Amy

My husband and I will be traveling to Australia for 2 full weeks in September / October and flying in and out of Sydney. I am looking for suggestions on what type of itinary I should try to cover. I plan to buy the air pass tickets here but how many places should we plan to go to? Should we go from Sydeny to Carins and drive from there? Or should we go to Brisbane then drive north to the Great Barier reef? I don't want to pack too much in yet I want to see as much as possible. If you have been there or live there -- where are the top place you would pick to see? Also, is it hard to make the air reservations once you are there? Since we already have our travel reservations in and out of Sydney, I figured that the air pass was the best way to go.

Also, is it OK to wait and try to find B&B and other accomodations at the last minute? My sister will be in Sydney attending school by then and we will stay with her there and I didn't want to have a firm itinary.

Thanks in advance for comments!!!!!

Jenny

Amy, if you are only spending 2 weeks here, then I would say definately get the air passes. Don't bother trying to drive even part of it. The distances here between places are huge. The drive from Brisbane to the Barrier Reef is at least one very long day. Make the most of your trip and fly. It would probably be cheaper for you to purchase the air passes before you come over here. You may want to book your accomodation ahead too as the time you are planning to travel is school holidays. New South Wales schools are on holidays from Sept 26 to Ocr 13. Queensland schools are on holidays from Sept 19 to October 6. So if you are planning to go to places like the Barrier Reef, book ahead! The Barrier Reef is definately worth seeing, so if you could get to spend a few days up there, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Danny

Hi, gee to see Australia in 2 weeks is a tough task, my idea would be to fly. Purchase your airpass in USA and you should be able to change you flights around OK except for the couple of days around the start and end of school holidays. If you use Sydney for a base go to see the Blue Mountains approx 1 day, and allow at least 3 days for Sydney. Fly then to Cairns for approx 4 days plenty of accn in all price ranges with plenty of tours to the reef, rainforest etc. You also need to fly to Gold Coast for 3 days very touristish and alot like Orlando only smaller, also other great things to do inland from the coast. For you last few days you have the choice of either Tasmania (Hobart) or Alice Springs, may i recommend Tasmania as it is often overlooked and has a charm all of its own. I havn't even mentioned 99%25 of Australia and 2 weeks is never enuff. I hope that this has been of some help, feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Kristin

I am very interested in traveling to Australia for either two or three weeks. We wanted to spend several days diving in the great barrier reef. Can you tell me the best time of year to do this. Also wanted to see Sydney and the Rainforest. What are these Airpasses that I have heard mentioned and what do they cost (in US dollars)? Can anyone suggest the best place to stay in the Great Barrier Reef area? Thanks in advance for your responses.

Danny

Cairns is the best place to use as a base for any trips to the rainforest or the reef, with the best time of the year being Oct-Nov or April-May. Accn is plentiful and it really depends on your budget, but dont stay 5 star and use the cash to spend more time on the reef or in the Whitsundays. Airpasses are approx a 50%25 saving on the normal AUD cost but speak to your travel agent about costs and conditions.

Robert

Just letting you know...

MELBOURNE IS THE GREATEST CITY... Why have you not added that to your itenery?..

I have lived in 4 states, and I garuntee if you do not come to Melbourne then you honestly are missing out....

I wish you the best with your trip.. And I hope that you have the TIME OF YOUR LIFE....

If you do venture down south then email me.. And I would love to meet up with you....

Take care

Ciao

Armin

Please some suggestions for Melbourne!

greg

Melbourne is a very attractive city. It lacks the spectacular setting of Sydney and it's harbour but has many positive features to compensate. Melbourne is famous for it's wide range of quality dining and entertainment venues, and has recently created an impressive precinct along the Yarra river with cafes etc. And of course our new casino! There are a number of impressive sights to see within a days drive of the city - The Great Ocean Road (spectacular coastal scenery, Wilson's Promontory (coastal National park), Dandenong ranges, Sovereign Hill Ballarat (recreated gold mining community). Melbourne Zoo is recognised as one of the world's best. It all depends on your interests.