22 days to see Eastern Australia

[eel]

Thank you, thank you for all of the great feedback. Based on the comments we are dropping Adelaide and Kangaroo island from the itinerary and going to try to make it to Tasmania for at least 3-4 days instead. Our cruise ports in Adelaide so we can at least get a small taste of the place.

 

We also port in Melbourne but I think there is not enough time on a port stop to see the Great Ocean Road so we will probably do that as a 2 day side trip out of Melbourne.

 

When we were originally planing this trip we had hoped to get to Ayers Rock but I just don't know if we will have the time. Something to come back for!

 

Based on the comments I think we will cut a day or two off of our Cairns visit although if we do a 3 day - 2 night liveaboard boat trip we think we must have at least 4 full days there. We also want to do the rainforest Skyrail while in Cairns.

 

I am surprised that people don't think Brisbane and the Gold Coast are worth our time. I think we will stick with that plan. Once past the Gold Coast I would consider avoiding the Pacific Highway. I am actually looking forward to a big drive while in Australia. We drive to LA all the time from Tucson and that is like 8 or 9 hours. And we do it in one day with minimal stops! We would probably take 2 days to drive from Brisbane to Sydney including a stop in the middle to break it up.

 

Appreciate the advice on the stinger suit. Sounds like a wise thing to do.

 

Any other ideas or comments are welcome and much appreciated. I will probably post some specific questions on the board from time to time as I continue the planning process.

[eel]

Here is what we are thinking of now. I made a spreadsheet and discovered we had another day!!!

 

Day 1 - Disembark Radiance, do laundry :-)

Day 2 - Sydney

Day 3 - Fly to Launceston, Tasmania

Day 4,5,6,7 - Tasmania

Day 8 - Fly Hobart to Melbourne

Day 9,10,11 - Great Ocean Road and Melbourne

Day 12 - Fly Melbourne to Cairns

Day 13,14,15,16,17 - Cairns including 3 days on GBR

Day 18 - Fly Cairns to Brisbane

Day 19, 20 - Drive from Brisbane to Sydney

Day 21 - Arrive Sydney

Day 22, 23 - Sydney (including a day trip to Blue Mountains)

Day 24 - Board Solstice

 

Four flights required but most of the flights are not too bad. One way car rentals from Launceston to Hobart and Brisbane to Sydney. Probably don't need a car in Cairns. Will need a car for Great Ocean Road.

[aussielozzie18]

My only suggestion now, would be give yourselves an extra day in Sydney when you arrive (and one less day in Tassie). So much to do in Sydney. It's great that you are going to the Blue Mountains - just beautiful. If you do decide to drive down the pacific highway, Byron Bay Lighthouse is a must stop with stunning views, a tiny museum and a little cafe for coffee and munchies (bit expensive though). Coffs Harbour is a good stop too (doesnt appeal to everyone) but its a good place to have a break mid-way. We have often stayed overnight here to break up the journey between the Gold Coast and Sydney.

 

Have a wonderful holiday. You will love Australia.

[aussielozzie18]

I know you are finalising which cities you are going to now but just wanted to mention for future reference,something to do whilst you are in Sydney - Tobruk Sheep Station - our German exchange students did a day trip there and they loved it. It is basically like going to a sheep station in the Outback (sheep shearing, eat damper, throw boomerangs etc) but its located within 70mins of the Sydney CBD. Not accessible by public transport - you would need to drive yourselves out there or do a coach day tour. Anyway, just thought you might like to add to your Sydney to do list together with the Harbour Bridge, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Tower, Darling Harbour, Bondi to Bronte walk, ferry to Manly, Watsons Bay, the Blue Mountains.....

[The_Big_M]

I am surprised that people don't think Brisbane and the Gold Coast are worth our time. I think we will stick with that plan. Once past the Gold Coast I would consider avoiding the Pacific Highway. I am actually looking forward to a big drive while in Australia. We drive to LA all the time from Tucson and that is like 8 or 9 hours. And we do it in one day with minimal stops! We would probably take 2 days to drive from Brisbane to Sydney including a stop in the middle to break it up.

 

With so much time it shouldn't be an issue. However, should let you know that much more than in the US/California, speeds are heavily controlled. There are many speed cameras, as well as hidden patrol cars and if you're prone to speeding, you can wind up with a large fine. (This may also be charged back through your car rental company as camera offences are charged after the fact).

 

The speed on the Pacific Highway is generally 80-110 km, although has some small parts of 40-50 through towns.

