My wife and I spent 18 days in Australia on our first trip there this past October. We went to Sydney, Ayers Rock, and Cairns. We stayed in Woolloomooloo in Sydney and loved the location. We LOVED Sydney, but our favorite thing we did there was the walk from Bondi to Bronte beach - one of the most beautiful walks we have ever taken.

As far as holding a Koala goes, you can do it (while getting your picture taken) in the little tourist down of Kuranda just outside Cairns. We loved Cairns as well - and did an incredible 3 day live-aboard dive trip from there on the GBR.

We were not that fond of Uluru/Ayers Rock. It is not a town, it is a resort owned by one company. The prices were so outrageous that we had a hard time enjoying ourselves. It is cool to see Ayers Rock and the Olgas, but there really isn't much to do besides that.

Hi! Thank you for the responses.

I just booked my ticket for 10 November to 20 November. I'm flying in and out of Sydney.

I do plan on taking day trips or even go to other cities. I've got a lot of research to do. Of course, this forum is full of gems.

Keep the suggestions coming!

TR