Australia/ New Zealand 16 days Solo!

Old Sep 25th, 2007, 09:23 AM
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Australia/ New Zealand 16 days Solo!

I'll be going to the lands down under on a 16 day solo vacation from Dec 17 to Jan 4.

I thought I'd only stay in larger cities just to be sure I'd always find things to do and not feel lonely, while taking day trips as needed. Here is my itinerary:

Dec 19 arrive in Sydney, spend four nights in the city.

Dec 23 fly to Melbourne and spend another four days.

Dec 27 fly into Queenstown, and spend two nights there. I'd definitely go jetboating, take the cable car up the mountain, and who knows what else!

Dec 29, fly to Christchurch, spend two nights there. I've booked a train ticket for a day trip to Arthur's Pass.

Dec 31, take the train/ ferry to wellington-- the scenery should be breathtaking!

I'll spend two nights in Wellington. I've never been on my own during the holiday season/New year's eve!!

Jan 2 fly to Auckland, stay for two nights.

Jan 4 Fly back to LAX, leaving 7PM and arriving 10:30 am on the same day!! So basically I'll be arriving in the US before I left New Zealand. That has never happened to me before so I'm quite amused.

I'd appreciate any comments on my itinerary including things to do, day trips etc etc!

Also, is Brisbane anything special? I've been told that I should spend a couple of days in Queensland to visit Australia Zoo and a couple of theme parks, but I am not sure about that since I'll be on my own.

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Old Sep 25th, 2007, 01:57 PM
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I think I would try and rearrange your travel to be in Sydney for New Years Eve but if you have arranged flights etc then you won't have the flexability.
Just coming to Australia and going to Sydney and Melbourne would be a " why bother" question as all you are seeing are two multicultural cities and absolutely nothing of the country at all. That is not what Australia is about and being on your own does not mean that you cannot partake of the things Australia has to offer either.
I will leave others to comment on your itinerary but leave you with these thoughts. Sydney is certainly worth a visit as its a wonderful city - the other cities in Australia are not worth making a trip to Australia just to see!
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Old Sep 25th, 2007, 04:15 PM
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For someone travelling solo, I think your itinerary looks pretty good. You will find that the Australian cities are terrific. Sydney is definitely the most scenic, but Melbourne with its lane ways, shops, buildings, cafes etc. is very European and a good contrast. They are both "worth seeing". Use them as your base and go on day trips to explore a bit further. From Sydney a day trip to the Blue Mountains is a must and from Melbourne a day trip to Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade or a day trip to the Yarra Valley and the Healsville Sanctuary ( kangaroos, koalas, platypus) are definitely worth considering. Boxing Day 26th. is a big day in Melbourne as all the shops are open with their major Sales. Christmas Day may be quiet so do a bit of research on that one. If it is hot you can always take the tram to St. Kilda beach.
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Old Sep 25th, 2007, 04:51 PM
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Hi Mnss,

Good on ya for going solo!

I have to agree with LizzyF (stop the presses! this doesn't occur every day!) As you're going to be flying into Sydney (an amazing city with tons of things to do), I'd reconsider Melbourne, which, a nice city in itself, it's not WHY people travel to Australia - to spend time in cities.

I'd add that time some place else. Where? Well, I notice you don't have anything listed for the Great Barrier Reef - seems a shame to travel all that way and not visit one of the most amazing places in the world; but perhaps that's just a personal preference?

If not adding time there, I'd opt for Queenstown, where again, there's a multitude of things to explore.

Wellington on New Years? Well, Sydney's the obvious choice, but things may be booked up already and many hotels have a minimum stay requirement as well. To maximize your time and see more of New Zealand, I'd suggest flying from the North Island to the South and scrapping Wellington.

Brisbane is a great city, but again, the "city thing" - not worth flying there "just" for the Australia Zoo; you can find plenty of wildlife without making a stop there.

As far as feeling "lonely" and wanting to stay in big cities, you can sometimes feel isolated even in a big city...I don't know what your travel style is, or the type of accommodations you like, but I think staying at smaller properties would give you a chance of meeting other people.

Also, you really need to get cracking on this due to the holiday season. I can't really tell if you have your airfare locked in already; no matter. I can tell you this is a very very busy time. I've just spent weeks (literally) with a client over the same time period - I actually contacted TWENTY different properties in Bicheno/Coles Bay/Freycinet, Tasmania trying to find 2 nights hotel/motel/cabin accommodation for Dec. 27th & 28th! I had fears they'd be spending their 2 days sleeping in their car, but finally found something!

