If you are looking for free Wi-Fi, the major shopping centres, any McDonalds and local libraries are just some of the places that offer free use.

Thanks marg. I can't speak for ann, but we won't often be in towns. I really don't need it every day. We'll hook into it occasionally though. We've often used libraries, but I am guessing we won't hit their opening hours. McDonalds, maybe. I've used Starbucks wifi before, but I'm under the impression that there aren't many SBX in Australia?

I don't want to make too big a deal of it. I really don't want to be available at all times. I figure every 3 or 4 days will be enough. We don't have any family we need to reach in the US, and have no intents of long chats with friends. I just have to have the occasional connection for work as I had to promise to be reachable in order to get 4 weeks off at once.

I think between buying a throwaway and connecting at the occasional wi-fi, that should be enough.

You will find free wifi in Australia is not nearly as widespread as it is overseas. Even in the big cities, it is rare to find. Most of the SBX have closed, apart from 2 or 3 in central Sydney.

i just checked our accommodation in Port Douglas [free wifi] and Brisbane. [wifi, no mention of its being free].

my experience generally is that the more expensive the hotel, the more they charge for wifi.

weird.

Ann, I know, it's a very strange thing that you can get free wi fi at the less expensive hotels and pay dearly at others. I had to upgrade our room in Cairns to get free wifi. Well, I guess it wasn't really free then was it?

Well, I guess it wasn't really free then was it?>>

depends if there were any other benefits from the upgrade, i suppose. our guests get it free, which may say something about us!

Thertin, won't help with Cairns, but quite a bit of free wifi spots in cafes & pubs and on ferries in Sydney.

Agree about the expensive accommodation = expensive wifi in hotels. It's ridiculous. Try negotiating a lower rate. I haven't done it here ( use my own a/c), but had it dropped by more than half in Nepal.

I know Australia isn't Nepal, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

True Bokhara, if you dont' ask, they can't say yes, right?

annhig, in Cairns the upgrade also includes the waterside view. I am always happier looking out at the water, even if the weather is bad. So I upgraded free wifi, water view and balcony, I think free water and such.

I just ordered a stinger suit for the GBR trip. I know they offer them onboard as well, but being short and round I want to be sure I have one my size. Getting very excited!

As you must be as well Ann!

Getting very excited!

As you must be as well Ann!>>

you bet, toucan2. And nervous. This will be the longest we've ever been away and the furthest we've gone by far. we just started packing today - i took DD's expert advice and halved what I'd put in the case - more room for presents!

I know that we will have access to washing machines and dryers for most of our trip so we probably don't need that much in the way of clothes anyway. and the weather forecasts, so far, are good - probably wet and warm or simply hot.

We just had a very nice e-mail from our hotel in Port Douglas giving check-in details and offering help with anything we might need - a nice touch. free wifi, but I'm not sure about the view. but we'll be out most of the time, anyway.

we leave Sunday - what about you?

We leave Dec 6 so have a little over 4 weeks. Not ready to pack just yet. I do have lists everywhere! 4 weeks for us is the longest we have been away as well, and of course in the middle of winter so I am a bit anxious but just doing the best I can to prepare everything, keys to the neighbors and so on.

I am trying to take a lot less in the suitcase as well. I figure, I won't be seeing the same people day after day, so as long as the clothes are clean I'm good to go!

We are used to much more heat than you are, and so that we won't be so worried about. Just the possibility of rain but you can't predict that, darn it.

After our talk here about free wi-fi, I was amused to see that at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, you get free wi-fi. The access code is printed on your receipt apparently.

topping

Thanks Kay!

toucan2 - you may like to know that there is free wifi on the ferries in Sydney - I found this very useful.