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Started By
Message
planning a trip to Australia
Posted on 8/17/18 at 9:56 am
Posted on 8/17/18 at 9:56 am
my wife’s 50th is next year and I owe her a big celebration (she threw big parties for me for my 40th and 50th and I haven’t done shite for her)
she has e-friends in Byron bay so I was looking at Brisbane to fly into and then take it from there for two weeks or so. Flights seem halfway reasonable 1200 or so each
I know nothing about AU other than they speak English
anyone got experience in that area as far as a good itinerary?
I’d rent a vehicle and we like to road trip
time of year doesn’t matter, we could go any month
she has e-friends in Byron bay so I was looking at Brisbane to fly into and then take it from there for two weeks or so. Flights seem halfway reasonable 1200 or so each
I know nothing about AU other than they speak English
anyone got experience in that area as far as a good itinerary?
I’d rent a vehicle and we like to road trip
time of year doesn’t matter, we could go any month
This post was edited on 8/17/18 at 9:57 am
7
Posted on 8/17/18 at 11:14 pm to cgrand
I lived over in Sydney the first half of this year, but never did make it to Brisbane. Let me know if you need recommendations for Sydney or places near the Great Barrier Reef
Posted on 8/18/18 at 9:45 am to LadyTigers1
We didn’t make it to Brisbane but Sydney is awesome especially the downtown harbor and opera house.
Balmoral Beach, Hunter’s Bay area, Hyde Park. Art Gallery of New South Wales, Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
Hunter Valley trip for wine
Visit Cairns if you have time. rainforest and Great Barrier Reef (reef was ok but we liked rainforest better) Barron Falls, Kuruda Train,
Balmoral Beach, Hunter’s Bay area, Hyde Park. Art Gallery of New South Wales, Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
Hunter Valley trip for wine
Visit Cairns if you have time. rainforest and Great Barrier Reef (reef was ok but we liked rainforest better) Barron Falls, Kuruda Train,
This post was edited on 8/18/18 at 9:47 am
Posted on 8/18/18 at 10:08 am to Palmetto08
how did you get from Sydney to cairns?
Posted on 8/18/18 at 10:15 am to cgrand
My recommendation: don't try to see it all.
It's very, very tempting, since it feels like a once in a lifetime trip, to try to see as much of the country as possible. That would be like someone doing something similar in the US and trying to see LA, New York, Chicago, and a bunch of national parks on one trip.
So, that being said, my main Australian experience is in North Queensland from Townsville up to the Daintree. My wife's family is from Townsville/Cairns area, so we went and spent a month there before we got married.
Yes, we spent in a month in just that area, and we were perfectly happy staying mainly in North Queensland. Lots to see/do there, as it's kind of known as an ecotourist/adventure tourism area, with Cairns being a jumping off point. Can go up into the Daintree rainforest.
The highlight of our trip was hiking the Thorsborne trail on Hinchinbrook Island. Not sure about now, but at the time, they only let around 20 people at a time on the trail and you had to apply well in advance to get a permit (similar to the Grand Canyon). We spent three nights on the island, hiking the 20 mile trail. The trail takes you up into the mountains/rainforest with waterfalls and such, then down onto the beach for camping each night.
Although her relatives all thought that we, being stupid yanks, were going to die trying to camp in Australia, either by croc, stinging nettle, brown snake, or taipain I'm not sure, but they were pretty convinced that we were too ignorant to survive backpacking in Australia. Clearly we survived, and it still ranks as one of the peak experiences of my life.
Aussies are cool AF, so try to get to know some folks and spend time with them. Their outlook on life, possessions, and such is really great. We had the good fortune of having lots of connections with her relatives, so the majority of our trip was spent either camping or hanging out/couch surfing with locals.
It's very, very tempting, since it feels like a once in a lifetime trip, to try to see as much of the country as possible. That would be like someone doing something similar in the US and trying to see LA, New York, Chicago, and a bunch of national parks on one trip.
So, that being said, my main Australian experience is in North Queensland from Townsville up to the Daintree. My wife's family is from Townsville/Cairns area, so we went and spent a month there before we got married.
Yes, we spent in a month in just that area, and we were perfectly happy staying mainly in North Queensland. Lots to see/do there, as it's kind of known as an ecotourist/adventure tourism area, with Cairns being a jumping off point. Can go up into the Daintree rainforest.
The highlight of our trip was hiking the Thorsborne trail on Hinchinbrook Island. Not sure about now, but at the time, they only let around 20 people at a time on the trail and you had to apply well in advance to get a permit (similar to the Grand Canyon). We spent three nights on the island, hiking the 20 mile trail. The trail takes you up into the mountains/rainforest with waterfalls and such, then down onto the beach for camping each night.
