Thanks indiewanderers & webrahul. And yes, an Indian driving license is perfectly acceptable in Australia, as long as it has your photo on it (which it probably does). No needd for an international driving permit here.

Thank you

Greetings indiancouple. I thoroughly enjoy all of your trip reports.

Full disclosure: I haven't been to GBR but I have been whale-watching. Brother was very keen to do this in a Zodiac, but one look at his wife's face and I knew that wasn't on. I have never regretted taking the 'tamer' cruise in consequence, so I think you were very wise to switch. I am sure your wife thanked you!

Melbourne remains in my heart as the locale for the National Gallery of Victoria. But I know about choices having to be made for trips.

Thanks for your comments Sue ! We have interacted before on this forum, I recall well.

Somehow, Melbourne did not excite us as much as we had expected, although the Great Ocean Road was excellent. As a city, Sydney had more to offer to a tourist.

Port Douglas, of course, remains my favourite in Australia.

Hi Indiancouple. thanks for your reports. I was earlier planning to do New Zealand over 14 days, but am plannning to now extend to 18 and have 11+7 between NZ and Australia. As per you, which parts should i skip in either place : I think South Island esp West Coast is a must and cities in Aus. Any thoughts. And yes, while i am putting it here, the NZ report was extremely wonderful. Or should I only cover NZ?

I think that combining NZ + Aus in one trip would be just too much. I don't think you would do justice to either country.

Would strongly recommend that you cover only NZ, and leave Australia for another trip. An 11+7 combination would be too rushed in my opinion. If you can extend NZ to 16 or 18 days, even better. Lots and lots to do there, and certainly a fabulous place to visit.

<I think that combining NZ + Aus in one trip would be just too much. I don't think you would do justice to either country.>

I couldn't agree more. In 18 days you could just about give justice to one island of NZ.

Agreed. Am planning to do only NZ and Melnq8 has been a great help. Thanks.