Hello all - am interested in exploring at least one city and then seeing as many animals as possible in their natural habitat. I don't want to drive but I DO NOT want a tour, - I can figure out cities, restos, etc. by myself, but would definitely want and need to hire a knowledgeable guide/driver for other stuff. This is very preliminary, -- haven't even decided on a time of year to travel - at this point I am open to everyone's favorite ideas for a 2-week trip.
Many thanks from a novice,
Jess

Australian animals in the wild can sometimes be elusive. You can't just go for a drive and expect to see them. I have driven between Melbourne and Sydney and Melbourne and Adelaide many times and might have only seen a couple of Kangaroos. You have to know where to find them. I presume you will use a city as a base and as I am a Melbournian I can advise on those areas. Sydneysiders will know their spots. From Melbourne a trip down the Great Ocean Road will ensure you see Kangaroos ( at Anglesea Golf Course) and possibly Koalas between Lorne & Apollo Bay & the 12 Apostles at designated spots. If you go to the Grampians you are sure to see Kangaroos & Koalas in a wonderful native habitat. Go to Phillip Island and you will see Koalas in a sanctuary situation,but as in the wild, and Penguins in their native habitat, with tourist facilities. Healsville sanctuary outside of Melbourne has Kangaroos & Koalas but of course not in the wild. You sometimes need to travel many ks. outside of a city to observe them, so in two weeks a tour is sometimes the best and guaranteed way. Keep your options open as Australia is a vast country!www.visitvictoria.com

Jess,
Sounds like you know ezactly what you want but not where you want it.

I suggest that Carol Probets
E-mail Address(es):
[email protected]

Web Page: http://www.bmbirding.com.au
Might be the guide you are looking for. She is based in the Blue Mountains near Sydney.

In Queensland many of the private guides do not have commercial vehicles but work as step aboard guides. This is due to the department of transport regulations and expense. It is possible for you to hire a car and have them drive it for you. Ellen Terrell, [email protected] is based in the Daintree village and Alan Gillanders, [email protected] is on the Atherton Tablelands and these two will work in together for you if possible.

The replies so far have indeed been helpful - I need some basis on which to begin my research and am beginning to acquire that basis thanks to you.
One possibility for me instead of individual guides might be mini-tours in between city stays. Might be less expensive, too. I do know I don't want to be with the same people for 2 weeks 24/7, eat scheduled meals at scheduled times, etc.

Jess. Your approach sounds reasonable. You will have no trouble finding one or two day tours from the cities to experience the best Australia has to offer.

OK then WHAT do you want to see?
I would think that at any time of year the animals are best seen in and around Cairns or South East Queensland - these two areas have plenty of guides.

First thing to do in planning your trip is to research the dates of the Australia school holidays, which vary from state to state, and avoid travelling during those times. Google "Australia school holidays 2008," or whatever year you plan to go.

Betsy that is brilliant! Much appreciated.
Jess