I've done so much research, but am having trouble pulling it together...taking a last-minute trip to Australia this Tuesday. Really need to relax (although I'll only be there for seven nights). Was going to spend the first night or two at the Sydney HIlton - see the city, get a massage, sample some of their finer drinking establishments. After that, would not mind an amazing beach or two - anywhere specific in Cairns, Queensland? I will be a solo female traveler, 30, and would like to meet people but also not deal too much with major cities, as I'm coming from one in the US. Thanks!

Oh, btw - I can't swim or snorkel, although I do love sitting on the beach under an umbrella!

Hello,

I am not sure I can be much help - but with respect, how do you expect to meet people staying in a Hilton?

You are only 30? And you are staying at the Hilton. And you have left it until the very last minute to ask about what is possible?

On other forums this would be called a troll. But - hey - maybe you are not, and you are coming all this way and don't know what you want to do. I sort of like that.

here's my recco - fly from Sydney to Cairns - stay a night and get out in the morning on a three day two night trip up to Cape Tribulation.

you can check options on Google - just type in "budget tours Cape Tribulation".

Go with Jungle Tours up to Cape Trib - and learn to snorkel.

Having said that, August is winter and the water is cold - be sure to reserve a wetsuit.

Or you could check out Gt Keppel Island, or Magnetic Island.

Or - hey, outside my range - but if you are coming all this way for a week you must have pots of money so how about Lizard Island?

But when push comes to shove I find this post bizarre.

What's so bizarre? I lost my job last week, I got a great last-minute fare and I'm cashing in my Hilton frequent traveller points to stay at a nice hotel to recover from my jet lag, and then moving on from there.

I've read multiple guidebooks and message board posts, but I just wanted some advice from those who have been there about what someone like me might enjoy. Sorry if you found this offensive.

Fuzzylogic,
C'mon--must you so often have a barbed comment?

Matlock,
We just returned from Australia--we stayed at the Sydney Hilton not because we like major hotels but because my husband's sister is a VP there and insisted that we stay there. It's a business hotel,really, and is the typical upscale but not boutique establishment. If you are in the Executive floor and aren't terribly shy, you'll meet people in the Executive lounge--they have the usual breakfast buffet, but they nice part about it is that they have views over the city and, with the sunshine coming in, it's a good way to start the day. Then, in the early evening, they have appetizers and decent wine--you can meet people there as well.

As for Cape Trib., Fuzzylogic is spot on if your goal is primarily to relax and secondarily to meet people. The Cape has fabulous beaches and is isolated--if you are very lucky, you'll have the best stars you've ever seen at night. The water (for us) was warm and we didn't need a wet suit. It's up to your tolerance level. Meeting people there might not be as easy--there's always PK's Jungle Village, which is a backpacker type spot if that's your sort of thing.
That said, we found B&Bs the best way to meet people--but we're not single and have a young child.

Cairns has lots of people and not really a beach (other than an artificial lagoon that lots of people hang out at and sunbathe and gawk and each other.) It would be a better place to meet people, if that's the priority.

It is mind-boggling, all the choices--the biggest issue in Australia is choosing. But there's really no wrong answers--decide your priorities and adjust accordingly.

Have fun and hope this is a wee bit helpful! I don't have the breadth of Australian travel experience like Fuzzylogic, so take all into account...

As for drinking establishments you must wander into the Marble Bar at the Hilton. I have not been into the Hilton since it's renovation but sure they would not touch the Marble Bar. It is originally from an old pub that was on the site.

As for beaches north Queensland maybe the only area warm enough this time of year but does not have the best beaches in Australia.

Another option to Cairns is Airlie Beach, also not a real beach! but loads of young travellers and you can take a boat trip to Whitehaven, now there is a beach!

Showing my age, but I remember the Marble Bar when it was on ground level and part of the old Adams Hotel. It was and is a damn fancy bar, but in those days it charged the standard saloon-bar price for a beer. It's now down one level and more of a yuppie hangout, but still a good place for a drink - and although it's been some years since I last darkened its doors, I assume they still have live jazz some evenings?

There was music last time I went there but not jazz. I wish!! Still a fun atmosphere. Hard to find a venue that has the music I like. I remember going to Rocks Push and being totally intoxicated by the atmosphere many moons ago (now give my age away) though I am sure I was underage at the time. Saw some jazz in the US and can't duplicate the experience here at all anymore. My favourite place in recent times would have to be the Clarendon at Katoomba. Great, if overcrowded, venue.

Sorry to go off topic, another place popular with the younger ones is Est. Bar.

Hi Matlock - don't know if you will still be reading.

Bear with me a mo - but wouldn't you find it strange if someone posted a question like yours four days before they were due to depart to somewhere that is really expensive to get to?

Now if you had given the background in the first place then all would have been clear... (smiley face).

I you want to meet people your age moreorless then I do recommend going budget. So much fun. Jungletours have several accommodation options - check out Cape Trib Beachhouse - it is a bit of a world of its own in that there is nowhere else to go - but there is a range of accommodation - dorms to private chalets - and a nice kaff with a deck. You often have to share a table and I found people really friendly.

The beach is spectacular to look at and its not stinger season so you could swim in the sea. And there are some nice walks to do, and trips too. Though not a good time of year to go out to the reef (but then you are not a snorkler so that's OK!!). However if you ever do find yourself with a chance to try go for it .....

Cape Trib Beachhouse has a web site - just google - and you can get there all inclusive with Jungletours (and other outfits too no doubt). They all usually take in a short Daintree River trip to look for crocs; and a visit to pretty but touristy Mossman Gorge.

Sorry to hear you lost your job - but then maybe it will be the best thing that could have happened. I do hope so.
And have the most fabulous time.