Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Visiting Australia in Jan 09

Hello all!

I am planning my first international trip to a friend's weddding in Melbourne on Jan 23. This will be the first time that I am planning everything myself since I've had others plan it for me in the past so I am quite nervous and a little overwhelmed at the options available. I will be taking my girlfriend along with me, and since this will be the first time we've traveled internationally together, I really want it to be a memorable trip;)

Since the wedding is on the 23rd, I wanted to spend some time there before, so we've blocked off 2 weeks to visit Australia..

For those experienced in traveling to Australia, what suggestions do you recommend? I found a couple of blogs and sites online that recommend places, but perhaps you may have some insight that may be better.

For now, we are definitely stopping by Sydney, then maybe visiting up north to Brisbane or New Zealand, but if there are other places that are better, please chime in!

Also, what are your thoughts on going thru an agent vs doing it myself?

Thanks!

For those experienced in traveling to Australia, what suggestions do you recommend?

Really depends on what you want to do. Take a look at some of my Australia photos HERE (http://tom911.smugmug.com/Travel-Australia) and they should give you some ideas to start with.

No reason you couldn't piece this together on your own, and watch out for sale rates on hotels and domestic airfares. Personally, I'd save New Zealand for another trip if you only have 2 weeks.

Keep the weather in mind. Queensland is better to visit in winter, not in peak summer heat. For 2 weeks you have just enough time to see both Sydney and Melbourne properly -- these are huge cities, of about 50 miles radius, with a lot of interesting areas far from the city center. If you really want to see someplace different, consider Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Tasmania. Really no time for NZ and best to stay away from the hot parts (e.g. Uluru) unless you know what you are getting into. Melbourne is a wonderful city if you have locals to show you around (the best parts are a bit hard to find for tourists).

Please be aware the Aust Tennis open is on the week you are in Melbourne.
Jan 26 is Australia Day: a public holiday

Also note that Australia's longest school holidays are over summer, and whilst vary by state usually end just after the 26th Jan public holiday. Prices will likely drop when school holidays end in the relevant state.

I would reiterate the comment about it not being the best time to visit hot areas such as Uluru, but if you are inclined to head that way would suggest using a train (Ghan north-south or Indan Pacific east-west). I recently had some friends visiting (age ~30) who wanted to go that area, and booked a tour which was based on using the Ghan Darwin to Adelaide. They had a great time, though did note the average tour member was a 'senior' traveller.

For two weeks I wouldn't recommend more than Sydney & Melbourne.

My suggestion would be to move your holidays to after the wedding. Things will be much cheaper as this will be outside school holidays.

Maybe spend 5 nights in Melbourne (including a few days trips to the surrounds) - drive yourself to Sydney along the great ocean road (this can be done in a day but recommend two). Then 7 nights in Sydney (including say two in the blue mountains). Don't bother with going too much further north. It will be hot and humid in Queensland and it really is not the best time to visit the reef if that it what you were planning.

all great ideas...I had an general idea about weather, but I appreciate all of your insight. I like the idea of perhaps moving my trip to after the 23rd and maybe staying around the Melbourne / Sydney areas.

We aren't interested in the typical tourist attractions, so from what you are saying, there's alot of great places around that area that we can visit.

While the wedding date may not be changed, the Australian Tennis Open is also around that same date, so accommodation and flights may be expensive around Melbourne.

Early planning/booking may be advisable...

- drive yourself to Sydney along the great ocean road (this can be done in a day but recommend two).

My geography may not be great, but the Great Ocean Road is west of Melbourne and Sydney is north. So you can drive the GOR, but it is not on the way to Sydney.

Personally, I would not drive from Sydney to Melbourne - is a lot cheaper, easier and safer to fly. There is plenty to do around Melbourne, including the Yarra Valley wine district (stay at a nice B&B there?) and a two or three day trip along the GOR would be recommended - maybe a night or two at Lorne (although, this is a very popular beachside town for holidays).

Book it all yourself, no need for an agent. Most hire cars are automatics, just make sure you get one with a sat-nav. Weatherwise, Melbourne can be very hot at that time of year (40C+), but it is not unheard of to have cold weather also during the day (sub 20C), so you will need to bring jackets.

Weatherwise, Melbourne can be very hot at that time of year (40C+), but it is not unheard of to have cold weather also during the day (sub 20C), so you will need to bring jackets.

I went down to the Oz open about 5 years ago, the day we arrived it was 37 not a cloud in the sky. The next day at 1030 am it was 11 degrees and raining!

They don't say Melbourne has 4 seasons in a day for nothing!

My geography may not be great, but the Great Ocean Road is west of Melbourne and Sydney is north. So you can drive the GOR, but it is not on the way to Sydney.

