Top 4 places to visit in Australia
 

My husband and I have about 3 weeks at the end of August and beginning of September. This will probably be the last time we'll have that much time to travel, so we wanted to go somewhere fun and off the beaten path. We have heard Australia and New Zealand are wonderful. Our problem is there is just too much to do and not enough time. So we are asking the experts - you. If you had 3 weeks, what would you do and why?<BR><BR>We like to hike, some skiing, and being outdoors. We know it is winter time in Aug. Sept. but that is the best we can do.<BR><BR>Thanks for your help.

With limitations then I would do <BR>Sydney for a few days - drive or fly down to Thredbo for some skiing ( I presumed that you meant snow skiing ) then fly to Cairns in North Queensland where the weather should be fantastic and see the Barrier Reef and surrounding areas.

August/September would be a great time to visit the centre. Depending on your time limitations, you could fly into Yulara (Ayers Rock), spend a few days there walking around the rock and through the Olgas, and possibly a side trip to Kings Canyon. If you have time to spare, Alice Springs is a nice place to visit.<BR>An alternative would be to fly into Cairns or Prosperine, hire a car and have a look around that area. You can stay on one of the islands in the Whitsundays, go out to the Barrier Reef and just laze in the sunshine.<BR>If you end up in Victoria, a good place to hike is in the Grampians - about three hours drive from Melbourne. It's a great place to see koalas, kangeroos, emus etc. and the area has some really great walks.

My friend and I went last year and had a blast. Of course we went in Feb/Mar. The one thing that I could say to do in the winter is to drive the Great Ocean Highway and see the 12 apostles. I would fly into Melbourne and start heading towards Adelaide by car. Sydney is big city, lot to see there. There are several crusies that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef, but if you can't swim that time of year the I would take a sea plane to see the reef. If you want to see some of my picture then \\www.random-design.com\rnd\ and click Rob's Aussie Pictures. Let me know what you find as I will be heading there again next year.

I'd also consider the southern highlands. I've been there in the winter and there are really beautiful areas around there.<BR><BR>If you like lush terrain, the outdoors try Barrington Tops - there's some great B&B's there. You can do walks in rainforests, horseback ride to name a few.

Let us know what you really like to do because Tasmania and the Barrier Reef would be fantastic to combine

Great suggestions above. I've always wanted to<BR>Sail the Whitsundays<BR>Visit Kakadu<BR>Visit Uluru<BR>Ski in New Zealand<BR>Do a bridge climb in Sydney<BR>(I live here so why haven't I?.. The old story, lack of time and money)<BR><BR>Aug-Sept is the perfect time.

I have just the answer for you.I found this company to be really helpfull.... they may be able to help you. not sure what their phone number is, however their website is www. trekaustralia.com.au or without the .au (I think)

Hi Amy, <BR>there are some great suggestions in the previous messages. <BR>What I read in your message is "off the beaten path, hike, some skiing, and being outdoors" <BR><BR>July through to Oct. is the best time for our outback and the Red Centre. <BR>Of course there's no skiing but that's where you can go "Off the Beaten Track", be outdoors and close to nature. <BR>Why not allow a week for Sydney and the GBR, fly to Alice Springs, then find an outback tour that brings you back to Melbourne and allow 12 to 14 days for that. Something like Alice Springs - Kings Canyon - Ayers Rock and Olgas - Coober Pedy - Flinders Ranges - Barossa Valley - Great Ocean Road - Melbourne. <BR> <BR>If this is the last time you can travel for that length of time I would leave the cities and the east coast for another, possibly shorter visit. <BR><BR>Enjoy, <BR>Mike. <BR>P.S. Ask me if you need help with finding a tour.

August September is the best time of year in Queensland.<BR>Remember australia is a very big country, don't try to pack too much in as you'll be exhasted.