Although her relatives all thought that we, being stupid yanks, were going to die trying to camp in Australia, either by croc, stinging nettle, brown snake, or taipain I'm not sure, but they were pretty convinced that we were too ignorant to survive backpacking in Australia. Clearly we survived, and it still ranks as one of the peak experiences of my life.
Aussies are cool AF, so try to get to know some folks and spend time with them. Their outlook on life, possessions, and such is really great. We had the good fortune of having lots of connections with her relatives, so the majority of our trip was spent either camping or hanging out/couch surfing with locals.
This post was edited on 8/18/18 at 10:17 am
Posted on 8/18/18 at 10:21 am to LadyTigers1
I'm going to Sydney in a few months and would appreciate any recommendations. We're doing about 5 days in Sydney, a few in Hunter Valley, then heading up to the Whitsundays and staying on Hamilton Island.
Posted on 8/18/18 at 10:22 am to cgrand
quote:
how did you get from Sydney to cairns?
Flight
Posted on 8/18/18 at 10:24 am to hogfly
right, I need to get my head around the fact that it’s so huge
it looks like the road trip from Brisbane to cairns is pretty popular and plenty to do so that’s what I think I’ll focus on. If we were to plan a week for that drive do you think that’s enough?
then I guess fly back to Brisbane and then go south from there
it looks like the road trip from Brisbane to cairns is pretty popular and plenty to do so that’s what I think I’ll focus on. If we were to plan a week for that drive do you think that’s enough?
then I guess fly back to Brisbane and then go south from there
Posted on 8/18/18 at 10:35 am to cgrand
now that I look at it that drive could eat up 2 weeks with all the shite to do
I think that’s what I’m going to focus research on
Brisbane and Byron bay for a few days then hit the road to cairns and then fly home from there
I think that’s what I’m going to focus research on
Brisbane and Byron bay for a few days then hit the road to cairns and then fly home from there
Posted on 8/18/18 at 11:44 am to MusclesofBrussels
In Sydney, I'd definitely recommend just walking around downtown/the rocks one night, and I wouldn't feel the pressure to eat at any of the expensive places on the harbor- they're overrated. Definitely do the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk - there's a lot of cool places outside of downtown. Hunter valley and the blue mountains are both nice too. Royal National Park is less than an hour drive from Sydney; its lesser known than the other two, but I liked it more.
The Whitsundays was going to be my other recommendation. I stayed in Airlie beach. But taking a boat to Whitehaven beach was my favorite part of Australia. I'd post a picture but that's a pain on here
The Whitsundays was going to be my other recommendation. I stayed in Airlie beach. But taking a boat to Whitehaven beach was my favorite part of Australia. I'd post a picture but that's a pain on here
This post was edited on 8/18/18 at 11:46 am
Posted on 8/18/18 at 9:50 pm to MusclesofBrussels
I just got back. Here is a list with some suggestions:
1. Try surfing lessons at Bondi Beach if you haven't done so. Good stuff.
2. Go whale watching. They leave from Circular Quay. Go in the AM if you choose this option.
3. Visit the Blue Mountains. I suggest hitting up Featherdale Wildlife Park en route. A private driver/guide is the way to go. Ride the tram and gondola.
4. Hit up dinner at the Customs House (4th floor...the elevator is towards the back of the building). It has views of Luna Park and Harbor Bridge. It is worth it imho...at least for one night.
There is also a model of the entire city under a glass walking area on the first floor.
5. Do a pub crawl in the Rocks district. Leave the next morning open to sleep in.
6. Try some Kangaroo. The pizza at the Australian Hotel (an old building/bar in the Rocks district) is pretty darned good.
7. Visit the Aquarium. It's a tad touristy but still kind of cool.
8. The Chinese Garden and Chinatown are worth a look as well.
9. Visit the Opera House. I put this last. It is a cool buiding architecturally and the tour is okay.
What I would skip:
1. The Bridge climb. It's great, but pretty expensive.
2. Manly Beach. A cool pedestrian walk and some cool places to eat...but if you are doing Bondi, then the beach part can be skipped.
3. The Sky Tower.
4. Opal Museum
5. Hyde Park Barracks
I'm sure I left some stuff off but I hope this helps.
1. Try surfing lessons at Bondi Beach if you haven't done so. Good stuff.
2. Go whale watching. They leave from Circular Quay. Go in the AM if you choose this option.
3. Visit the Blue Mountains. I suggest hitting up Featherdale Wildlife Park en route. A private driver/guide is the way to go. Ride the tram and gondola.
4. Hit up dinner at the Customs House (4th floor...the elevator is towards the back of the building). It has views of Luna Park and Harbor Bridge. It is worth it imho...at least for one night.
There is also a model of the entire city under a glass walking area on the first floor.
5. Do a pub crawl in the Rocks district. Leave the next morning open to sleep in.
6. Try some Kangaroo. The pizza at the Australian Hotel (an old building/bar in the Rocks district) is pretty darned good.