Personally, I would not drive from Sydney to Melbourne - is a lot cheaper, easier and safer to fly. There is plenty to do around Melbourne, including the Yarra Valley wine district (stay at a nice B&B there?) and a two or three day trip along the GOR would be recommended - maybe a night or two at Lorne (although, this is a very popular beachside town for holidays).

Book it all yourself, no need for an agent. Most hire cars are automatics, just make sure you get one with a sat-nav. Weatherwise, Melbourne can be very hot at that time of year (40C+), but it is not unheard of to have cold weather also during the day (sub 20C), so you will need to bring jackets.

Yes you are right - meant to say you should drive the road and then head to Sydney. Sorry - it was early !

My geography may not be great, but the Great Ocean Road is west of Melbourne and Sydney is north. So you can drive the GOR, but it is not on the way to Sydney. It is, if you want to go the long way around! :D

Dave

OP- What area are you from? Australia has a huge variety of scenery, wildlife, and cultures. You probably want to see things that are as different as possible from home. What are your and GF's interests?

One unique though touristy suggestion is the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, about a 2h drive from Melbourne. There are many organized tours there as well.

We went to MEL, SYD, Uluru, and Cairns (Barrier Reef) in July. The Reef was the highlight of our trip and there are also amazing rainforests surrounding Cairns. As pointed out however, January will be the hot and rainy season there; at Uluru it will just be crazy hot (40-50c).

Also, I assume you meant Jan 10 in the title of your post, not 09? (Better hurry if you meant 09!) ;)

People often try to cram too much into visiting australia. If melbourne and sydney are you're 2 chosen spots then there is more than enough to keep you entertained for a week in each city. That time of year will be pricey so be warned (hotels esp). As far as melbourne goes, and if its a day trip i would definately do a winery tour 1 day, maybe a trip to phillip island on another (which can be combined in 1 day with puffing billy steam train). great ocean road is good but best not to book a day tour as you will be stuck on a coach all day long. maybe hire a car and take 3 days driving down (but as mentioned this is the previous way of sydney). In sydney you'll find unlike melbourne, most of the attractions are based around the city centre but make sure you spend 2 days in the blue mountains (with an overnight stay in a cheap motel). use tripadvisor.com to work out a good hotel to stay at. great website that always helps!

OP- What area are you from? Australia has a huge variety of scenery, wildlife, and cultures. You probably want to see things that are as different as possible from home. What are your and GF's interests?

One unique though touristy suggestion is the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, about a 2h drive from Melbourne. There are many organized tours there as well.

We went to MEL, SYD, Uluru, and Cairns (Barrier Reef) in July. The Reef was the highlight of our trip and there are also amazing rainforests surrounding Cairns. As pointed out however, January will be the hot and rainy season there; at Uluru it will just be crazy hot (40-50c).

Also, I assume you meant Jan 10 in the title of your post, not 09? (Better hurry if you meant 09!) ;)



I currently live in Dallas, TX so the heat that some mentioned to me won't bother me much..our summers usually are around 100-105 F, the hottest being at 114 F a few years ago, so I'm thinking the reef won't be too bad for us.


As far was what I will want to see different than Dallas, well Dallas is pretty much FLAT with a couple of man-made lakes...nothing to see, so I am definitely open.



I do want to take my girlfriend to the Penguin Parade. I've read about that and she's loves penguins so I was going to surprise her with the trip.

Hotel wise, I have a feeling it's going to be pretty expensive. I have a relative who works for Hyatt, so I can get a discounted price, but I don't know how they are in Australia.

Oh, and yes, I meant Jan 2010..thanks for the headsup;)

Edit: After reading some posts about scheduling, I'm thinking of moving the extra weeks after the wedding. Tom911, thanks for the link to your pics! They are awesome and gave me some ideas on where to go.

If everything goes as planned, there's a strong possibility that I may also pop the question, so if you have any recommendations as to a romantic spot, let me know also!


Thanks for all of your help so far! Maybe I can repay you guys one day!

I have a relative who works for Hyatt, so I can get a discounted price, but I don't know how they are in Australia.

Accor has a strong presence in Australia and occasionally runs very good sales. I had a dozen nights with them in May at around $US52 a night at properties that would ordinarily run $100-200, so keep an eye out for anything they may offer in the future. They're generally known for Ibis, Novotel (just stayed in one of those in Hong Kong this week on a $US70 sale rate that was very nice), Sofitel, and Mercure.

Hyatt properties in both Melbourne and Sydney are considered high-end, so unless you're getting a spectacular discount might still be pricey for you. I'm using Hyatt points in Melbourne next year because I can't afford the Grand Hyatt there.

Right now the U.S. dollar is doing pretty poorly at 87 cents for an Australian dollar. My stays over the years have ranged from 50 cents to 90 cents for an Australian dollar.

