Hi, <BR> <BR>I'm planning to go to Australia in August/September 2001 and was wondering what the Skiing is like in New South Wales at that time of year. I'm also curious as to how long it would take to get from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef. <BR> <BR>I haven't decided yet how long I'm intending to stay, as long as possible hopefully. <BR> <BR>Cheers <BR> <BR>Steph <BR>

<BR>How are you planning on travelling from Sydney to the GBR? Airplane is best and takes a couple of hours. <BR> <BR>Of course, it also depends on where you're planinng on going on the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns or farther south?

I've been to a few decent ski fields in Australia's Great Dividing Range: Falls Creek in Victoria; and Thredbo Village and Perisher Blue in NSW. Falls Creek has some great views and a nice base village. I like Thredbo the best, it feels somehow a bit more European. Perisher (just east of Thredbo) is the biggest skifield in Oz, and access to it is interesting - via the 'Skitube'. This is a 6 km-long train tunnel cut through the mountain that will get you to higher altitudes more quickly and safely than the nasty little road.

August/September is the best time to ski in Australia but this does not mean there will be good snow. Depending on your standard and where you are used to skiing (US/Europe etc) you may or may not enjoy this experience. <BR> <BR>All the large resorts (Perisher/Thredbo/Hotham/Falls Creek/Mt Buller) all offer a good range of skiing, however, the first 4 are more reliable. Thredbo has by far the best night life and is also an actual village as opposed to a collection of Chalets and lodges.

I would forget skiing in Australia and go to NZ instead ! You can travel from NZ to the GBR if you like ....