Sydney/Cairns/Daintree/GBR; and Kakadu?
Jul 4th, 2004, 09:41 AM
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Sydney/Cairns/Daintree/GBR; and Kakadu?
My sister (who has never traveled abroad) and I will be visiting Australia in late September. Her daughter (my niece) is spending a semester in Cairns, so Cairns and surrounds is our primary destination. We'll also spend time in Sydney.
My dilemma is trying to decide if a side trip to Kakadu is the best use of our time. My travel agent has suggested flying from Cairns to Darwin and then spending 2 nights at Cooinda Lodge; return to Darwin and fly on to Sydney.
Of all the places we'll go, Kakadu is the one I haven't visited previously and I'm not sure if I am pursuing the Kakadu option for my own pleasure. I know Kakadu is a fabulous destination. I just don't know if spending the time to get to Darwin and on to Kakadu is the right thing to do on this limited 15-day trip.
(The travel agent also floated the idea of Uluru plus Kakadu, but I think it has to be one of the two to prevent too much flying around. Since I've seen Uluru, my inclination is Kakadu.)
My niece will have a week between classes to spend with my sister and me and that's the week we are thinking of Kakadu and on to Sydney. If we dropped Kakadu, we obviously could spend more time in Sydney, and visit other places in FNQ that my niece might not otherwise get to see.
So, any advice on including Kakadu with the Cairns/GBR/Daintree and Sydney trip would be most gratefully accepted.
Many thanks in advance.
My dilemma is trying to decide if a side trip to Kakadu is the best use of our time. My travel agent has suggested flying from Cairns to Darwin and then spending 2 nights at Cooinda Lodge; return to Darwin and fly on to Sydney.
Of all the places we'll go, Kakadu is the one I haven't visited previously and I'm not sure if I am pursuing the Kakadu option for my own pleasure. I know Kakadu is a fabulous destination. I just don't know if spending the time to get to Darwin and on to Kakadu is the right thing to do on this limited 15-day trip.
(The travel agent also floated the idea of Uluru plus Kakadu, but I think it has to be one of the two to prevent too much flying around. Since I've seen Uluru, my inclination is Kakadu.)
My niece will have a week between classes to spend with my sister and me and that's the week we are thinking of Kakadu and on to Sydney. If we dropped Kakadu, we obviously could spend more time in Sydney, and visit other places in FNQ that my niece might not otherwise get to see.
So, any advice on including Kakadu with the Cairns/GBR/Daintree and Sydney trip would be most gratefully accepted.
Many thanks in advance.
Jul 4th, 2004, 05:50 PM
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Dear jksatt,
Kakadu/Arnhemland was one of the highlights of our recent 5 weeks down under (despite the skepticism of Aussies hadn't been there!), however 5 full days on the ground wasn't nearly enough. I'd save the Top End for a visit when you have more time.
AndrewDavid
Kakadu/Arnhemland was one of the highlights of our recent 5 weeks down under (despite the skepticism of Aussies hadn't been there!), however 5 full days on the ground wasn't nearly enough. I'd save the Top End for a visit when you have more time.
AndrewDavid
Jul 12th, 2004, 04:34 PM
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I say forget Sydney and enjoy the north. Although that is a city girl talking. I really wasn't impressed with Sydney and loved The GBR/Daintree soo much. The outdoors was fantastic. I didn't make it to Kakadu, although I very much wanted to, but we chose Uluru instead, which was wonderful as well.
One factor for Uluru/Daintree is whether or not the bugs will be out at this time. When we went in August they were not a problem, but we were warned they got bad at certain times, for which I can't remember.
Daintree/GBR can be done in 4-5nights.. 1 day Daintree, 2 days GBR. I recommend staying in Port Douglas or PalmCove, better jumping off point for then Cairns. Cairns was another icky city, nothing to really see. Uluru is easily done in 2 nights. Then the rest of your time around Kakadu/Darwin and still fit in Sydney.
We did a circle of Syd>Adelaide>KI>Uluru>Palm Cove>Syd in 14 days. Either way you will have fun!
One factor for Uluru/Daintree is whether or not the bugs will be out at this time. When we went in August they were not a problem, but we were warned they got bad at certain times, for which I can't remember.
Daintree/GBR can be done in 4-5nights.. 1 day Daintree, 2 days GBR. I recommend staying in Port Douglas or PalmCove, better jumping off point for then Cairns. Cairns was another icky city, nothing to really see. Uluru is easily done in 2 nights. Then the rest of your time around Kakadu/Darwin and still fit in Sydney.
We did a circle of Syd>Adelaide>KI>Uluru>Palm Cove>Syd in 14 days. Either way you will have fun!
Jul 12th, 2004, 07:52 PM
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The nice thing about the flies at Uluru is you get to buy these cool nets to hang over your face and everyone you pass on the trail looks at you like you've just escaped from an asylum but you have the last laugh because they have bugs up their nostrils!
A/D
A/D
Jul 13th, 2004, 07:02 PM
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Jksatt,
I'd have to disagree with my fellow travel agent about taking a "side trip" to Kakadu and spending 2 nights at Cooinda (although a fine lodge to stay at).
Considering the distance, money and time involved, it's really a stretch for you on this trip, and I don't think you can do the area justice in such a short timeframe. Save it for another trip.
There's heaps to do in both Sydney and the Cairns /GBR area and I'd suggest that you spend your extra time in one of those areas, or split it to your best advantage.
Hope this is helpful!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
I'd have to disagree with my fellow travel agent about taking a "side trip" to Kakadu and spending 2 nights at Cooinda (although a fine lodge to stay at).
Considering the distance, money and time involved, it's really a stretch for you on this trip, and I don't think you can do the area justice in such a short timeframe. Save it for another trip.
There's heaps to do in both Sydney and the Cairns /GBR area and I'd suggest that you spend your extra time in one of those areas, or split it to your best advantage.
Hope this is helpful!
Regards,
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
Jul 15th, 2004, 03:27 AM
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To AndrewDavid:
You really made me laugh outloud! Thanks for you insight into the friendly flies of Uluru. I recall seeing folks with hats with corks hanging down from the brim on strings. I thought those folks had a crazy sense of humor UNTIL I got to the outback. Then I realized why they wore those silly corks! I had more flies than I can count, crawling on the INSIDE of my sunglasses! UGH
I'll be in Uluru in about a month and will remember the experience and do something about it this time!
Thanks for the laugh.
jksatt:
I personally loved Kakadu and thought it was a highlight of my first trip to OZ a number of years ago. The resort shaped like a crocodile was under construction at that time. (boy, does that date me) We had about 4 days in the area though, not just 2. Bit of a stretch to do in just 2.
Carol
You really made me laugh outloud! Thanks for you insight into the friendly flies of Uluru. I recall seeing folks with hats with corks hanging down from the brim on strings. I thought those folks had a crazy sense of humor UNTIL I got to the outback. Then I realized why they wore those silly corks! I had more flies than I can count, crawling on the INSIDE of my sunglasses! UGH
I'll be in Uluru in about a month and will remember the experience and do something about it this time!
Thanks for the laugh.
jksatt:
I personally loved Kakadu and thought it was a highlight of my first trip to OZ a number of years ago. The resort shaped like a crocodile was under construction at that time. (boy, does that date me) We had about 4 days in the area though, not just 2. Bit of a stretch to do in just 2.
Carol
