Actually, Australia is a very backwards place. Forget anything positive I said in my trip report and please stay away!

...this is what my wife and I decided to tell anyone who asks, given that once word is out about how wonderful the place is everyone will want to go there, so please pass the word: backwards, awful, nothing to see here, etc.

Edg1 -- For you, however, since you seem to have already decided to venture to this god-awful place I would also suggest the option of renting a car. While you certainly don't need one, we found it helpful to venture out to such places as Port Douglas, the Tjapukai aboriginal center, Daintree rainforest, etc.

Parking was only between AUD$5-6/day whether you self park or valet. Just remember (if you are from the US like me) to drive Left!

In any case, the airport is only 15-20 minutes away.

Have a great trip.


P.S. Edited to add that the book "A Sunburned Country," by Bill Bryson offers some great insights and fun reading about Australia. Also helps take up some of the plane time necessary to get there.

[This message has been edited by elbidercni (edited 06-11-2003).]