I have family in Rowlett and Cedar Hill so familiar with the flat, the lakes, and the heat. :) IMO all the areas you plan to visit are way different than TX.

For hotels, check Travelodge Wynyard in SYD and Travelodge Southbank in MEL. They are an excellent value considering their convenient locations. In July we paid about $120/night in SYD and $140 in MEL (Aussie $$). Both hotels are a 15 minute walk from the main touristy stuff. Check www.travelodge.com.au as well as hotel sites such as www.lastminute.com.au and www.wotif.com.au (Wotif is only within 21 days of your stay where Lastminute allows more advance bookings. Lastminute has a great search feature and the results are laid out well). You will definitely pay less going through Oz websites versus their US couterparts although Avis was the same price after exchange rates.

The three main domestic airlines are Qantas, Jetstar (Qantas low cost operation), and Virgin Blue. There's fierce competition especially between SYD and MEL. Jet* and VB are very strict with baggage allowances and excess fees, so Qantas may be cheaper if you are traveling with lots of luggage. Check each of their websites for fare specials...keep checking until you see a good fare.

Congratulations on popping the question. Suggestions are:

- Eureka Skydeck in Melbourne.
- SYD bridge Pylon or steps of the Opera House.
- Four Mile Beach near Port Doug in QLD.

You will have a great time!

I agree with all the other very helpful advice - 2 weeks is just enough time to do the two cities of Melb and Sydney.

From Melbourne there is the penguine parade, great ocean road (great weather and beaches and local festivals etc during Jan/Feb), wineries, even a hot springs just out side of mornington where you can sit in, well, hot springs but hot mud and your gf can have a couple of spa treatments (some such as the hot mud you can share).

In Melb - there is the dinner tram car restaurant (cruises around the city serving a three course dinner with wine - very reasonably priced), the city circle tram (taking you to a few interesting spots around the city), a visit to state parliament (beautiful building, particularly the Legislative Council chamber (which is a upper house sort of equivalent of the way US senate acts)), and coffee and food! Lots of authentic and fantastic food from italian (Lygon Street), VietNamese (Victoria Street), Chinese (Chinatown), Greek, Jewish (Acland Street St Kilda). There is St Kilda beach itself, quirky and avant garde shopping in Chapel Street, and of course lots of gardens. St kilda and Chapel Street can be done in an afternoon

I would set aside two days to do the things listed under 'in melb', and three days to do things listed under 'from melb'. Plus you'll need r and r time!

If you want somewhere ultra special to stay for a couple of days in Melbourne then I could suggest the Crown Towers at Crown Casino. They have some luxury suite rooms which include access the club floor (with drinks and canapes etc all included) and the accommodations are really quite special - but at a budget that would be fine for a couple of nights (and the views over city are great). I think they have packages there for under USD400, especially if you can go outside the peak times.

Going to the reef would be spectacular - but would involve a fair bit of flying. Cairns is a 3 hours flight from Sydney.

Speaking of Sydney... nothing much at all except for a beach, a bit of water, a bridge and a place where they put on an opera or two. :eek:

regards

lme ff (running for cover)

Speaking of Sydney... nothing much at all except for a beach, a bit of water, a bridge and a place where they put on an opera or two. :eek:

regards

lme ff (running for cover)

You forgot about 2MM tonnes of red dust. ;)

Speaking of Sydney... nothing much at all except for a beach, a bit of water, a bridge and a place where they put on an opera or two. :eek:

regards

lme ff (running for cover) Hmmmm - dem's fighting words.

Dave

Lots of great advice here. I would agree, don't try to do too much jumping around in 2 weeks, you'll spend all your time in transport. Leave the tropical north for another time when its drier. Melbourne & Sydney alone could eat up 2 weeks. And nature is so close by, you can day trip to it. If you can see a symphony performance at the Opera House, even a sunday matinee, its so worth it.

wow, you guys are awesome...thanks for the advice and recommendation! I think I need to plan realistically and not pack too many things to do in the 2 weeks. Thanks for knocking some sense in me...All I really care about is finding the right place to ask her..the rest is gravy!

If your travel style is "on the go" then you can definitely see a lot more of Australia in 2 weeks. We went to MEL, CNS, Uluru, and SYD with 16 days in country. We were satisfied we experienced quite a bit at each place, though you could spend a lifetime and not see everything in any of those locations. To be fair, many would find our pace far too rushed so again it comes down to whether you prefer long stays at a few places or a good "sampler".

Either way, you will no doubt be thinking of your return visit on the flight home!

...All I really care about is finding the right place to ask her..Climb the Bridge (http://www.bridgeclimb.com/) - when you get to the top, ask her ....

Bridge Climb is a great idea, but personal items (like a ring) are severely restricted. An item falling onto traffic lanes isn't good. If you prearrange something with the company, I'm sure they can give the ring to the tour guide who can be complicit in the whole thing.

