MrsWaldo

You can buy Pseudoephedrine here OTC in the Chemist, this is what you'll be looking for rather than Pharmacy, although some places will have Pharmacy written as well/instead. (language variation)

Sudafed is the most common. If you wanted to you could buy it on arrival here to use pre trip for GBR

Traveling certainly makes you aware of how different countries approach entry requirements. I am really curious as to why visitors to Australia have such stringent medicine requirements and how do custom agents handle folks who have not read what is needed.

Small country, protected pharmaceutical agency with a government that pays supplemental payments for prescription drugs to reduce costs. Neighbouring countries in Asia with death penalties for illegal drugs. Strong presence of Anti Doping for sport (cortisone and steroids are often monitored very closely)

If people haven't read the rule book they can spend quite some time at customs while every thing is sorted out, e.g. phone calls to drs. Chemical analysis of the drugs they are carrying. They also make for a nice episode on Border Patrol TV show

As I've said before having easy paperwork and everything in original packaging and together in your hand luggage makes life easier for you. Mr Waldo and I have done numerous OS trips, Mr Waldo was doing about 30 per year at one stage and carrying script meds from here. The drs signed paper always made things a bit faster

I was essentially told the same thing. Just a list of meds and dosage signed by the doctor. I'm copying off my meds list+dosage from the pharmacy into a table, adding in the chemical name for the non-generics, and having my doctor sign it.

excellent idea.

Calliope,

here the generics i.e. non big brand like bayer etc, often still have a "brand name" e.g.

the last lot of Amoxycillin (usually Amoxil brand name) I got from the pharmacy was MOXIN on the labelling. There was no paper insert with all of the info that you get normally. I'm guessing this may well be country specific as generics have not been around here all that long.

What it all boils down to is having something signed by the doctor makes things easier

I also don't know what difference it makes whether it's got a generic or a brand name on it, since the regulations seem to be to ensure that the right medication (on the bottle) is prescribed specifically for the the person bringing it in (on the copy of the rx).

Its not generic or brand its the actual drug content I was referring to

e.g. the actual chemical. The pharmaceutical company here may call it BONGO while in the US its called ZINGO. (OK thats just a play on names)

I wasn't referring to needing a refill. I was referring to if you have a health issue and need to be treated. The letter with the drug and the reason makes it easier. So that means for import you have both bases covered.

You've also mentioned cortisone which is generally Rx here. I'm guess I'm just trying to make the passage easier. A Dr letter will do that.

No problem, enjoy.

We have a primary physician who co-ordinates our care so specialists report back to them. You can't see a specialist without a referral from the GP. They have a list of all the meds you take.

I would doubt a pharmacy printout would suffice as it would just show you have the script which may not have the same market/on the shelf name as here even though it is the same product

Another good reason to have the dr letter is if something does go wrong a dr treating you here will know exactly what meds you are on and why.

1. You can take off refillable bottles if they are empty

2. Cereal is less likely to be allowed than the chocolate bars so yes bring chocolate bars as well. Declare all of them and mention the empty water bottles.

3. Yep that's the way to do it

4. Should be OK provided they are OTC here. Some cortisone creams require a script here. Perhaps have dr include these in his letter.

5. if the vitamins are in original packaging no issues. Often the bottles are huge so buy a small version just for carrying.

6. No, bring it, lots of people do. Just make sure it is well rinsed and free of any sand/salt residue etc. Declare and they'll inspect.

The officers are generally pretty good.

Why should it be in the least bit surprising that a modern, civilised and prosperous country should have flourishing performing arts of all forms? Or that a culture that's largely based on Western European heritage should include opera amongst those forms?

 

Contrary to the old (and stale) stand-up comic's joke, it's no longer compulsory to have a criminal record to get into Australia.

 

This really should have been as surprising to you as finding that the USA boasts a number of symphony orchestras, notwithstanding its long history of cowboys.

I was going to let the first part of the comment go through to the keeper.

We actually bat above our weight in most things,(like our near neighbours) look at medal tally's from Olympics as an example in per capita results, or Nobel Prizes or World Events.

It was once said we strive for identity so we take on all things and do them well. I think we just got all the good genes and the benefit of a fantastic environment.

That means the tickets will be about 2+ hours from now on your 19th…

Terry, while this sounds a bit parochial, Australia actually has a rich history of Opera and entry to Opera Australia is keenly contested by aspiring singers from all around the world. Our public wouldn't accept a poor quality showing for the arts as they get huge funding from the government.

http://australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/opera-in-australia

My preferred spots are in L,M and N in the middle BUT these would be hard to come by as they are for subscribers normally. Its quite good back as far as R.

Whilst the house is close to perfect acoustically if sound is you thing then the middle is much better even further back. if it's the visuals then closer but do try to avoid the last 3-5 seats on each side. They aren't bad, just not as good.

DO NOT get a box. IMHO you feel a bit disconnected and the ones towards the middle are not offset enough for my liking.

In terms of best choice for tickets Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for some reason always seem to have better seating options. if you are not on the ship already check the cruise schedules and try to avoid a night one of the big ships are in.

No seashells but treated wood is OK. Don't bring Honey or seedlings

Just make sure you declare it.

NZ is more rigorous with customs and quarantine than we are.

angel

use our friends the bom!

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/

IME take layers….

in 1991 it openly reach 8c in Melbourne and that was a day in January… the preceding week had all been high 30s.

