem in the warmer months, especially if you get away from the coast. January is the main school holiday, so large cities (Sydney, certainly) will have lots of holiday activities. So, whenever you come, you're sure to find somewhere that's just perfect, and another place to avoid at all costs!

Gretel,<BR>We were in Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns in July and had PERFECT weather. Look into David Armbrust's Australian Natural History Safari if you get to the Port Douglas area. It is a must see. Very laid back, informative, and enjoyable. Check out his website at anhs.com.au