My daughter will be studying in Sydney from August until Dec 1st. I have cashed in air miles and will fly from JFK, arriving November 24th. I plan to see Sydney and environs (all suggestions welcome) while she finishes her studies, and then we have until our return flight together on December 14th to explore.

I would like to see Melbourne for a couple of days, if possible, go to Alice Springs and Uluru (two or three days enough?) then head to the GBR area. As it will be the second week in December and we have to consider the possible rain, where should we go? Whitsundays? Port Douglas/Daintree? Cruise around the GBR? She is SCUBA certified and I plan to be by the time we go.

The information is so overwhelming. I am accustomed to planning my travel but this seems a daunting task. Thank you to all Down Under !

I'd give Alice Springs a minimum of 2-3 days and then two full days with an overnight for Uluru (that gives you time to walk around Uluru and Kjata Juta). It will be very hot if you go in December, maybe you could go with your daughter in the mid-semester break in September? Most universities in Sydney have a one or two week break about then.

There's lots to see in and do around Alice Springs: Standley Chasm, Hermannsburg, Desert Park, Olive Pink Botanical Gardens, Araluen Cultural Centre, Papunya Tula Art Centre.

The centre is likely to be hot and dry and the north hot and humid but while there is the possibility of heavy rain it is usually a good time to see the reef as the water clarity will be near its maximum.

The Atherton Tablelands is cooler than the coast, has freshwater lakes for swimming and that's where one will find the wildlife unless you take your 'wildlife' in bars.

I studied in Sydney 2 years ago and did a lot of traveling around Australia for very cheap! Melbourne is a great city! There is a lot to do around there but one must see is the Great Ocean Road. I missed it and I have always regretted it! My friends and I stayed in Cairns for about 6 days including a 3 day live aboard trip to the Great Barrier Reef. We went on a boat called the Kangaroo Explorer, its a budget cruise, but we loved it! The staff was great and got to know us personally and you can get plenty of dive or snorkel time with or without instructors. Obviously the staff has changed since then, but we had a great time! The Gold Coast is also really fun! Whitsundays were beautiful of course, but Fraiser Island is also something you should look into if you have time. It has some of the most beautiful lakes and lookouts. I would suggest a 3 day self guided four wheeler trip.

Hope this helps!

Thank you! Keep 'em coming! I am trying to figure out how to apportion our two weeks once we leave Sydney.

Is weather better in Whitsundays or Cairns area for GBR exploration in early December?

I am thinking Sydney to Melbourne, then to Alice/Uluru, then Queensland but am uncertain how to schedule.

L

Make sure to visit Taronga Zoo whilst in Sydney, certainly has the best views of the harbour and not to mention some super cute australian animals.

Other places to visit if you have time would be to get to the top of the harbour bridge - if you cant afford the bridge climb walk you can also climb some stairs and head up the southern pylon for views which are just as great.

Bondi Beach is always a favourite amongst tourists. You can get there by train, bus or even a taxi which really wouldnt cost you that much. Has some beautiful eateries there also if you want to have a bite to eat.

A million different places you could visit, just depends on your interests and where your staying whilst in Sydney!

Make sure to visit Taronga Zoo whilst in Sydney, certainly has the best views of the harbour and not to mention some super cute australian animals.

Other places to visit if you have time would be to get to the top of the harbour bridge - if you cant afford the bridge climb walk you can also climb some stairs and head up the southern pylon for views which are just as great.

Bondi Beach is always a favourite amongst tourists. You can get there by train, bus or even a taxi which really wouldnt cost you that much. Has some beautiful eateries there also if you want to have a bite to eat.

A million different places you could visit, just depends on your interests and where your staying whilst in Sydney!

Thank you... I have a full list of "to-do's" in Sydney and can't wait. I'm rather at sixes and sevens about the remaining two weeks of touring, though. I want to see so much!

Melbourne is a beautiful place however the city itself doesnt offer too much other then great food and fashion. Jump in a car and drive down the Great Ocean Road and check out some small yet beautiful seaside places such as Apollo Bay or Warnabool. You can head to Ballarat where you can step back in time to when the gold rush was around or drive to Wilson's Promentary which is the most southern point on the Australian mainland. Its home to some cold winds, some amazing views and no doubt the chance to see some real australian animals in the wild. Or head to Phillip Island where you can sit on the beach at dusk and watch as the fairy penguins waddle up the beach into the shelter for the night..such a great experience! So much to see and do whatever way you go. Good luck deciding!