Top 10 things to see in Australia
 

We're planning a trip to Australia and I'm looking for some advice. I'd like to make the absolute most of this trip because I don't know when or if I'll ever get back there. I'm looking forward to hearing any ideas you have!
- What is the best time of year to go. I don't like rain, and a moderate temperature is preferred
- What are the best tour companies offering luxury tours to the area?
- What are you favorite things to see in Australia?
- What should we avoid? I think I'd like to do as little hiking as possible.

Thank you for your help. Much appreciated!

Northern Territory
Darwin; Kakadu - Aboriginal art, fantastic rock formations, Yellow Waters cruises for birds and sheer pleasure, lots of easy walks, lots of bird places if you are interested, waterfalls; Litchfield National Park - magnetic termite mounds, waterfalls, historic mining site; Alice Springs - Telegraph Station, Desert Park - a must in my book, Reptile Centre, Chambers Pillar, Rainbow Valley, East and West MacDonnells both take at least a day to explore, Palm Valley, Kings Canyon; Ayers Rock, Uluru, Kata Tjuta
Best time between April and September / October as this is the Dry Season. We were there in July. It was sunny, warm 28 degrees Celsius.

Queensland -
Cairns - Atherton Tablelands, The Great Barrier Reef, Daintree, Cape Tribulation, Undara Lava Tubes
Both our trips to Cairns have been in September / October. Temperatures then were 28 - 32 degrees Celsius, mostly fine.
Brisbane has many diverse activities to offer; Gold Coast has several theme parks plus wildlife sanctuaries

Sydney -
Harbour cruising, exploring streets of Sydney and its history, Bondi, Manly beaches to name a couple.

Adelaide -
wine growing, Hahndorf, exploring city and surrounds, Kangaroo Island
It's over 13 years since we were there so could be quite different. We found the Whispering Wall fascinating - not sure now what area that is in.
We visited in September / October - fine weather

Victoria -
Melbourne - Dandenongs, exploring the city, Philip Island, Ballarat and Sovereign Hill: Echuca - The Murray River. Lots of history around Victoria too.

These are just some of the places I have visited more than once and would happily return to again. We travel when it is our school holidays hence the limited times mentioned. I have not mentioned Western Australia or Tasmania as we have not yet been there.
There are lots of suggested itineraries on this forum including some of those I have mentioned - city - Sydney, rock- Uluru, and reef- Great Barrier, being a popular one. I guess it comes down to your interests, time and financial restraints, and fitness.
Have fun planning - that just whets your appetite and makes you wish you had more time. Remember you will need to build in quite long travel times - e.g. Sydney to Darwin is over 4 hours flying time, Brisbane to Cairns is around 3 hours flying time. Australia is a great country to visit and explore.

fineluxury, tell us a bit about your interests. All I know about you is that you want to go on a gorilla trek but are not into hiking or rain. This is a strange enough combination but maybe we can give you some relevant advice if you give us a bit of background.
Are you into nature in the wild if you don't have to walk far? Do you need five star accommodation every night? What about night life, local culture, 'high' culture and museums? I'm sure you get the idea.
I doubt my top ten would be yours but I'm willing to try to help you out.

I think Australia's winter is the best time to visit because the weather in the north is the most appropriate (dry season). June/July/August is winter.
Some roads in the the top end are not accessible during the summer months and monsoonal rain can be prevalent. Late summer and even march is considered cyclone season, definitely avoid this time.
I have traveled to the USA and Europe on multiple occasions and one of the most scenic spots on the planet in my opinion is from the Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island in the Great Barrier Reef.
The swirls in the water change with the tide
pic of inlet below
http://www.planbooktravel.com.au/reg...beach.jpg/view

type into google hill inlet lookout whitsundays for more images.

Following is a link to a travel agency in Airlie beach if you wish to book direct from Airlie Beach.
http://www.whitsundaytravel.com.au/

It has been about 7 years since I have been there, but this is the link to the day trip I went on.

http://www.whitehavenxpress.com.au/

Hope this helps!

For cities
Number one would have to be Sydney, mainly due to it Harbour
Number two is Melbourne. For scenic spots bus tours from Melbourne can take you to the 12 Apostles. Companies operate this trip as multiday tours or a single day tour of about 12 hours. I booked the 1 day tour because, although it is a long day it is quite relaxing.

This looks really cool. I am from Montreal and I have never visited Australia, but I think I will consider coming in my future. What is the night life like out there? how are the night clubs and bars? do they play good music? I like to go out, and I am 25 years old, what are some good places to go to experience the nightlife, Can someone please give me some insight on the nightlife? Thanks
Shannon

Shannon, There are night clubs in all our cities which play the music which appeals to your age group. I am into a different kind of night life; really wild!

Just adding to above for places not mentioned, Tasmania, Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay in Freycinct. Perth, Margaret River area, down to the Southern Ocean. Beyond Daintree Cape York, and out to Lizard Island. In Northern Territories, beyond Kakadu is Arnhem Land which requires a special entrance from an Aborignal guide. But it is a wow!

I am planning our 4th trip and doing Fiinders Range, Grampians, Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island and that itself is 3 weeks.

Lots to choose from!! Have fun. Safe Travels

A definite must when in Australia, is going on a wine tasting tour! They are a blast!
http://www.corknfork.com.au/

There are many places to see and experiences to enjoy, depending on your tastes and past times. Each state has its rare or unusual attractions both natural or man made.

To know a little more about your interests or your must sees would be good. There are many place that fit your broad questions.

I will add a vote for tasmania - yet the weather is a little unpredictable (as with melbourne) but the experience and the surroundings mean you hardly notice.

a lot more to choose from in any other state and depending on your timeframe/budget/interests/enthusiam all could be experienced.

Jude and surprise, as the OP has not returned to the post started in May, I think you are wasting your time.