Sousaphone

Can highly recommend a company called showyoutasmania. We used them on our Perth-Sydney cruise in 2012. Covered Bonorong Park plus lots of other interesting locations. She is very flexible.

Unfortunately Show You Tasmania was fully booked for the date we're in port, so we're still looking for an alternative tour. They were our first choice! :)

Any tour company recommendations for Tasmania? Want to see Tassies, kangaroos, etc. and will be in port from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Do we have time to go to Bonorang Sanctuary?

Hello Sue,

 

Well what can I say about Melbourne's climate , in January and Febuary we can have some very hot days with temps up into the 40oC range , but on the other hand in Melbourne you can get all four seasons in an hour! :eek:

 

 

What to see .. well Melbourne is a large urban sprawl just like most modern cities around the world it has some very nice places to visit.

 

 

A nice day out could involve a trip into the Dandenong Ranges to ride on Puffing Billy http://www.puffingbilly.com.au

 

You could tour the Yarra Valley one of the states wine producing areas.

http://www.visitmelbourne.com/Regions/Yarra-Valley-and-Dandenong-Ranges.aspx

 

A trip to the seaside town of Mornington is well worth it

http://www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

 

Or even a trip to the Top of Mount Dandenong

http://www.travelvictoria.com.au/mountdandenong/

 

My suggestion would be to book a tour in an airconditioned coach , the reason I suggest this is that the older members of your party could find wandering about in the heat an issue .. having said that the weather could make a liar of me :D

 

Something that picks you up from Station Pier (where you will dock) and returns you to the ship would be the most suitable .

 

Here is a page with January temps for 2013 to give you some idea of what we can get

 

http://www.accuweather.com/en/au/melbourne/26216/january-weather/26216

 

As you can see temps can vary quite a bit :cool:

 

If we get very hot conditions some attractions such as Puffing Billy will not operate if we have a "Total Fire Ban Day" but the local tour operators will be aware of this

 

You will find Australians helpful and keen to see you enjoy your time here I hope you have a nice day in Melbourne , the suggestions here are what I would do in your place.

 

Best Regards

John

If all Aussies are like you John, we'll be set! Thank you again! Sue

Thank you David!

Has anyone experienced the Viator Banks Peninsula, Christchurch, and Sheep Farm in Akaroa or have suggestions of other tours? I REALLY want to visit a sheep farm! :)

Hi Folks

 

With and older Granddad in the party then I would point you firmly at Healsville , which will be a much more suitable venue

 

Its situated in a very nice scenic / mountain area the drive from the ship will be about 90 mins depending on traffic and time of day so you will get to see quite a bit of Melbourne during the trip.

 

Take your time and don't try to rush things and you will have a nice outing

 

 

If I can be of any assistance please drop me note here

 

 

Best regards

 

John

Thank you John! Now I'm re-thinking this whole thing. I'm sure we'll be seeing wildlife in Tasmania, so we could probably opt to do something else in Melbourne. What should we not miss for our day visit? Oh, and what is the average temperature in January? Will it be REALLY HOT? I really appreciate your input! Sue

Thank you so much! Just what I needed to hear! We are a group of 9, with one 89-year-old granddad. We will check out the other tour you mentioned.

:)

Considering this Viator Savannah Walkabout tour in Melbourne. Has anyone experienced this tour and can recommend it?

Who has visited Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary in Wellington? Worth it or skip it?

Our group of 9 are cruising New Zealand/Australia on Celebrity in January. We're researching and considering other tour vendors than just what Celebrity has to offer; such as Zealandier or Viator, etc.

What is your experience with these or any others?

Are there are excursions that you recommend for Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Wellington, Akaroa, Dunedin?

We have very diverse interests in our group. Many are LOTR fans. I want to enjoy the natural beauty of the land and wildlife. There are those interested in architecture and history.

Thanks for your suggestions! :)

Thanks Liz! I appreciate your quick response! Balcony it is!

What did you like or did not like about the Solstice?

Did your cruise go to Hobart, Tasmania? I'd like to visit the animal sanctuary there. Don't know if there is a Celebrity excursion.

Any seasickness issues?

Sue

Can anyone enlighten me about what one will see while cruising New Zealand on the way to Australia on the Solstice? Trying to figure out whether to book an ocean view or balcony stateroom...