phro1

Hello everyone...

Im plannng a trip to Australia for my Spring Break (end of March and early April). I will be staying in Sydney (NSW area).

Need your help on places to go "local" such as... clubs, bars, festivals, etc.
"Touristee" places I can handle, I want to experience the local places...

thanks in advance

phro

Bokhara

Hi phro 1,
As Sydney's such a diverse place, it would help to know something of you, your interests, where you will be staying and how long you will be here.

As a starter, though, you might like to Google Sydney Tourism for some ideas of what's available.

I did and found the www.thingstodo-sydney.com site.

You will be here in our Autumn, which is a great time weatherwise.

phro1

Thanks B...

Well as far as my interests goes, I definitely would like to experience
...the nightlife (clubs, raves, festivals) where I can meet hot chicks... hehehehehe
... visit the tourist spots
... learn something new, something we don't have here in the US
...probably surf, snorkeling (Great Barrier Reef)... that sort of things.

I planning to stay there for about 2 weeks and I'll be either in Melbourne or in Sydney (which would you suggest..?). Then just travel the coast, NSW area . ( I'll worry about the rest later)

What would you suggest..?

thanks in advance


phro

Bokhara

Sydney & Melbourne both have good club/bar scenes & lots to see & do. As you're here for 2 weeks, perhaps plan 1 in Sydney or Melbourne (google them & get an idea of which appeals to you .)

Then, fly (or take a bus if you want to see the scenery/ towns etc en route)up to Cairns (gateway to the Great Barrier Reef). It's full of young travellers in party mode. There are heaps of scuba/snorkel trips and lots of other things to see & do which would be fun for a young guy on Spring Vacation.

Make friends with your local travel agent & get some brochures & a travel guide that caters for your age group & interests. If you're into surfing, buy a couple of Australian surfing magazines - you'll then have a bit better idea of what's around.

You also need a map so you can get an idea of the distances involved. (We're not called "A Big Country" for nothing! )

24Lisa

If there is only one thing you do (in my opinion) while in Australia, I would say scuba or snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. We are not scuba certified but they offer resort courses where you get to dive with an instructor. I feel we are pretty well traveled and this was one of the highlights of our travels. If you do not want to try scuba diving, snorkeling is also unbelievable.

phro1

Thanks Bokhara and Lisa for your advise. You guys are great.


thanks

phro

Bokhara

I agree with you, Lisa. The water is so clear on the GBR that you can see lots just with a mask & snorkel.. The difference is, of course, the environment, sensation & ease of scuba; even if you only do the resort course. If Phro's interested in learning something new - he couldn't do better than learn to dive in Cairns. I did, nearly 20 years ago and it has been my introduction to a wonderful world of fascinating experiences I could not have even dreamed of. I'd recommend PADI (Pro-Dive ran a good school when I was up there a few years ago.)
Phro, you could, for example do a 5 day course, 2 of which would be in Cairns & the other 3 out on the reef on a boat. That way you get to do heaps of diving, and a few night dives which are really something else, as well as lots of swimming, lolling around in the sun etc. etc.

johhj_au

take the "learn to surf" safari from sydney to byron bay.

then fly up to cairns for a couple of days.

phro1

Thank you so much for these great ideas... How long do you think would be suffice to do this trip ? 2 weeks maybe..?
And also, How reasonable the cost would be ? (I don't want to break the bank too much)


Thanks again,


phro

Bokhara

How long is your "Spring Break"?

phro1

My spring Break only lasts for a week but Im going to extend it for 2 weeks.

Bokhara

Well, Phro, you've more or less answered the time question yourself haven't you? (LOL). You could spend the whole 2 weeks going up to Byron then on to the GBR, or you could spend your first few days in Sydney. Consider flying into Sydney & out of Cairns, for example. Or do the reverse. Not sure of the pricing differences but you might find it's cheaper than backtracking to exit from your port of entry.

As to $'s, I think you probably need to do a bit of research yourself on this as quantifying "Budget", "Cheap" etc is such a subjective thing. Hop onto the web & find some airlines, buses (eg the Surf to Byron thing - that sounds great) ... and see what it will cost, how long the journeys are etc.

Peteralan

At that time of year the Sydney Royal Easter Show should be on. I find it interesting but not sure if it would be too boring for a young dude.

phro1

Thanks again Bokhara for your advice...
I'm definitely going to check out your neck of the woods.

Thanks again for all your help


phro

Bokhara

Peteralan... (completely off-topic) ... what do you think of the "Royal" now it's in the "new" venue?