7. Visit the Aquarium. It's a tad touristy but still kind of cool.
8. The Chinese Garden and Chinatown are worth a look as well.
9. Visit the Opera House. I put this last. It is a cool buiding architecturally and the tour is okay.
What I would skip:
1. The Bridge climb. It's great, but pretty expensive.
2. Manly Beach. A cool pedestrian walk and some cool places to eat...but if you are doing Bondi, then the beach part can be skipped.
3. The Sky Tower.
4. Opal Museum
5. Hyde Park Barracks
I'm sure I left some stuff off but I hope this helps.
Posted on 8/19/18 at 10:11 am to jimmy the leg
I would actually suggest going to Manly and catching the ferry into Sydney Harbour. The view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are breathtaking as you meander in.
To MusclesOfBrussels: While in the Hunter Valley, hit up as many wineries as you can. Tulloch and Ivanhoe were my two favorites. Newcastle has some great eateries. Nelson's Bay is nice. And like others have said, get out and talk to locals.
To MusclesOfBrussels: While in the Hunter Valley, hit up as many wineries as you can. Tulloch and Ivanhoe were my two favorites. Newcastle has some great eateries. Nelson's Bay is nice. And like others have said, get out and talk to locals.
This post was edited on 8/19/18 at 10:12 am
Posted on 8/19/18 at 7:30 pm to LuckySo-n-So
quote:
I would actually suggest going to Manly and catching the ferry into Sydney Harbour. The view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge are breathtaking as you meander in.
Agreed. I must have been unclear. I would suggest Manly for dinner but skip the beach if you are already doing Bondi. Unless, of course, they are beach peeps.
Posted on 8/20/18 at 3:47 pm to Palmetto08
quote:
Hunter Valley trip for wine
I second this.
I also recommend Cairns like others have mentioned.
Uluru (Ayers Rock) was also an awesome trip. One caveat is that there's not much else there. Good hiking and exposure to aboriginal life though. And the night time there can't be beat.
This post was edited on 8/20/18 at 3:48 pm
Posted on 8/20/18 at 3:51 pm to cgrand
If you make it to Brisbane be sure to find your way to Lone Pine koala and kangaroo sanctuary. For the 2.5 months I was there in 97 (mostly partying) it's still the most memorable thing I did in Australia.
Posted on 8/21/18 at 9:14 pm to cgrand
2019 is the last year anyone will ever be allowed to climb Ayers Rock. I’m planning on going for that alone.
This post was edited on 8/22/18 at 7:42 pm
Posted on 8/22/18 at 6:42 pm to cgrand
Hunter valley, best part is they don't charge for sampling. I usually bought a bottle at each place tho
Posted on 8/23/18 at 10:37 am to cgrand
I went last year. Had a great time.
Uluru - This place is expensive to get to, but one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. If you like nature and hiking, go here. It's amazing. Middle of nowhere. Giant monolith that has no business being there. Sacred to the natives.
Melbourne - Very fun city. Just walk around. Get lost. Go tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground. See an AFL game if you have time.
Cains - Snorkeling in the reef is awesome. The Esplanade is cool. Watching 200 people do water aerobics was interesting.
Sydney - Honestly somewhat underwhelming. Bondi Beach was cool. The harbor was cool.
Blue Mountains - Worth the day trip. Go to the wildlife park and see animals.
Uluru - This place is expensive to get to, but one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. If you like nature and hiking, go here. It's amazing. Middle of nowhere. Giant monolith that has no business being there. Sacred to the natives.
Melbourne - Very fun city. Just walk around. Get lost. Go tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground. See an AFL game if you have time.
Cains - Snorkeling in the reef is awesome. The Esplanade is cool. Watching 200 people do water aerobics was interesting.
Sydney - Honestly somewhat underwhelming. Bondi Beach was cool. The harbor was cool.
Blue Mountains - Worth the day trip. Go to the wildlife park and see animals.
Posted on 8/23/18 at 10:39 am to LoneStarRanger
When I went, I had planned on climbing it. The natives don't like people climbing it, but my feeling was if I'm paying all this money then I'm gonna climb it if I want to climb it. Once I got there, seeing how amazing this thing is, I didn't feel the need to. I was able to just stand there and appreciate it for what it was. This is sacred ground to the Aborigines. In their culture, they don't tell others what they can and cannot do. But they ask people not to climb it.
Posted on 8/23/18 at 1:51 pm to AggieDub14
quote:
This is sacred ground to the Aborigines. In their culture, they don't tell others what they can and cannot do. But they ask people not to climb it.
Same here. We had planned to climb it, but then heard that the Aborigines preferred people did not climb. That was enough for me. If I'm visiting someone's lands, I'm going to respect their wishes.
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