Hi,

My husband and I are still in the very early stages of planning a two week trip to Australia around January. I'm wondering what would be a suggested budget for average people leaving from northeastern united states who want to go to the great barrier reef, Sydney, Melbourne, and possibly Uluru? I'm looking to include flights to and from the states, internal flights, food, lodging, entrance fees and some day trip stuff. Thanks!

I think OAT has a small-group package that does this at around $11,000 for the couple.

You can review the info here

http://www.oattravel.com/Trips/2011/...alia-2011.aspx

Australia is EXTREMELY expensive due to long distances and the strong currency relative to the USD.

I agree it is expensive but if you watch the Qantas sight daily you can get some deals. I am going for a month in September\October to the far west, 9 flights total, SFO starting point total air fare all in 1703. The problem is while there are discount airlines (webjet) Qantas has a lock on the big tourist places. There is nothing cheap about Uluru, air fare and hotels are very pricey. JMHO. http://travel.webjet.com.au \http://www.qantas.com.au
sample Sydney to Cairns runs 223 to 353 depending on airline and if you have bag checked or carry on. You can also book a multi city
ticket on webjet.

Keep in mind that January is peak holiday season in Australia, when long school holidays meet the traditional Christmas/New Year/Australia day holidays & Long Weekend.


www.wotif.com.au will give you a rough idea of accommodation options & pricing now. Self serviced apartments are plentiful, well located and a good alternative to hotels for many people - more space and kitchen & laundry facilities allow savings on food & laundry.

Jetstar and Virgin Blue also fly domestic routes. Jetstar is the budget subsidiary of Qantas.

You do not state what sort of accommodation you need. If you self cater you can save a heap on food and drinks.

Alan is right you can save a mint self catering. Where we tend to spend in excess is on car, and gas. Being from california we are use to lots of driving. This trip we are staying near cairns for 10 days and will be doing the rainforest, tablelands, coast etc. Then its off to Perth for 14 days and again we have a central apartment and will hit the road most days exploring, north and south as well somewhat southwest. We pick up foodstuffs, have breakfast at home, pack a small lunch or snacks then head out. While we don't see everything it works for us.

Hi I run a dive company in Cairns, firstly what age are you and what needs do you have as in 1 star to 5 star. Have you traveled much before and where and i will try and compare it fore you. Cheers. Peter

Even though the Aus $ has improved I wouldn't call it "extremely" expensive. The fares for January on Qantas for January are only slightly more (1200-1400) than I paid in May (cheaper time to go) in 2009, and the faster you lock that in the better What has gone up I think is food, so the self-catering tips are important. We've done a combination of that for up to 30 days and managed it all on less than $10K. Petrol will appall you, but who knows what summer here will look like? Let me tell you I had a heck of a time finding a flight to Paris for under 1,000 this summer and kept saying I refused to pay more than air for my last three trips to Oz. You want 'extremely' expensive - try Norway.