We are taking the "Qantas vacation special" at the end of May. In Sydney we have planned on the bridge walk, seeing the aquarium and the wharf, and zoo. We would like to see maybe a beach area. We would go over, have lunch, walk maybe, and come back. I hear Bondi beach or Manly might be what we want. Any suggestions? We are also going to Cairns. We will have a day on the barrier reef, and a day in Kuranda. We thought about catching the bus to Port Douglas. Would this be a good idea? The last place we are going to is Melbourne. Is the Penquin Parade worth seeing? Other suggestions? Thanks in advance. I know we are going on the edge of winter, but that can`t be helped. Pat

Pat, Manly would be ideal for your beach visit. You can catch a ferry there and back and enjoy wonderful views of the Harbour. There are many restaurants and nice areas to walk including on the beach itself. I am sure you will enjoy it. <BR>Bondi is also well worth visiting, but does not have the added attraction of the ferry ride to get there and back.

Manly is good as a day trip, but Bondi offers the superb ocean walk to Coogee. You get the train/bus combination to Bondi (abt 30 mins) then follow the coast south to Coogee along the great beaches, headlands, etc. The walk will take about 1 hour (without stops). Coogee offers loads of eating options and you can get a bus back to the city(20-30mins)from the beach. <BR>Port Douglas is about 1 hr north of Cairns and is well worth visiting. You might find it more convenient to get a rental car or even an organised tour so you can get further afield, eg Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation and Daintree River (north of Port Douglas). <BR>Don't worry about the weather. May is pleasant in Sydney, North Qld will be warm, Melbourne should also be OK.

If you want to do a winery trip to hunter Valley I recommend Visitours <BR>See www.visitours.com.au

May is getting cold then. June is the beginning of winter in Australia. I was in Sydney in July and I thought that it was cold. I am from San Francisco and the weather is very similiar. <BR> <BR>I did the harbor brige boat tour, the opera house, the rocks, the city tour by bus. It is a beautiful city and I loved it. <BR> <BR>I also went by plane to Brisbane and it was much warmer. Went to Surfers Paradise for one day. <BR> <BR>Have a nice trip. You will love Australia.

When you get to Cairns, it's a great time of year to be at the Reef but you may feel a little cold in the water if you don't hire a wetsuit. They also help you float.When you are going to Kuranda - if you have an option, try to get to the Southern Tablelands, where there are beautiful waterfalls and crater lakes. Port Douglas? the drive is beautiful, not much to see when you get there, if you have the time keep on going, at least to Mossman Gorge (Clinton liked it) or better to Cape Tribulation. The Ben Cropp Shipwreck Museum will by then have relocated to the Pier in Cairns, worth a look.

Hi Pat, Sydney climate in May should prove "no worries"-a beautiful city & will be perfect for your itinerary there. <BR>The tropical north is perfect weather at this time of year for Barrier Reef trips, swimming, snorkeling & hiking. Don't miss Mossman Gorge, the Daintree & Cape Tribulation whilst there. <BR>Are you driving from Brisbane to Cairns? There are too many "must see" places to list here but the experience is brilliant according to our international travelers - please contact me direct if you require further info. The Great Barrier Reef & magnificent beaches are accessed only five hours drive north of Brisbane if one doesn't revel in the longer "driving haul" to Cairns. <BR> <BR>Great planning & great traveling in Oz, <BR>Barb.

Whilst in Melbourne there are a number of options: The penguin parade is worth seeing (most tours should also include a tour of the lovely Phillip Island). Also consider a tour of the Great Ocean Road - one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world - many tours depart daily from Melbourne for this. If you are sport-minded, then Australian rules football is BIG in Melbourne and relatively cheap to attend. Melbourne City has plenty to offer, is easy to navigate, and has great public transport - a tram ride is a must! <BR>Have a great holiday.