We're planning our trip to Australia in August/September next year.<BR>We are planning on visiting Sydney and then heading to Pt. Douglas. Our airline tickets allow us one extra stopover in Australia for free. Is there anywhere we should definately visit? We could have about 3 - 5 days.<BR>We're looking for somewhere with things to do, pubs, shops etc.<BR>HELP!!! We keep changing our minds!<BR>Alaina in England

Hi Alaina,<BR><BR>Why not look at Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, you could do a 3 day tour of Ayres Rock, Kings Canyon and get to see another side of Australia.<BR><BR>There are literally heaps of tours from Alice to various sights around the area.<BR><BR>Cheers<BR><BR>Paul S

Hi Alaina,<BR><BR>I forgot to mention that August is the perfect time to see the outback as the days are sunny but not hot and no flies to bother you.<BR><BR>Cheers<BR><BR>Paul S

Thanks Paul, I think that is probably what we will do!<BR>Alaina

Alaina,<BR><BR>I agree with Paul, but an alternative might be Kakadu. We weren't able to make it over there last August, but really wish we could have. I heard it was beautiful there as well. <BR><BR>Kangaroo Island is also an option. We enjoyed that as well because of the diverse wildlife you get to observe.<BR><BR>Have Fun!

Darwin and Kakadu would be my choice too because it is so different from anything else in Australia and probably the world as well. August/September would also be a good time to go because that is the dry season and although all the falls may not be brimming over with tons of water it does make for an easier access to many of the sites. <BR>Qantas used to fly from Darwin to Cairns and so I presume they still are doing so, al beit on limited times. If you do go make sure that you go to the Mindel Beach markets, used to be on a Wednesday or Thursday night. Darwinians take table and chairs, beer and champagne and make a night of it. There are many wonderful stalls and lots and lots of different Asian food stalls. The sun sets over the Arafura sea and is a fantastic sight and then everyone parties on! Darwin is the most culturally diverse city in Australia boasting 93 nationalities at last count. In fact I would go a far as to say that its an Asian city with some Australians living in it. I spent one year there and enjoyed my time very much. You would be sure to love it.

You could also consider a few days at Tangalooma Wild dolphin resort, its on Moreton Island off Brisbane.<BR>Its just paradise.....You may have already seen parts of it....Scooby doo the movie was filmed there, but they made it look so different !!<BR>try their website www.tangalooma.com<BR>..I think??<BR><BR>I have booked xmas 2003 on this very island !!<BR>Whatever you decide, have fun!!<BR>Rich

I say go to Tasmania.....can't be beat!<BR><BR>but if you go in August...it might be a bit chilly....if you go later in September it would be pleasant and tolerable.<BR><BR><BR>but that is a good time of year for the Outback....hmmm what to do what to do?!<BR>