[newbris]

FYI, in Brisbane and surrounds some possibilities are:

 

- The beautiful tropical Roma St parklands and/or the botanical gardens

 

- Southbank gardens, beach and surrounding attractions

 

- The great Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Art Gallery, Museum of Brisbane, the beautifully restored Brisbane City Hall and Brisbane powerhouse.

 

- Use the lovely Citycat's to travel down the Brisbane river to somewhere like New Farm Park or Bulimba

 

- Cycling around the great inner city trails...gives a fabulous perspective and great fun...inner city wide bike hire scheme available.

 

- On river activities with riverlife if that is your thing and/or combining a story bridge climb/abseil.

 

- A day shopping in the inner city "Queenslander" sub-tropical housing areas like Paddington to get a proper feel for a sub-tropical city. Don't just stick to the city centre like many do.

 

- A visit to the great West End markets on a Sat morning.

 

- A trip to the inner city Mt Coot-tha lookout, planetarium and gardens.

 

- Koala hugging at Lone Pine koala sanctuary. One of the few zoos in Australia you can handle them.

 

- A trip up to the fantastic mountains behind either the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast. Little quaint little towns like Monteville, Maleny, Mapleton, Mt Tamborine etc and lovely mountain top places like O'Reilly's in the sub tropical rainforest. The climate in the Brisbane area means it is blessed with a fantastic natural environment with a lot more wildlife and birds than some other areas in Australia so is a good place to see if that is your thing.

 

- Hand feeding wild dolphins at Tangalooma on Brisbane's Moreton Island is really fun and makes for a great day or two in beautiful surrounds. Snorkel the nearby wrecks or explore the island.

 

- Brisbane's North Stradbroke Island is also lovely and great to explore.

 

- The Gold Coast is far more than the Surfers Paradise area that many tourists see. There are many lovely beaches and spots along the 32km of beachline. Well worth researching this area. Not to mention the fabulous hinterland behind the Gold Coast. Around the Currumbin Wildlife sanctuary area is lovely.

 

- Hiring a boat along the Noosa river and having a picnic on the sand banks in the river or a trip up to the Noosa everglades is fun.

 

- Fraser Island is just fantastic.

 

- Over the border into northern NSW is a stunning green area with beautiful country/mountain drives.

 

Rather than Coffs Harbour you could try the nearby arty country town of Bellingen (as mentioned) and drive along the waterfall way tourist drive to the university town of Armidale. It is a lovely place and more interesting than another beach town imo.

 

Just some random ideas to hopefully help your research...it is sometimes the local little places with people living their lives in a different way to home that appeal more than the big ticket attractions when travelling I guess...nice to get a bit of both.

[eel]

My only suggestion now, would be give yourselves an extra day in Sydney when you arrive (and one less day in Tassie). So much to do in Sydney. It's great that you are going to the Blue Mountains - just beautiful. If you do decide to drive down the pacific highway, Byron Bay Lighthouse is a must stop with stunning views, a tiny museum and a little cafe for coffee and munchies (bit expensive though). Coffs Harbour is a good stop too (doesnt appeal to everyone) but its a good place to have a break mid-way. We have often stayed overnight here to break up the journey between the Gold Coast and Sydney.

 

Have a wonderful holiday. You will love Australia.

 

Yes, we want to be sure to spend enough time in Sydney. For the Blue Mountains, would you recommend a tour or driving there ourselves? Maybe stop there on the trip from Brisbane? Would that save time or too far out of the way?

 

We do want to spend some time in the Byron Bay area. We would like to do a sea kayak excursion to see the dolphins.

[eel]

With so much time it shouldn't be an issue. However, should let you know that much more than in the US/California, speeds are heavily controlled. There are many speed cameras, as well as hidden patrol cars and if you're prone to speeding, you can wind up with a large fine. (This may also be charged back through your car rental company as camera offences are charged after the fact).

 

The speed on the Pacific Highway is generally 80-110 km, although has some small parts of 40-50 through towns.

 

Thanks for the tip. Unfortunately speeding cameras are becoming more prevalent in the US as well although mostly in populated areas. I have been known to drive in the 80-90 MPH range on the trip to LA or Phoenix so I will most definitely need to be careful! Hopefully my rental has cruise control.

[jannandjohn]

Yes, we want to be sure to spend enough time in Sydney. For the Blue Mountains, would you recommend a tour or driving there ourselves? Maybe stop there on the trip from Brisbane? Would that save time or too far out of the way?

.

