kapooncha

So let me preface this by saying I don't necessarily envision myself getting to Australia/New Zealand more than once. Combination of distance and expense.

That being said, I've been thinking about doing 3 or 4 weeks next year. Would like to see the cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Tasmania Island, GBR, Lord Howe. I had been leaning toward September/October time frame but I guess that's not really good water temperature time for Lord Howe.

So any other suggestions?

CPMaverick

Well, most of the places you are suggesting would have better weather in summer (including NZ), with the possible exception of the GBR. I think November is a good time to visit Australia. It's fairly mild in the south, and not too hot up north. It's also a low travel season, particularly between the US and Australia, so you can usually find good flight deals. Tack on Thanksgiving holidays and you even get a few extra days off in there, if you work a typical US job.

The only destinations I would avoid in November would be Darwin and the Red Centre. It's too hot in the middle and too hot, humid, & rainy in the far north. However, both might be manageable in very early November.

If you really want to do Australia and NZ, I definitely recommend taking 4 weeks if possible, if not more. There's so much to see if you include both countries, and both are worth seeing. You can start in the north and end up down south to maximize the chances of nice weather.

Lord Howe Island is an interesting option. I haven't personally been there, but I'd like to. Make sure you research this a lot before making your plans. Accommodation is limited on the island, and my understanding is it can book out well in advance.

I really love Western Australia and could highly recommend a few days out there if you can swing it. The natural beauty around Esperance makes it one of my favorite places in all of Australia. It isn't easy to get to, but probably no more trouble than Lord Howe. There are more accessible parts around Perth that are quite nice as well.

kapooncha

Wouldn't stingers be a problem in November?

CPMaverick

Yes, November is the start of stinger season in Queensland. Stinger season doesn't mean no swimming. It just means you need to wear a stinger suit, especially when close to shore. Out on the reef, you'd wear a protective suit anyway, or a wetsuit in the colder months. So, if you are only interested in the GBR, it doesn't make much difference.

Certainly, if you want to visit Tassie, Melbourne, etc... it makes no sense to visit when the weather is cold in these places just to avoid wearing a stinger suit on the day or three you are in the water up north.

kapooncha

Thanks CP, that makes a lot of sense.

secondsoprano

Don't forget Australia is about the same size as mainland USA, and that's before you factor in Lord Howe Island and Tasmania. Your itinerary is like saying "I think I'll visit California, NYC, the Everglades, Niagara Falls, Hawaii and Alaska". It's doable, just, but you might consider cutting a couple of items off your list so you have time to actually enjoy it and not be on airplanes the whole time!

Simone87

Cairns and GBR is great at the moment, and by October/November, it will start to get a fair bit warmer. I am a relative newbie to Cairns, but from what I understand from my colleagues who have lived here for ages, there is less of a chance with stingers on the outer reef, than closer to Cairns, so you could definitely still come during the stinger/wet season and enjoy it.