Originally Posted by
kenish
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!