Hope this is helpful!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie & Kiwi Specialist
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Old Sep 25th, 2007, 05:16 PM
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Being in the Accommodation Industry I am surprised that Melodie had that much trouble in getting her clients something and that is perhaps because she is in the US and not in Australia and can only contact those people who are listed with Travel Agents.
If you do your own booking then do so from one of the local websites in the area that you are going to. The other aspect that I am surprised about is that there are 20 different properties with accommodation in the area mentioned.
Elizabeth
Born and bred in Australia with local knowledge Specialist
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Old Sep 25th, 2007, 09:08 PM
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Thanks very much everyone!

Well, DownUnder and I seem to be rather like-minded! those day trip suggestions are awesome.

Obviously I'm not traveling all the way to Australia ONLY to see the cities, though the cities I'll visiting rank very high among world cities with the highest quality of life along side some European cities, BTW.

Having said that, I'll definitely be spending a lot of time exploring areas outside of major "metropolitan territories."

As for spending new year's eve in Sydney, well, it obviously crossed my mind. But then I thought Sydney would certainly be extremely crowded during that time. Not only that, but hotel rates will also be through the roof.

If the rate was 250 AUD for a single room on Dec 28 and I booked my room through new year's eve, the rate would go up to 600 AUD per night for every single night, including the night of which the rate was much lower had new year's eve not been included in the reservation!

Also, I thought it was just so cliche wanting to spend new year's eve by the Sydney harbor watching the fireworks. I live rather close to New York and until this day I've never been there on new year's eve just to spend hours and hours standing on my feet in times square waiting for the new year to start!

Again, I very much appreciate all the help.
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Old Sep 26th, 2007, 12:16 AM
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Mnss, I think that watching New Years celebrations in Sydney and watching them in NY are 2 different things but I take your point about the cost of hotels in the city at that time. Not that all hotels in the city are that expensive as you can be within a few minutes trip to the centre in a hotel and still pay a reasonable amount ( this is probably a little tip from someone who lives in Australia and is not a travel agent in the US - and I am not certified either - the latter has a slightly different meaning though in comparison to what Melodie means). You will have to tell us your likes and dislikes so that perhaps we can suggest something that will be of interest to you.
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Old Sep 26th, 2007, 03:42 AM
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Hi mnss,

Of course there is absolutely no point trying to change your itinerary now to fit in NYE in Sydney!!

It is a great show, but if you don't want to pay idiot prices then you must book months in advance.

So be there in Wellington instead. Why not?

I have my fingers crossed that you get a good day for your sailing across the Cook Strait from Picton because if you do it is a wonderful journey. Up there with the best.

I think your itinerary is pretty good. I wouldn't have divided my days quite like that 4/4/2 for Sydney/ Melbourne/ Queenstown, but you have, and that'll be fine.

Day trips - things to see:

There's enough to do in SYD but if you have a spare day go to the Blue Mts.
Tips for SYD would be to take the ferry to Cremorne Point, walk around to Mossman and return to CQ from there. Time your return for dusk - spectacular. Also if you are interested in history and like a good view - go visit the SE pylon of the bridge.

Melbourne? Best left to others - but you could check out if there is anything on at the Arts Complex and don't miss Fed Square.

Christchurch? One of the best things I nest
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Old Sep 26th, 2007, 03:46 AM
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Hi mnss,

Of course there is absolutely no point trying to change your itinerary now to fit in NYE in Sydney!!

It is a great show, but if you don't want to pay idiot prices then you must book months in advance.

So be there in Wellington instead. Why not?

I have my fingers crossed that you get a good day for your sailing across the Cook Strait from Picton because if you do it is a wonderful journey. Up there with the best.

I think your itinerary is pretty good. I wouldn't have divided my days quite like that 4/4/2 for Sydney/ Melbourne/ Queenstown, but you have, and that'll be fine.

Day trips - things to see:

There's enough to do in SYD but if you have a spare day go to the Blue Mts.
Tips for SYD would be to take the ferry to Cremorne Point, walk around to Mossman and return to CQ from there. Time your return for dusk - spectacular. Also if you are interested in history and like a good view - go visit the SE pylon of the bridge.

Melbourne? Best left to others - but you could check out if there is anything on at the Arts Complex and don't miss Fed Square.

Christchurch? One of the best things I remember there is a visit to Lyttleton. Go by bus; return by walking up the bridle path and take the cablecar down the other side; pick up bus to get back to the city.

All the best.


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Old Sep 26th, 2007, 03:01 PM
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Please note the correct spelling for Mosman - otherwise you may have problems with your research!
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Old Sep 27th, 2007, 05:22 AM
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Hey, Prue - a typo.

Of course, I have never been there myself.

haha.
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Old Sep 29th, 2007, 07:27 AM
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LizzF,

You're ncorrect on how an agent works, whether they're in the US or in Australia (I'm no more limited than an Australian travel agent who makes travel arrangements for clients all over the world).

I work with a US based wholesaler who does a huge volume of business; and contracts group rates lower than the average person will get going on the internet for a one time booking.

