I would like to travel to Australia next year for 10days, could you tell me when is the best season and where should I go? how much should I pay for an economic travel during staying at there for 10 days per person? <BR> <BR>Thank you <BR> <BR>Holly

australia is a very large country. The best weather for northern australia is may to october when it is warm and less humid. For Sydney, melbourne, perth best time is Oct - march. Cost depends on your currency.At moment $A1 is worth US$0.60. Have a ball. <BR>

Depending which seasons you like best of the 4, australia is good all year round. It has a vast amount of scenery from beaches, rainforest, desert <BR>mountains etc.., a 5 day tour of the Flinders Ranges in September / October is great, as that is when all the wild flowers are out, similar in Western Australia at that time. Of course do not forget alice springs and ayers rock, another must see. <BR>All depends on your budget and what you enjoy!!! <BR>if you require any further details please do not hesitate to contact me on my email, as i have travelled over the majority of the country by car. <BR>

Jay, <BR>Looking to travel to Australia for 5 weeks in feb and march of 99. Flying into Sydney, and was wondering what about cost of lodging, food, and car rental. Not looking for anything fancy. A good bed and a clean room will do. <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help!!! <BR>jennifer

Hi there! I heard that between sep18 and oct12, <BR>Australia is packed with tourist and most of <BR>all sutdents that are on vacations. <BR>Prices are higher than usual and accomodation is <BR>more difficult to find. Can you tell me if that is <BR>true? <BR>Also , since I'm planning a trip for the end september flying into Sydney, and usually travel cheaply. I wanted to know if camping is safe... <BR>sorry for beeing such a girlie but Australia is <BR>the country where the insects are the biggest! <BR>Pls reply to these topics and any other. I'd <BR>appreciate any comment. Bye Nathalie <BR> <BR>

Nathalie, for 1998 spring school holidays are from Sept. 19 through Oct. 4. Many festivals, etc. seem to be planned to take into account the school holidays. Also, I know leaving from the U.S. to Australia after August 31st increases one-way air fare by US$250 with United. (That's one reason we are leaving for Australia the latter part of August.) <BR> <BR>Likwise, New Zealand school holidays begin Sep. 26 and end October 11 for 1998. Life is a compromise, as we will leave NZ on the first of October. <BR> <BR>Sorry, but I can't help you on the camping issue. I do know, that staying in B&B's is cheaper than staying at hotels, lodges, etc. <BR> <BR>Richard

I am planning a trip to Australia for a Medical conference on Lindeman island for a part of my planned vaction from Oct 24-31,1998. Any thoughts about the region and any "must see" sites as well as <BR>a possible second Australian destination.

The best way to pick a time is to choose where you want to go, and then avoid the less pleasant seasons. This means staying out of the far northern areas (Northern Territory, Far North Queensland, North of Western Australia) from about November to about March. This is the monsoon season, or the build up to it, which is worse. You really can't do much sightseeing in over the top humidity, very high temperatures and constant tropical rain. Avoid Central Australia from November to April, when it is extremely hot. <BR>In the more temperate areas,like Victoria, NSW, South Australia and Tasmania, it's best to avoid winter, say June to end of August, though by the standards of many countries like UK, Canada and the North of USA, we don't have very cold winters - no snow, for example, except in the mountains. But the daylight hours are short, which means you can't pack as much sightseeing into each day. <BR> <BR>The main Australian school and university summer break is December, January and early February, and things can get very crowded and booked out then, especially at the beach. There are also three other two week breaks for schools, generally around Easter in June or July and end of September.

Simple advice would be: <BR>Stay out of the Northern areas of Oz in Summer, stay out of the Southern areas of Oz in winter. Like most countries normally the best and most comfortable time to travel is as the seasons are changing. Spring is just a fabulous time in most of Oz (Oct-Dec) and Autumn/Fall (March-May) creates a similiar feeling. As to the cost the reality is that you can do it very cheap or very expensive - the advantage that most travellers have coming to Oz is the exchange rate. Camping is very safe and a major activity of a lot of Australians, you just need to be sensible as you would at home. Don't worry about the bugs - it will be more dangerous being in a duty free shop!

My favourite place to be in Victoria is the Grampians National Park. You have everything here that you could want in a short visit to Australia especially the wildlife! It isn't unusual to see kangaroos and koalas in the caravan park there! The kangaroos have come to nibble on my tent ropes during the night! Roos are best seen early in the morning when all is quiet whilst you can usually find koalas sleeping in trees during the day - they growl at night which is quite funny. <BR> <BR>I have been to the Grampians many times and I suggest you avoid it during public or school holidays as it is usually booked out in advance. <BR> <BR>For budget accommodation I suggest the caravan park at the foot of the hills and across the road from the cute shops 'Grampians Caravan Park'. You can pitch your own tent or get an on-site van. <BR> <BR>If you love the thought of walking up mountains through beautiful scenery amongst the wildlife to check out the gorgeous view, I suggest this! <BR> <BR>P.S. The Great Ocean Road would have to <BR>come in close second. It makes for a lovely drive along the coast during summer with some wonderful beaches and views. <BR> <BR>If you want anymore info let me know...have a wonderful time! <BR> <BR>from Bendigo, Victoria <BR>