Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Suggestions for 2-week early march trip to Aus

Hi FT friends,

Last year we went to Tassie, GOR and MEL and loved it all. We've also been to SYD many times (I used to work there), and a number of years ago spent time at the barrier reef, Brisbane, Surfers and Byron Bay. That sums up our Aus travels to date.

I'm sort of scratching my head as to which direction to head. There's lots more to explore in Tassie, but we've also never seen the west coast (but yikes, yet another 5 hours of flying), among other things. Such a big country.

We tend to like outdoors, wildlife, nature and water (therein our love of Tas), but can also enjoy unique culture and city experiences (therein our love of MEL). Given that we're coming at the end of summer, does anyone have any suggestions that come to mind?

Thanks.

Well.. If you have not done Atherton Table Lands (By cairns) its well worth it.
Blue mountains by Sydney (but you must have dont that already)
Great Ocean Road by MEL (probably you did)
Ayers rock..

Thats about my extent of Aussie travel... Hopefully I'll go back again soon
for the rest of it.

Why don't you try Western Australia. The Margaret River is a really beautiful part of Oz. You could also spend a few days on Kangaroo Island in South Australia.

Consider King Island. It's lovely.

Audrey

Thanks for the ideas so far.

One thought is perhaps head into the outback in the Longreach area, and then up to the Tablelands.

Tassie and/or King Island sounds great too.

Definitely want to do the west coast, but just not sure that a two week trip is long enough to do justice.

We're traveling right now. So when we get home next week, I'll get serious with research, and ask more questions. Looking forward to any further thoughts. And again, thanks.

2 weeks in tassie is my vote (but I'm biased I live here)

I'm sort of scratching my head as to which direction to head. ... Given that we're coming at the end of summer, does anyone have any suggestions that come to mind?


Have you considered Lord Howe Island?

Thanks again.

I think we're leaning towards another trip to Tassie. Yes, it's that good. There was a lot we couldn't do last time including Huon Valley, Tasman seacliffs, then over to Strahan and the bottom half of Cradle/Lake St. Clair park, and perhaps even up to Stanley. So maybe fly into Hobart and out of Devonport.

We might get really crazy and head to the Perth area (Margaret river) instead, but it just seems like too much flying (10 + 5 each way) for a relatively short trip.

Thanks again.

I think we're leaning towards another trip to Tassie. Yes, it's that good. There was a lot we couldn't do last time including Huon Valley, Tasman seacliffs, then over to Strahan and the bottom half of Cradle/Lake St. Clair park, and perhaps even up to Stanley. So maybe fly into Hobart and out of Devonport.

We might get really crazy and head to the Perth area (Margaret river) instead, but it just seems like too much flying (10 + 5 each way) for a relatively short trip.

2 weeks - thats easy.... take a day or two to drive to Strahan on the West Coast - depending on the money situation stay a night or two at Tarraleah on the way. Spend at least 2 days in strahan (1 for the train ride, 1 for the boat ride) Drive up to Cradle Mountain - spend 2-3 days there. Drive out towards Smithton - take a couple of days staying at places like Deloraine etc. When at Smithton stay overnight and go to Dismal Swamp at Marraweah. Drive back towards Launceston. Head down the east coast towards Swansea etc. Spend a couple of days town hopping. Leave from Hobart.

If you want any more ideas let me know.....

Thanks again.

I think we're leaning towards another trip to Tassie. Yes, it's that good. There was a lot we couldn't do last time including Huon Valley, Tasman seacliffs, then over to Strahan and the bottom half of Cradle/Lake St. Clair park, and perhaps even up to Stanley. So maybe fly into Hobart and out of Devonport.

We might get really crazy and head to the Perth area (Margaret river) instead, but it just seems like too much flying (10 + 5 each way) for a relatively short trip.

You could fly straight into PER rather than the SYD. I'm not sure whereabouts you are located in the states but transit through Asia into PER, you could definatley spend 2 weeks over there.

I really enjoyed Kangaroo Island. :)

2 weeks - thats easy.... take a day or two to drive to Strahan on the West Coast - depending on the money situation stay a night or two at Tarraleah on the way. Spend at least 2 days in strahan (1 for the train ride, 1 for the boat ride) Drive up to Cradle Mountain - spend 2-3 days there. Drive out towards Smithton - take a couple of days staying at places like Deloraine etc. When at Smithton stay overnight and go to Dismal Swamp at Marraweah. Drive back towards Launceston. Head down the east coast towards Swansea etc. Spend a couple of days town hopping. Leave from Hobart.

If you want any more ideas let me know.....

Thanks for your input and offer of help TIMP.

Since we were in Tas about 10 months ago, and saw a lot already, we're thinking of (what we haven't seen): Tas seacliffs, Strahan and Gordon river, Huon valley, Mt. Field, and Lake St. Clair. Already spent time in many of the areas you mentioned. I'll research more and then ask some specifics.

Ok this should help you out wit things to do in and around Queensland just follow the links www.queenslandweekender.com.au