I'm kinda working backwards now that I've narrowed down the hotel for my first nights, because my sister will be in NZ toward the end of my trip and we're going to do 5 days together on the South Island. (I'll go back for just NZ on a different trip.) Then, I'll end my trip with about 4 days in Sydney. So, start and end in Sydney. One of my concerns is to have the shortest possible travel days when changing places, hence working backwards - to Christchurch from Melbourne is direct, and from to Sydney is direct. From other places, there's a connection and a long travel day.

I'm thinking 10 days or more up around Cairns (Great Barrier Reef, maybe on a small ship cruise, and oh so much more), Uluru and environs for at least 3 days (suggestions for a tour?), drive Adelaide to Melbourne (and catch plane to Christchurch in Melbourne), and a trip to Hobart and environs partly for work. I'm thinking Kangaroo Island may be in there somewhere. I'm not a real active sort, kinda let my office work win out against any exercise, so now that I'm semi-retired I can't do quite as much physical stuff as I had hoped. But, who knows how I can change in 6 months? Having 6 weeks will give me some time to recuperate if I get carried away.

I tend to prefer off-the-beaten track sorts of things, still not entirely comfortable with driving there, but I'll probably take my chances so I can see more. I'm traveling alone except the 5 days with my sister. Using miles to get there (yea FT!!!) and points as much as possible for hotels and car rental.

So, looking for suggestions on the trip to the Olgas/Uluru (I think a tour so I don't have to do it alone), and for my snorkeling adventure on the Great Barrier Reef (I've seen 7 day cruises on a small ship). Well, and anything else you'd like to share or comment on.

All comments or suggestions welcome!!! Thanks!!!!