Also work with an "inbounder" who's located in Sydney and Melbourne. This is the operator that we use as a back up and give clients their toll free number in Australia or New Zealand if they encounter any problems.

And I also work direct with smaller properties, such as B&B's or tour operators.

And yes, I was surprised too to find that many properties in the small area of Bichneo/Coles Bay, but with some research you can find them, and I was determined to find my clients something!

It took me TWO HOURS to email all the properties, and then the next day I was really getting nervious when all the replies were booked out.

Here's one of the websites I used.
(success! They're staying at the Wintersun Cabin & Caravan Park)

http://www.ozstays.com.au/accommodat...odation_a.html

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
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Old Sep 29th, 2007, 03:22 PM
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Exactly Melodie - I am well aware that you use wholesalers and that is the problem. My sister is Australia's top Travel Consultant and I am well aware of how things work in your industry as I am in mine - the accommodation industry. Most accommodation places are NOT on that website that you have noted and that is why any tourist to Australia is much better getting their own accommodation from the more used and trusted Australian websites.
Actually I am going to ask Fodors if I can advertise on this forum using my website and email address. What is good for one person should be ok for the rest of us too. How you blatantly get away with advertising I don't know but advertise you do.
You probably would not have needed to waste 2 hours trying to get your clients accommodation if you used the more tried and trusted websites as well.
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Old Sep 29th, 2007, 03:26 PM
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Hi Mnss,
I am sorry we will not be home in Wellington when you are planning to visit - we could have shown you a lot of the great places to visit in Wellington over the two days - but we sail south early on 1 January. What time does your ferry arrive in Wellington on 31 December? Maybe we can organise some sightseeing on a limited scale.
What age range do you fall into?
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Old Sep 29th, 2007, 04:57 PM
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Oh, for heaven's sake, Liz, give it a rest. This is really tedious.
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Old Sep 29th, 2007, 05:23 PM
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Neil, there is supposed to be a rule on this forum that YOU DO NOT ADVERTISE. Many of the writers who help people with their questions have businesses and are in either the hospitality industry or the accommodation industry and you do NOT see them advertising that they are " John Doe @ Best Accommodation in Port Douglas. com " or " Jane Doe Tours for everyone anywhere- the Specialists in the Industry.com". Now you might find it boring but so do the rest of us who watch Melodie each and every day - if it is good for one it is good for the rest of us. I know that you have had "get-to-gethers" with Melodie but that should NOT persuade you to condone the breaking of rules whether they are from the USA, Canada or Australia. So in this case Neil GO AND BAG YOUR HEAD!.
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Old Sep 29th, 2007, 06:15 PM
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Liz,
Whilst I know Melodie does have her email address on all her posts I'm not sure that she has actually benefited that much from it.

But the important thing is - she, just like you Liz, often give such good advice. And I have to believe that Melodie does it for the exact same reasons as you and I and that is because we are just so happy to share our experiences and knowledge.

And you both make big contributions on this site - so come on now - shake hands and make up and let's move on!

I will say mnss, that you really, really do need to ensure your bookings. Having been a travel agent myself, I know that December/January is a very busy time and I too, have had difficulty finding flights and accommodation this close to your departure.

Hope you have a great time and a Happy New Year, wherever you are!
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Old Sep 29th, 2007, 06:42 PM
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My oh my! leave your Fodors's thread for a couple of days and see what transpires...!

dotty,

That is so sweet of you! but unfortunately I'll be arriving in Wellington around 9:05pm, so I would only have January 1 to do some sightseeing. I read that the city is very compact and manageable though, so I'll probably just enjoy long walks around the harbor and the city center. And I'll definitely be visiting the national NZ museum Te Papa.

Then from Auckland, I've decided to do a day trip to Waitomo caves- very excited about that.

I'm now just as excited about visiting NZ-if not more- as I was initially about visiting Australia!

So In Australia, I'll have three full days in Sydney (well, two days as I'll be recovering from 20+ hours of flying) plus one day trip to the Blue mountains.

Melbourne: 2 days in the city plus two day trips to Philip island and Yarra valley. I might sail a hot air balloon near Melbourne too!

Please feel free to make additional suggestions- I'll be on my own; I can always do more things to keep myself occupied!
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Old Sep 29th, 2007, 06:53 PM
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I would believe you Stormbird if Melodie stopped putting her email address on posts and stopped calling herself a " CERTIFIED AUSSIE SPECIALIST" whatever that might mean. Does being a certified Aussie specialist mean that you know more about Australia than the average Australian? How many various tours, trips and famils do you have to do before you are certified? Don't forget that not only is she a certified Aussie specialist but she is also a Certified Tasmanian specialist and a certified NZ specialist and probably more. So when she goes under a different name, without additions and email address then I will believe you.
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Old Sep 29th, 2007, 08:14 PM
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The power of Christ compels the demon out of you Lizzy!
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