Bridge Climb is a great idea, but personal items (like a ring) are severely restricted. An item falling onto traffic lanes isn't good. If you prearrange something with the company, I'm sure they can give the ring to the tour guide who can be complicit in the whole thing.

Indeed! But it seems like people do it (http://www.bridgeclimb.com/aboutUs/default.htm)

Since our inception, we have assisted over two million people to climb the 1439 steps to the top. They include many celebrities, and our 100-year-old Climber, Mrs. Chris Muller. We have donated over $2.7 million worth of Climbs to charities, schools and other organisations and made over 2000 marriage proposals possible from the best vantage point in town.

Bridge Climb is a great idea, but personal items (like a ring) are severely restricted. An item falling onto traffic lanes isn't good. If you prearrange something with the company, I'm sure they can give the ring to the tour guide who can be complicit in the whole thing.

Sounds like a good idea, but I don't think she'll like the height, and knowing my luck, I'll be that guy who drops it.



When I've traveled in the past, I'm more of the "on the go" type and am used to only spending 2 maybe 3 days in the same city. This will be her first time to travel internationally so I'm not sure how she'll do. When we travel here in the States, she's pretty much the same as me.

We are going to set our schedule and have all of this planned and purchased by the end of October, so I'll let you guys know what we do.


As far as flights go, I've done some searches on the forum and came across V Australia. The only one that I know of is Qantas (my friend recommended this to me), but VA has gotten some good reviews. More than likely, I'll be flying from DFW to LAX (visit the family first) then from LAX to MEL.

Anyone have any recent experiences with VA that hasn't been posted? Also, I'm thinking of going with premium economy on the flight, but is it really worth it? I've always done economy (to save $$) when I travel, and am fine with it, but she's expressed that she needs the extra recline (she has breathing issues with she sleeps due to asthma).


Thanks so far for all of your help!

Book QF A380 in economy -- this has several inches more recline, due to the new seat style (the bottom of the seat slides forward). Much more comfortable than the old Y seating. Otherwise Premium Economy costs about $4K more for the 2 of you, which buys a lot of hotel rooms and even spa treatments. It is only 15 hour flight, so not really intolerable (I often have >20 hour sectors, several times a year, albeit not in Y). From a value standpoint the money is always better spent on the ground if you have the time (and on leisure trips you do).

VA is fine, but not up to QF quality, particularly on the A380. Luckily for you LAX-MEL is one of the few A380 routes in the world, so just pick a day when it is flying (about half the time) and enjoy your good luck. Australia is the lucky country, after all.

Sounds like a good idea, but I don't think she'll like the height, and knowing my luck, I'll be that guy who drops it.


In that case how about sunset at Mrs Macquarie's Chair (http://www.sydneycharterbus.com.au/web%20pics/Sydney%20Charter%20Bus%20-%20Mrs%20Macquaries%20Point.jpg)? Afterwards (assuming she says yes!) you can walk around to the Opera House and have a celebratory drink at Opera Bar.

In that case how about sunset at Mrs Macquarie's Chair (http://www.sydneycharterbus.com.au/web%20pics/Sydney%20Charter%20Bus%20-%20Mrs%20Macquaries%20Point.jpg)? Afterwards (assuming she says yes!) you can walk around to the Opera House and have a celebratory drink at Opera Bar.

Wow that IS an awesome view..

Wow that IS an awesome view..It is - but not nearly as good or as memorable as the view from the top of the Bridge ...

It is - but not nearly as good or as memorable as the view from the top of the Bridge ...

I disagree, Bridge Climb is an awesome experience. It's lots of fun, and you're up high so you can see the whole harbour, but for a real "this is Sydney" view I think MMC has to top it.

In that case how about sunset at Mrs Macquarie's Chair (http://www.sydneycharterbus.com.au/web%20pics/Sydney%20Charter%20Bus%20-%20Mrs%20Macquaries%20Point.jpg)? Afterwards (assuming she says yes!) you can walk around to the Opera House and have a celebratory drink at Opera Bar.

Excellent proposal. Especially when combined with the outdoor cinema at MMC in January!

http://www.stgeorgeopenair.com.au/

I disagree, Bridge Climb is an awesome experience. It's lots of fun, and you're up high so you can see the whole harbour, but for a real "this is Sydney" view I think MMC has to top it.The view from MMC is undoubtedly superb and certainly a real "this is Sydney" view (but then so is the view coming back on the Manly ferry) .... but in terms of a memorable place to pop the question, for me, the top of the Bridge wins by a country mile - and you can still walk around to the Opera House and look back up at what you just climbed while you're having a celebratory drink at the Opera Bar. Obviously, YMMV!