Wouldn't recommend stopping on the way from Bris, its off in a different direction,you could do it, but it would be a long detour after a long drive.( you will see lots of Aussie bush on the trip to Syd from Bris, its really not a very interesting drive..not like a drive through the States, you have interesting small towns, we have little boring ones..I would fly to Syd)

[J-D]

I think you now have a generally good itinerary in mind, but I too would suggest flying from BNE to SYD, freeing up an extra 2 days for Brisbane and surroundings (see my post #21 and the details from NewBris in post #31). We have been to most of the places NewBris lists, and that was the basis for my suggestion not to discount Brisbane and area.

 

Of course there are also interesting things along the roads from BNE to SYD -- we've done that road trip 3 times (twice on the Pacific Hwy, once further inland). However, you cannot do everything on one trip!

 

Not to further confuse things, now that you have a good basic itinerary, but if your ship will already give you a day somewhere around Cairns for a taste of that area, and if you are thinking of a future visit to see more of Australia, you might consider skipping the extended stay near Cairns this time, devoting those days to areas farther south. Then plan a future trip in the southern winter season across northern Australia and the Centre: Cairns & vicinity; the Top End and Kimberley by road, going as far as Broome; and then fly to the Centre. You would likely pass through SYD and/or BNE as well when arriving or departing. That will leave Perth/southern W.A. and Adelaide/southern S.A. for your 3rd trip to Australia!

 

John

[lillyloveselvis]

Hi,

 

I wanted to mention a chain of hotels which is inexpensive it is very basic but clean and Melbourne airport has one also. Formule 1 is around most of Australia and even Melbourne city. I have stayed in them in Sydney also.

Great Ocean road is hair pin bends and narrow get some practice driving on the opposite side of the road so you can feel comfortable before you drive there :) It is tiring but the scenery is amazing. Local airlines would be Virgin or Jetstar for great deals which if there is no school holidays you can get great prices. Sign up to Jetstar and Virgin airlines to receive their weekly emails if you can. Friday frenzys 4pm to 8pm have great deals if you can incorporate into your schedule.

I am jealous you trip is amazing what ever you do, You will love Tasmania it is cooler then the rest of Australia you have the mountains close to the beaches.

It is breath taking. Some airlines have discounts for car rentals also I used a very inexpensive car rental from the airport in QLD few years back red spot or something like that do not forget to ask for a street directory or some kind of navigating system they are not always included in the rentals.

All cities would also have airport buses cheaper then taxis if your not returning a car to the airport. Melbourne freeway from airport to city has charges which I am sure most states might have you need to look up city link day pass which could be around $13 so you do not get fined for not paying and using the tolls. You can usually do that over the phone just giving the rental car details. If I wasn't totally correct I do not mind if some one who has more knowledge corrects my suggestions its been a while since I used some of these services.

You will have to try the Australian meat pie, timtam biscuite go shop at Aldi they are inexpensive for groceries if you have a costco card bring it with you you might find one or two around. Perhaps go to a pub for a parma meal.

Some pub/hotels have parmagana nights look up some great ones in each town. Watch out for parking signs they will fine you very fast. I would suggest for city parking the casino is your best price but get in early just after 9-9.30 when the prices drop for all day parking. (Melbourne) Good luck I hope to see you on the ship and Bora Bora:)

[lillyloveselvis]

If you get stuck in Melbourne not sure if I would be able to help but email me you have my email and I will send you my home number and see if I can help you out some how.

[lillyloveselvis]

Came back on to suggest you purchase in Australia a pre payed sim for $29-$39

they range from $400 calls included to unlimited. Supermarkets carry them also for convenience may be a $2 fee for the sim but then you have the freedom of making calls and not have to use roaming and save some money. The card will be valid for 30 days that is ample for you 3 week trip and you can make reservations call ahead and for emergency with in Australia it could be beneficial.

I also believe there is a slightly higher fee for internet allowance if you have a smart phone or need wifi hot spot for a tablet?? Virgin, Telstra, Optus are to name a few companies:)

[gaechann]

Wouldn't recommend stopping on the way from Bris, its off in a different direction,you could do it, but it would be a long detour after a long drive.( you will see lots of Aussie bush on the trip to Syd from Bris, its really not a very interesting drive..not like a drive through the States, you have interesting small towns, we have little boring ones..I would fly to Syd)

 

Astounding comment in my opinion! The local Tourist Information Centres are able to provide SO MUCH information on the local attractions and every one of the 'small towns' have much to offer the tourist - in my mind these places are MUCH more interesting than some here are indicating.

 

I have, for example taken 2 days just to travel between 2 such 'small towns' as there was so much to show my overseas visitor.

 

It's those 'small towns' that are still so Australian which is why they appeal to visitors. Larger centres are often so alike that you could be in any place in an English-speaking area of the world.

