We're thinking about an August Oz trip with our two boys, 11 & 14 -

Sydney - 2 nights
Darwin - 5 nights/include Kakadu or Litchfield safari
GBR - 5 nights (Port Douglas?)

Also interested in Uluru, but don't want to move around too much. We like to settle in and get to know a place. That said, should we save the GBR for a warmer time and concentrate just on the NT?

Would appreciate:
- accomodation recommendations in Darwin
- GBR hotel (Port Douglas or Cape Tribulation)
- best 2-day Kakadu safari

We like low-rise rustic elegance/charming places with opportunities for the kids to interact with other travelers.

Hi there
Don't try to put too many destinations into your itinerary. You will find out that there are so many things to see at the different places, you don't want to miss out. Rather come back another time and do the other states/areas.
If you go to Uluru, you also want to see the Olgas and Kings Canyon, you should have at least 3 days there. Another great area are the Western McDonnell Ranges, but you will need even more time to see things there.
Port Douglas is a great place to stay and use as a base to explore the different surrounding areas. There are tons of hotels/apartments and resorts, you can find most here:
http://www.accomportdouglas.com.au/h...ommodation.htm

I would recommend to check online, with travel agents and direct with the hotel/apartments. See where you can get the best rates.
Yes, the water out on the reef will be a little "colder" (around 25-27C) compared to around 30C in Summer. But you will still enjoy it. After all, 25-27C is not bad. You can always wear a wet suit (available on the boats).
Remember to visit the Daintree Nationalpark, Kuranda and some of the animal parks in and around Port Douglas.
If you want to get more information and links to tour operators, just visit
www.wonderfulaustralia.com

Hope this will help

We went to Darwin when my kids were the same ages as yours and we did both Kakadu and Litchfield. They both much preferred Litchfield over Kakadu. At Litchfield we were able to swim in a beautiful natural pool with waterfalls and see some incredible termite mounds. At Kakadu, we did the Yellow River cruise (crowded boat!!!) and hiked to see some Aboriginal drawings (interesting, but quite hot in August).
We stayed at the Parap Village Apartments which were moderately-priced and just fine for our family. The only disadvantage is that we had to drive into Darwin, but it was a short drive. This time we are staying at the Cullen Bay Apartments which should be more convenient. Be sure to go to Aquascene to feed the fish in Darwin.
In Port Douglas, we have stayed in 3 different apartments--Rydges Reef (expensive, but nice), Quest (moderate and close to beach), and At the Mango Tree (moderate, nicer than Quest, closer to beach and closer to PD). It will be plenty warm in PD even in August. Be sure to take the kids to the "Breakfast with the Birds" at the Rainforest Habitat in PD. They will love all the animals! Also, I can highly recommend Wavelength for a snorkeling trip to the reef. They carry only 20-30 passengers, so your boys will not get lost in the shuffle.

thanks for your help, myaustralia nd longhorn. longhorn, did you do you syndney on the same trip? how much time did you spend in each place?

Hi crosscheck, I am a Southern aussie but travel reasonably often to Darwin.
The Saville Park Suites Hotel is not low rise but excellently placed on the Esplanade overlooking the azure seas and palm trees (I can see them from my balcony now!) The advantage for you is that as well as the standard hotel room, they also have one and two bedroom (very roomy) apartments with kitchen facilities. They are extremely close to the centre of town near supermarkets etc and right next to where the tour buses go out to kakadu and litchfield etc. Probably not your cheapest option and probably not described as "charming" but clean, great location, and spacious.
(Having said all of that, there is an in house restaurant and plenty of others nearby if you want to interact with others!)

Hi Crosscheck! We were living in Australia at the time that we made the various trips to Darwin, Kakadu and Port Douglas so they were done over a period of years. That being said, we are going back in August too and are doing a similar trip to what you are doing. We will be in Port Douglas for 5 days, Darwin/Katherine for 6 days, Sydney 2 days and Canberra 5 days. (We used to live in Canberra and love it, so we have to go back and visit old friends and old haunts.) Anyway, I think you have a great plan for your Australian vacation. Some folks may think you aren't spending enough time in Sydney, but while it is a beautiful, charming city, it is still a city. I think you and your family will get much more out of Australia by going to the Reef and Northern Territory. Have a wonderful time and let me know if you have any more questions!