DH and I are planning a 2 1/2 week trip to Australia around the beginning of August (2008).

So far we have settled on the following itinerary:

fly into Melbourne 2 days
fly/ferry Tasmania 1-2 days
fly to Sydney 3-4 days
fly or drive to Brisbane 3 days *
fly or drive to GBR 3-4 days

*we are visiting family near Brisbane.

Any advice would be great.

Also, should we take a ferry or fly from Melbourne to Tasmania?

You have only 2.5 weeks so flying would be the way to go EVERYWHERE.
You don't have the time to go to Melbourne and Tasmania 1/ because Melbourne/ Tasmania will be in winter & 2/ it is not leaving any time to do anything in either place anyway. Just to Sydney - Brisbane and the GBR and you still won't have enough time to see very much in any of those places.

Thanks Lizzy F for your quick response.
Hmmm. Maybe we should extend the trip to 21 days. I don't want to fly all that way and not get to see and enjoy as much as possible.

Hi nanabee -

The ferry from Melbourne to Tasmania takes 10 hours (each way). The ferry will drop you in Devonport, which is well over an hour's drive from Cradle Mountain, an hour's drive to Launceston and a three hour drive to Hobart.

By contrast, the flight from Melbourne to Launceston and Hobart is about 45 minutes give or take.

One or two days will give you virtually no time to see a beautiful state that is well worth two weeks alone IMO.

I'm with Lizzy on this - three areas is PLENTY, and I bet you'll still feel rushed and stretched at that.

Thank you Melnq8. The Fodorite's as ususal provide so much good information. We will indeed, save Tasmania for (hopefully) another trip downunder!

I have one other question.
I am considering two hotels others have recommended The Chelsea Guest House and The Russell (both in Sydney). Do you have any knowledge or recommendations between either?

nanabee -

I haven't stayed at either hotel, but the Russell is often mentioned on this site - suggest you do a search or start a new thread to rustle up some more responses.

Have a good trip.