[aussielozzie18]

Best to do the trip to the Blue Mountains as a separate trip once you arrive in Sydney.

[Aus Traveller]

Astounding comment in my opinion! The local Tourist Information Centres are able to provide SO MUCH information on the local attractions and every one of the 'small towns' have much to offer the tourist - in my mind these places are MUCH more interesting than some here are indicating.

 

I have, for example taken 2 days just to travel between 2 such 'small towns' as there was so much to show my overseas visitor.

 

It's those 'small towns' that are still so Australian which is why they appeal to visitors. Larger centres are often so alike that you could be in any place in an English-speaking area of the world.

 

I think it depends on how long a person has to spend in Australia. If it is only 22 days, in my opinion, many of the other places recommended would have a higher priority than the small towns.

[jannandjohn]

I think it depends on how long a person has to spend in Australia. If it is only 22 days, in my opinion, many of the other places recommended would have a higher priority than the small towns.

I was basing MY opinion on their time frame as well, its a long drive between Brissy and Syd, with the usual roadworks obstacles that are always there on the Pacific hwy, both the Pacific the inland road have lots of small towns, ok for a coffee etc, but to detour to stop and look at what each place has to offer, would definitely eat into their precious time.

I was also basing my opinion on the numerous road trips we have done in the USA...they were fantastic, in every area..we have done it 12 times in the States, and they have all been in different areas..all fantastic:D

I would hate for eel to think they would have the same type of trip on the stretch between bris and syd ..its just not comparable (in my opinion;))

a flight would also eat into precious time, but there is a lot to do in SYD.

[markj23]

Based on the comments I think we will cut a day or two off of our Cairns visit although if we do a 3 day - 2 night liveaboard boat trip we think we must have at least 4 full days there. We also want to do the rainforest Skyrail while in Cairns.

 

The problem you will likely find is that everyone becomes very defensive of there hometown.

 

Im a Cairns boy so i wont comment on other places, but how keen are you to do the live-aboard boat trip? I personally would maybe drop it, but spend a night on one of the islands. Then look at spending the extra time on the Atherton Tablelands and/or the Daintree.

 

In regards to the Skyrail, i would recommend the Kuranda Train & Skyrail package, take the train up, and then Sky Rail on the way down

[eel]

The problem you will likely find is that everyone becomes very defensive of there hometown.

 

Im a Cairns boy so i wont comment on other places, but how keen are you to do the live-aboard boat trip? I personally would maybe drop it, but spend a night on one of the islands. Then look at spending the extra time on the Atherton Tablelands and/or the Daintree.

 

In regards to the Skyrail, i would recommend the Kuranda Train & Skyrail package, take the train up, and then Sky Rail on the way down

 

We are very big into snorkeling and like to think that the GBR should be one of the highlights of our trip. It would be nice to stay on an island but what we really want to do is snorkel several areas of the reef. I think the only way to get out far enough on the reef to see it is on a live aboard. So it is very important to us. One of our cruise ports is Arlie Beach so we will probably take a snorkel tour there as well. Did I mention we like to snorkel!

 

The train and sky rail package sound like the way to go for the rainforest.

 

 

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[Spicy Red]

Hi Eel,

 

Congratulations on your forthcoming Aussie experience.

 

I love touring by car and I think your plan of driving Brisbane to Sydney, via the Pacific Hwy, would be most enjoyable for an overseas resident. Take as long as possible because there are plenty of interesting towns and beaches along the way.

 

As regards Brisbane, J-D and newBris are quite correct IMHO. Furthermore, J-D post #35 is also on the money.

 

Here is another persons opinion, who is a European resident and friend of ours.

Note the places travelled and her "amazing" experience. I think this is very relevant to this discussion.

This is on her www travel blog:

 

"TRAVELED: Australia, Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland (Republic of), Italy, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, United States, Wales

LIVED: Czech Republic, Switzerland.

One Amazing Thing I've Seen or Done

I've hugged a real koala :). "

 

She hugged the Koala at Lone Pine, Brisbane.

 

Each to their own of course.

 

From Cairns, you can drive down to Innisfail,(the wife's hometown) up past Nerada Tea plantation and Mamu rainforest tree-top walk, over Atherton Tablelands, sampling local cheese and Icecream, back into Cairns. Airline Beach is in a beautiful area. We have relatives in all those places up there.

 

Regardless of how your trip unfolds, you will be very welcome downunder, so please enjoy your stay.

[Spicy Red]

!

 

The train and sky rail package sound like the way to go for the rainforest.

 

 

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PS Agree - have done this a number of times and love it :D