We just recently returned from 3 wks. in Aus. There were 8 of us, including my 76 yr. old mother, 4 adults, and 2 10yr. olds and an 8yr. old. We stayed in apts. on the East Coast, although my husband also flew from Sydney to Melbourne, took the Ghan to Adelaide and eventually ended up at Ayers Rock then flew to Gold Coast to meet us with the rest of us. I am happy to answer any questions that I can. This site and the wonderful people who spend their time answering all these questions were a tremendous help to me in planning our trip and I am happy to make whatever small contribution I can. We had a great trip, which was pretty amazing since we had such a big group traveling.

OK then tell us all about it - warts and all. <BR>Glad to hear you had a nice trip. I guess you were here on the Gold Coast to endure our drought? No matter I guess the sky will open up one day. <BR>Anyway do write a summary of your trip as we would ALL like to hear about it and also that is what helps us to learn more about what people like about what we suggest or what they have found out for themselves. <BR>

Hi Liz! Yes, thanks to you we even took a detour to Tambourine Mtn. Anyhow...I wouldn't know where to begin with a summary because we did SO much. 5 days in Sydney, 6 on Gold Coast, 3 on Sunshine Coast, and 7 in Pt. Douglas. One thing we loved in Sydney is the walk from the spit to Manley. Took us all day and we really enjoyed all the different scenery. Opera House was interesting (not to the kids), they liked Taranga Zoo and the Aquarium best. Stayed at Quay West and had 2 apts. with great views. At Broadbeach, we stayed at Carmel By The Sea. The rooms were large and the view was great, but I wished we had taken Matt's advice and stayed closer to Oasis Center. My husband disagrees with me on this one. We went to the swap meet while we were there (can't remember what it was called-something like Carrawa Market) and I got the kids all their shoes for school--at a fifth of the cost. Then I bought a large duffel bag for $5 to ship it all-can't beat that! The weather was great, the beach was terrific and the kids loved the theme parks, but mostly DreamWorld. I sat that one out and let their Dad take them while I contemplated the world from my spot on the beach. The water was so warm--it was just a great time. In Mooloolaba we stayed at the Landmark which was great the first night but the second night (which coincided with the weekend) the esplanade was very noisy and you could hear screaming, yelling, profanity and car racing. We were rather surprised that law enforcement wasn't more visible since it's obviously a tourist area. The kids really liked Underwater World, and so did we. I think it's very well done. Our only disappointment in lodging came in Pt. Douglas. We stayed at Ridges Reef and I was terribly unimpressed with their villas. I would not stay there again, nor would I recommend them. We took the Armbrust tour-a favorite of everyone's. Also a Daintree River Cruise was fun. We did the reef with Quicksilver. Next time we'll skip the guided snorkel tour. We saw more when we were just snorkeling around the boat. By the way, Liz, thanks so much for the recommendation of Kwells--it worked like a charm for all of us. I can also report to you that after our return from our trip I had some surgery which required a general anesthetic, and usually I am deathly ill from it. The morning of the surgery I took 2 kwells and I had not one minute of post nausea! I brought alot of it home, but I will probably still need to tap my friends in Australia to send me more when I run out!! OK, that's a short summary. We had a glorious time. All the kids loved it, my brother-in-law said it was the best vacation he's ever had, and we all wanted to turn around and go back as soon as the plane landed in LA! We made lifelong friends while there, which is what we will most treasure from the trip, and I can tell you that it all started right here on this website. So, again, I thank you all for all your help and suggestions.

Adrienne, thank you so much for sharing your trip with us all and we certainly will take on board your comments of the not so good things. Carrara Markets are absolutely terrific arn't they - there is absolutely nothing you cannot buy there ( except groceries) and the prices are wonderful. I do as much shopping there as I possibly can. <BR>So next time you come you will have to go to the Whitsundays and perhaps out to Carnarvon Gorge and see some outback life and the beautiful Gorge area.<BR>All the best.... Liz<BR>

What was Quay West Apartments like? Are they kid friendly? Is the location good?

Hi Adrienne~<BR>It sounds like you had a wonderful trip!<BR><BR>Can you tell me what the weather was like in August? I am thinking of planning a trip for next July & August, and I am curious about it being winter there.<BR><BR>Thanks!

Hi Melissa,<BR>Don't worry about winter weather in Australia. It's much more mild than in N. America and Europe! I found Sydney and Adelaide to be very pleasant during the day and nights really weren't too chilly. I was comfortable in a long-sleeved shirt and a light sweatshirt/jumper. On Kangaroo Island and in Melbourne I needed to dress warmer, so bring layers. I also visited Darwin and Kakadu and Port Douglas--I wore shorts and tshirts everyday and a light sweater at night.<BR><BR>You can get weather info for anywhere in the world at weatherchannel.com<BR><BR>Debbie

Did you get to meet Silverchair?

Adrienne,<BR><BR>Where did you stay in Sydney and what did it cost and did it have a kitchen or kitchenette? we are looking for reasonable accommodation in Sydney for a week in August ,2003 and then in Adelaide, Melbourne, the Hunter Valley,& The yarra Valley. We like to prepare our own meals because of allergies.

I will try to answer everyone's questions; hopefully I haven't forgotten them! Joyce and Mary, we loved staying at Quay West in Sydney. It is very pricey, however, but we found it very kid friendly. We decided to splurge in Sydney as far as accommodations because we really wanted the view. Out of our living room window we had a sweeping view of the bridge and the Opera House. We got up every morning to sip tea and coffee and watch the sun rise over the Opera House. The kids loved it. The pool is also really neat for kids. The kitchen was on the small side but fully equipped. The location is great as far as walking to Circular Quay and the Rocks area. However, it cost us more to stay there for 5 nights than the remainder of our 10 nights in Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Great Barrier Reef combined. There are lots of apts. in Sydney and if you are not determined as we were to have a nice view, you can get a nice apt. for a lot less than Quay West. Melissa, I agree that the weather is really not a factor in July and August. Even though it is winter, we found Sydney to be equivalent to San Diego CA, ie, very mild. Never needed more than a sweatshirt. As you head north, you move closer to the equator and therefore it warms up considerably. By the time we reached the Great Barrier Reef at the end of July we were in Tshirts and shorts. OK, TBrown, I give up--who or what is Silverchair??! Our girls were just disappointed they didn't get to see The Crocodile Hunter (Steve Irwin)! Hope this helps!

Enjoyed reading about your trip. I will be going shortly on a cruise/tour. What is kwells and what is it used for?

Kwells are used for motion sickness or any sort. You can get them over the counter at Pharmacies and they cost about $8 Australian ( the last time I bought some) The side effects are minimal and they don't tend to make you drousy.

I'd love more details on Sydney. My husband and I and another couple will be there together for a few days, then the hubbies go off diving and we ladies will be left on our own. Any special don't misses? We're staying at the Quay West also. Was there a washer and dryer in the apartment?