We are traveling to Australia the first 2 1/2 weeks of August (two adults and 12 and 14 year old girls). Want some ideas about our itinerary (eg what is a "must" to see). We have 3 days in Sydney, then flying to Brisbane. Plan on driving straight to Noosa and staying there for a couple of days with a day trip to Fraser Island. Is one day long enough to see Fraser Isle? We then go back to Brisbane and fly to Townsville. We plan on spending the next 11 days going north to Cairns, Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation (want to snorkel and see the rainforest). We were thinking of heading south to Whitsundays and seeing Airlie beach. Thinking of one or two days sailing the Whitsundays. Then back up to Townsville and on to Sydney and the next day back to Canada. Are we planning too much? Also - what are the risks with respect to sharks and jellyfish at the GBR? Snakes and spiders are also a bit of a concern. Should we check our bed at night and clothes in the morning? Will we run into snakes in the rainforest? I think I've been listening to too many stories!!!! Any info would be appreciated.

Hi Shirley, <BR> <BR>Don't worry about our venomous creatures. It's the wrong time of the year for box jelly fish and sharks are hard to find unless you're scuba diving and the dive operator will be helpful re that danger. If you bush walk making enough stamping noises you'll avoid any snakes except if you're lucky and come across a basking carpet snake (just walk around), but you'll also scare away any other wild life. After rain watch out for leeches. If you stay on well defined trails you'll be fine. As for spiders the redback is hard to find unless you go groping around with bare hands in dark undisturbed places and funnel webs get about mostly at night - so don't walk with bare feet outside in the dark. If worried, always shake your clothing if left on the ground before putting it on again and don't leave shoes outside overnight. If so, stand on shoes before putting your feet in them. I'm sure you won't see anything more nasty than a fly, mosquito or maybe a sandfly(they bite) but in August you should have no problems. <BR> <BR>I wish I could go on your trip with you; it sounds great!

<BR>Fraser Island can be done as a day trip -- although it's a long day. <BR> <BR>How long are you staying in Noosa? <BR> <BR>If you have some spare time on your way in and out of Brisbane, you might consider taking your daughters to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where they can feed the kangaroos and have their picture taken with a koala. <BR> <BR>Your trip sounds fantastic -- have a blast!

Just got back from 15 days in Cairns, Surfer's Paradise (Brisbane) and Sydney with 13 and 16 year old daughters. <BR>What we all agree were don't miss things: <BR>1-the skyrail up to Kuranda, especially the 2 stops for guided tours and displays. We wish we'd done sky rail down as well...the train was boring <BR>2-the tjapakai cultural center. Take time to talk to the performers during their break. also Ernest in the gift shop was very interesting. <BR>3- the butterfly sanctuary in Kuranda <BR>4- Rainforest habitat in Port Douglas <BR>5- 2 hours at the Lone pine sanctuary near brisabne to hold a Koala, see the tasmanian devil, wombat, bats and spiders. <BR>6- the bridge climb in Sydney. It was incredible! My 13 year old and I hate heights and thought we'd be terrified, but it only lasted a few yards! don't miss this! <BR>7- the sydney aquarium, especially if you have lousy weather up north and have to skip the reef (we did). <BR>Have fun. Australia is a great place, and the prices are so great right now that you can splurge a lot.

Hi guys,<BR>All other advice is sound. It is a long way north, I assume you are driving.<BR>Sometimes better to try not to see to much and enjoy what you do see, if you know what I mean.<BR>Airlie beach and Whitsundays will be stunning. It all depends on whether you want rain forest type scenery or you think the girls will enjoy a few more day in paradise. You can hire yachts and go sailing your selves fo afew days very safe. You can go to any of the dozens and dozen of tropical islands.<BR><BR>Its a big country in two plus weeks.<BR><BR>In Sydney take time to walk. Start at the Rocks (original settlement under bridge) go through the Circular Quay (main ferry dock) around to the Opera house , keep going through the botanical gardens following the water around to the opposing point (Mrs Macquaries Chair). The view back to syndey is great, it leisurely and if the weather is nice aloows you to appreciate one of the worlds truly great cities.<BR><BR>Nest time you will have to come south to Melbourne.<BR><BR>Enjoy.

Thanks to everyone for the help. It is great to hear from people that live or have been there. We are looking forward to our visit!

Shirley, <BR>We just returned from Sydney, Melbourne, Palm Cove with kids. The highlight of our trip in the Port Douglas area was a rainforest/outback safari with David Armbrust. He is a small organization - he conducts tours himself, takes only 4 people on each tour, you can do 1/2 day rainforest or full day rainforest/outback tour. EXCELLENT. Check it out at his website www.anhs.com.au You won't regret it.

Jill, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the advice. What made David's tour special? I've checked his website and realize his tours are small and personalized. It seems a little pricey. Did you see or do something spectacular? How far in advance did you book the tour? We wanted to leave things a little open and thought we would like to book as we go (maybe a day or two in advance). <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help. <BR>Shirley

Shirley, <BR>The respect he shows towards the animals and nature is tops. His knowledge of the animals, plants and Australia is extremely informative. It is an extremely relaxing day, tea in the rainforest with the animals, lunch along a river on Mt. Lewis, and afternoon tea along Mitchell River. Lunch was one of the best we had in Australia. If you have a love and respect for nature, you'll love and appreciate his tour. As far as price, we felt it was fair - especially if you figure right now US$ is about 1/2 Aus$. He gives you his undivided attention and answers all questions. His friendly animals come right up to be fed by David and they even follow you along the trail. We booked right before we left without a problem. You may be able to book before leaving - perhaps you could e-mail and check his availability for future dates.

Shirley <BR>we are planning our OZ trip and are interested on sailing for a few days also in the Whitsundays. Do you have an company that you have made arrangements with? How have you gone about researching them? What kind of rates are they quoting you? We have requesting info from www.luxuryyachts.com. It seems very nice, but they are 7 day cruises. Would prefer 3or 4 nights. Would appreciate any info. Thanks

Marcia <BR> <BR>In Jan, we used HB Travel, a travel co and internet center next to a Hog's Breath Cafe (a chain in Australia, don't know if it was actually related to the travel co) and were very happy. <BR> <BR>They were knowledgable and extremely friendly and steered us away from a party atmosphere boat I first asked about to a large, more couples oriented boat (we get seasick, are not big drinkers and were honeymooning). <BR> <BR>We had a queen cabin on the Anaconda III, a 100 foot yacht with 23 passengers, four crew and two divemasters. Sailed for three full days and nights around the Whitsundays. Had a great time, took Dramamine and I think it was $399 AUS per person, which was a normal rate for such a trip. <BR> <BR>Their website is airliebeach.com. You meet at the office and drop your suitcase, and they take you to the boat. Have fun! <BR>Lucian