When the winds come off the southern ocean you know about it. Conversely when the winds come in from the red centre you do too.

On the subject of doing Bonorong by Night

It is definitely worth it to see our native animals at the time of day in which they are most active. The majority sit around for long periods during the day snoozing and as they are nocturnal you get a much better interaction with them

If you wanted to DIY then have aloof at Bonorongs website as they offer transfers (Minimum cost 2 adults is about $400AUD) then compare that with the cruise ship.

Something to consider is that your group of 2 will be your group whereas from the ship it is likely they will have approx 15 in a group.

You could do a price comparison and contact bonorong for info.

Sorry Rivah,

Late to the party.

I did the same sailing as Thecat and Roxburgh.

if you promise not to tell anyone you may get to stay on land longer than your allocated slot ;)

Asking one of the expedition staff when onshore will give you an idea.

IMHO there was so much happening on board during landings with spotting etc and talks and just general atmosphere and often we were so close to land or icebergs that you could still "participate"

As for the Penthouse…. NO

We had 3 in a Verandah and it was perfectly adequate. I decided against a Penthouse due to motion and was very glad when were came back across Drake as the forward elevators were switched off and the motion in the ocean much more noticeable.

You'll have a great trip. The rental boots etc were top notch and they had "market days" before arrival so if you guessed your sizing incorrectly you could swap.

No the hot tubs at the main pool and deck 6 remain open . We have a great photo of us in the tub on deck 6 with Antarctica behind us.

They emptied the pool after Stanley and refilled it after Ushuaia

I did it through SB but it was a last minute diversion and i needed to be sure our arrival back at the ship was guaranteed. There were 5 of us on the tour and it was excellent Had i planned ahead i would of done it myself. ( Seabourn book the more expensive fully flexible flights and seem to get the better rooms at the Sheraton. Ours were on the second floor from the top and right in the centre of the building the view from my room was better than from the Jnrs) My cost analysis after, was that through SB the actual cost was about $100 more. We seemed to pick up better rates because there were three of us but we still had 2 rooms.

If doing it by yourself the only consideration is to make sure you get back from Iguazu the night before sailing. Even LAN has lots of delays because at that time of year the weather is an influencing factor. Our flight back was delayed a bit but the flight after was rescheduled until 4 hours later due to an approaching storm.

We enjoyed having the overnight but possibly didn't need it. We managed to fit all 3 walks in on the one day. Our guide said this often isn't the case if you have people who are less able. The norm is 2. We were going to do the lower falls again on the 2nd morning but the weather was miserable.

There's a hire place right on the beach with umbrellas, lounges etc. where the stinger nets go.

There are several eating venues across the road, Hi Tide in the Peninsula, the cafe on the corner and the surf club. I can't be sure about change rooms but usually the surf clubs have them at the rear. There are freshwater showers (outdoor) just behind the beach.

From the Marina this is about a 10 minute walk.

My daughter wore these

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/95/99/10/959910abeab973d7fefc2bb51f0dc924.jpg

No issue

She also had a pair of multi coloured guess linen jeans….

maitre d turned a blind eye

both were much nicer and dressier than some of the polyester black pants or even worse fleece style pants some chose…

there is nothing on the rules that say no fleece...

I've not heard of it.

The online only has age options for 21 through to 25+ (avis as an example)

here hertz conditions

http://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au/terms-and-conditions/australia/hertz/

In some states you may require a medical certificate that states you are fit to drive

There were taxis, seemed to be a pretty constant flow of drop off and pick up.

Meter….

Cost about $5

Townhouse suite is a new acquisition I think its off to one side

https://apac.littlehotelier.com/properties/sydney-harbour-bed-and-breakfast

3 out of 5 reviewers have less than 3 review in terrible

4 out of 7 in poor

12 on the first 2 pages in excellent

What does this say to me… Tripadvisor reviews for this property are useless…

over 50% say excellent… or 80% very good +

From my reading most complaints are about being cold due to lack of blankets…. we had an unusually cold winter… there were some days where had I been a visitor in my pace i would have complained

OP asked about location and is it OK…. thats the answer given… yeah its Ok…

location is great… should they want great accom park hyatt is just around the corner at 5x the price

mtn

tmag is open,

Mona on boxing day is a nightmare…. I would not do the ferry with an afternoon tour…. unless pre booking it now and you'll only get 1h 30 mins due to the schedule as they would have to be on 11.30 ferry back as 12.30 is too tight to get back for the ship tour (great idea though)

It is is an excellent location right near a multitude of eating places. The only drawback is you may get some street noise on the Saturday night as it is possible the St Patricks day celebrations will be in the area.

Excellent..

So obviously you like old stuff?

If you wander around from the waterfront and head to your left you'll find Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). It doesn't open until 10 (actually snot much does and it will be public holiday. I'd suggest walking around to Salamanca via the waterfront to the old stores, then up the stairs behind to Battery Point, (from the stairs head straight and then the road curves right) cute old houses and coffee shops, some Antique shops but they may be closed, and then down to St David's Park. There is a cemetery wall with old headstones from the first settlement. TMAG is then back down the waterfront.

It's donation entry. Good display about Thylacines (Tassie Tigers which are now extinct) and an Antarctic Gallery. Takes about an hour and easily doable from the dock.

http://www.tmag.tas.gov.au

The other alternative is the hop on hop off which will give you a look around town,

http://www.reddecker.com.au/?p=value#city

It leaves from the corner not far from TMAG..