We are flying to Australia the first week of June for 10 days with our 2 teenage daughters( 15 & 18)We are on a buget too. Sydney will be one of our destinations and we do not know where else to go, taking into consideration $ , distance, time. We love adventure and want to do/see things down under that we cannot see elsewhere. Should we go to Melbourne or Brisbane or the outback?Help!!

It will be the middle of winter and seeing that you have teenagers I would head up to the Gold Coast where you can get some good and cheap accommodation and take in some of the hinterland while your children check out the other teenage type activities. There is heaps to do and see and you will all have a great time as the weather will be mild - not cold and it usually does not rain then in Queensland

PS - The air fare special at present from Sydney is about $40Au one way but that won't last but you still should be able to get a good fare.

I agree with Liz, head up to the Gold Coast, you can save money with 4 of you by getting a unit/appartment, most are well equiped and it works out as good value, lots to see and do, do book flights early to get the best deals, always check 'both' Virgin Blue and Qnastas to find the best and DO remember that as fares are one ways you sometimes find the cheapest return by using one one-way and the other on the return. You can also head north to the Sunshine Coast, rent a car for a few days.

At that time of year your 2 best options are the Red Centre or Queensland. The Centre will be very expensive, especially if flying into Ayers Rock. The Gold Coast recommendations are good, but if you can get reasonable fares, try flying further to Cairns. Here you'll get the Rainforest, the Reef, warmer weather and the water will be warm enough to swim.