CPMaverick

Uluru gets rave reviews by some ('must be seen to be believed'), and is panned by others. I've not been yet, so can't say really.

worldiswide

I really have to agree with your comments on Ayers Rock. We have been to every state in Australia, and each time we consider and then reject a visit to UlUru for the reason you mention. Australia isn't a service oriented culture so spending a lot of money, not gething good food or service and lots of tourists on a planned circuit of activities is not the travel trifecta I'm looking for.


Tasmania, South or West Australia, the Daintree, and Great Ocean Road would all provide nice landscapes to photograph

NZbutterfly

When I asked the tour guide WHY they made that coin, that was the response I got. Have to admit I don't tend to fact check tour guides but I did a wee search and you're right, there's no mention of present. She did say she had just come back from Italy so maybe she had holiday brain....or maybe she meant it was made to honour the queen or something, but that wasn't how she phrased it. That's the only explanation I can think of. If someone gave me a gold coin I'd be taking that pressie home!!

SJC ORD LDR

1) Welcome to Flyertalk!

2) While I will spend a few nights in Sydney no matter what time of year we make the trip, I am the type of person who likes to see the countryside when on a trip for fun. I'm also the type of person who does not like doing pre-packaged tours when I can drive around (even in a country that drives on the other side of the road). I might do a guided hike, but that's the extent of my guided touring.

2RETIREDTRAVELERS

Skip Ayers Rock! I am there now- total tourist trap. Loved Adelaide, Encounter Bay the Grampians the Great ocean road and the Otways. Preferred Melbourne over Sydney but we liked Sydney.

yhm71

I have to throw in a vote _for_ Uluru/Ayers Rock. It's pretty darn impressive out in the desert, and what you learn about aborigine culture when you walk around it is extremely interesting, it adds a totally new layer of meaning to the site. Also fascinating to observe the micro-environments caused by water runoff.
The "resort", the only place to stay near by, is indeed a tourist trap. But if you rent a car and use the right attitude (be at the resort only to eat and sleep, try to ignore the tourists), you can focus on the outback around you. We camped and threw in a trip to King's Canyon. The drive alone was an experience. And the stars out there are absolutely amazing.

Goldiemom

I love Uluru! I've been twice and I am awed each time I visit. I live near Yosemite also. Yosemite has as many if not more tourists than Uluru. Flying in and seeing Uluru and the Olgas from the air is a sight to behold. However, during the Australian summer, it can be too hot and the flies can be bothersome.

Exec_Plat

HA! There you go...precisely my dilemma.



On the list, off the list, on the list...

I'm considering do two days at Longitude 131, a day at kings canyon, then overnight at Alice and leave. I'll have a car so not so bound to tourist areas.


Retiredtravelers- where are you staying, and what transport are you using?

Lan44

I went to Aus in March and I'd say if you are in Sydney you HAVE to spend a day or two at the Blue Mountains national park which is about an hour or so drive west. We were there for a day and a half and it was enough to do several shorter hikes and see alot of the highlights. I'm going back in Nov to do longer hikes.
I would also recommend Fraser Island which is about 3.5 hour drive north of Brisbane and is fantastic. It's a huge sand island and is an amazing place. We went on a full day tour and it's one of the best things I've ever done. Don't go on a bus type tour though for only a little extra you can go in a humvee which you share with another couple or pay extra to have privately.

Exec_Plat

I would give an enthusiasti thumbs up. Many trips to Blue. Some very good hikes if you want, or just great touring and scenery.

Also, I spent a long weekend up near Fraser at Noosa- rented a 4x4 and had an absolute blast driving off road and on the beach. (Fraser is restriced as I recall, but elsewhere you can drive yourself on the beach. Pack a cooler, good times. Recent post on this from someone. Noosa, Noosa Heads, Fraser.

Brisbane can feel like south florida...but head out of town and the vibe is more laid back, less Fort Lauderdale.

Lan44

I think you can drive yourself on Fraser because I considered it and decided against it. Glad I did you would have to know what you are doing. I'd have got stuck somewhere for sure. Or lost, or both.

You can also camp there too I think.

Exec_Plat

From another post on the subject I did:

mhsqcx081114

If you like landscape photography, then the Great Ocean Road & Grampians National Park between Melbourne and Adelaide are good. Also Kangaroo Island & Victor Harbor south of Adelaide are very scenic.

The Top End of Australia is very humid during Feb/Mar and it does sap your energy quite quickly if you're not used to it.

Generally in the north the temps are low to mid 30's (Celsius) with high humidity while in the south (Perth/Adelaide/Melbourne/Alice Springs) the temps can reach the low 40's with low humidity. Even Hobart in Tasmania can get quite hot although equally as well it can get very cold at night during this time.

Brisbane/Sydney temps are usually high 20's to mid 30's with some humidity but the temps can also get hotter.

Can echo 2RETIREDTRAVELERS comments. The Otways are really nice.

SJC ORD LDR

Thanks for the Blue Mountain suggestion. I never thought of it.