Uluru Quick Trip

[tomko2]

A chance to see Ayers Rock/Uluru is a chance of a lifetime in my humble opinion. We were there in 1994. The bus drive (AAT Tours - Double Decker bus) from Alice Spings to Ayers takes about 5 1/2 hours during which you are going through the Outback. The buses usually stop twice enroute; we stopped at a Camel farm where people could get on the camels for pictures and at a little place for tea and scones. Staying in the middle of the Outback is a terrific experience.

In addition to Ayers/Uluru are the Olgas (very interesting rock formation which you can climb on). We stayed at the Desert Garden Resort which had a nice pool for quick dips between tours. The bus tour in the afternoon included Uluru, the Olgas, Aboriginal craft shop and presentation centre, then sunset at Uluru. Early the next morning (4:30 am) we were picked up to go watch the sunrise on Uluru. All in all an incredible experience.

We were there in early Feb.; yes it was hot although the flies weren't a problem and the pool at the hotel was great for quick dips.

You will be flying over some of the most incredible landscape on earth - the red Outback.

My 2cents worth.

Kathy

[ShamrockFL]

ShamrockFL, I'm afraid you're smack bang in the middle of school holidayshttp://www.oztourism.com.au/ozhols.htm

 

Thanks Vozzie, as I said, you made my day. Does this mean I will have to book hotels and tours way ahead of time and not just a day or two? Oh Pooh! We really don't like to spend a lot on hotel rooms using the philosophy that we're really only renting the place for the night, not buying it. Also, what guidance can you offer on the Brisbane area? One of my relatives will be driving us from Tamworth to that area and staying with us to take us around - not sure exactly what she is planning, but we should be there for a few days. She has mentioned Noosa and the Australia Zoo. We're not interested in theme parks as such. I've indicated we would like to go whale watching - is that a good choice and if so, any advice on tour operators?

Thanks tomko2 - I'm afraid we won't be coming in through Alice and so we won't have the ooportunity for that drive through the outback. Was that the afternoon tour with Voyages that also went to the Olgas? I don't think the one I looked at did that. If not, do you recall who ws the operator?

Turtlemichael, thanks for the advice. Is there some way I can reach you other than through these postings, e.g. email, to discuss the Cairns hotels when I get to that. I'm just afraid that if it is a little bit in the future you may not be looking here. If you would email me at dick600401@yahoo.com and give me your email address I'd appreciate it. I don't mind posting this address here as it is not my main one, and I'm sure you don't want to put yours out there either.

[tomko2]

Thanks Vozzie, as I said, you made my day. Does this mean I will have to book hotels and tours way ahead of time and not just a day or two? Oh Pooh! We really don't like to spend a lot on hotel rooms using the philosophy that we're really only renting the place for the night, not buying it. Also, what guidance can you offer on the Brisbane area? One of my relatives will be driving us from Tamworth to that area and staying with us to take us around - not sure exactly what she is planning, but we should be there for a few days. She has mentioned Noosa and the Australia Zoo. We're not interested in theme parks as such. I've indicated we would like to go whale watching - is that a good choice and if so, any advice on tour operators?

Thanks tomko2 - I'm afraid we won't be coming in through Alice and so we won't have the ooportunity for that drive through the outback. Was that the afternoon tour with Voyages that also went to the Olgas? I don't think the one I looked at did that. If not, do you recall who ws the operator?

Turtlemichael, thanks for the advice. Is there some way I can reach you other than through these postings, e.g. email, to discuss the Cairns hotels when I get to that. I'm just afraid that if it is a little bit in the future you may not be looking here. If you would email me at dick600401@yahoo.com and give me your email address I'd appreciate it. I don't mind posting this address here as it is not my main one, and I'm sure you don't want to put yours out there either.

 

 

The tour operator was AAT Tours. Where would you be flying into - is there an airport at Uluru now?

[Globaliser]

Where would you be flying into - is there an airport at Uluru now?

There has been for some time now. Airport code AYQ.

[ShamrockFL]

The tour operator was AAT Tours. Where would you be flying into - is there an airport at Uluru now?

 

Yes there is, but there isn't service to too many destinations direct/non-stop. But they do service Cairns and Sydney, and also Melbourne and Perth I think.

[vozzie]

ShamrockFL,

 

Don't despair, although it's the school holidays, it shouldn't be booked out. However, the prices might be a bit higher. If you're feeling lucky, and you're flexible, you can get last minute hotel deals from a number of web sites. If you plan to do tours there, it might be worth booking ahead ... they might sell out, but at least their prices shouldn't change because of the school holidays.

 

As for Brisbane, yes the ole favourites like Australia Zoo are worth a visit. Also a Brisbane River Cruise, Southbank, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Fortunately, I think you will still be just in the whale watching season. Day Cruises leave from Brisbane and visit the whales which are either in Moreton Bay, or migrating down along the coast. If there's anything specifically you would like to do or see, let me know.

[tomtal]

We are doing a quick (1 night) journey to Ayres Rock mid-December. Have booked the Sounds of Silence Dinner on 10 Dec and will probably - though not definitely - do the sunrise tour. Our flight departs at 12.20, and we expect we would have to be at the airport 30 minutes or 1 hour beforehand. Perhaps instead of a tour, a private chauffered car could be an answer which would take us back to our hotel (Sails) direct in plenty of time, say for 10 am. Does anyone know if this is possible please and, if so, could we book it direct from the hotel? We chose Qantas as we can go direct Sydney-Cairns-Uluru-Sydney which I don't believe you can on any other airline - at least we couldn't find one! We will spend 4 days in Cairns and will visit the GBR including a helicopter trip which we have been told is worth while. Just hope the weather will be good to us - but that is something one can't book on the internet or via TA's!

[ShamrockFL]

We are doing a quick (1 night) journey to Ayres Rock mid-December...... We chose Qantas as we can go direct Sydney-Cairns-Uluru-Sydney which I don't believe you can on any other airline - at least we couldn't find one! quote]

 

Did you book this as a continuous round trip with Qantas or are they all separate flight reservations. I wondered if you did them as a round trip if you felt you got a better deal? We're doing something similar, Brisbane, Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, but I was going to use VirginBlue for the Brisbane/Cairns leg as it is a better fare, at least right now, and fly the rest on Qantas.

[tomtal]

We booked on the internet via Qantas site - domestic multi-city - and chose the route we wanted. Although it was a round trip, I don't think this made any difference as each segment showed the time and price and we chose what we wanted. Therefore I think you are probably just as well to choose Virgin Blue for the Brisbane/Cairns leg if it is cheaper - although maybe a dummy run on the Qantas site would give you their costing, which is probably the best way to make the decision. Until you confirm your requirements and give your credit card details, no firm booking is made. The main reason we chose to go with Qantas was the direct flights going to all our destinations which we could not find from any other site.

[agabbymama]

ShamrockFL and Aussiegal,

 

As an American that has traveled downunder twice (Sydney, Emu Plains, Katoomba and the Blue Mountains, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Melbourne, Canberra, Launceston Tasmania, Cradle Mountain Tasmania, Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin), I'm going to jump into the friendly WAR between Melbourne and Sydney and vote that the loveliest city is CANBERRA. It is after all your capitol, then throw in the fact that it was designed by an American (who won the design contest), I was just amazed at the design of the lake and the park and the embassy section of town, and the war memorial. I walked from one side of town (the war memorial) to the U.S. Embassy on the other side of town and back (approx. 25 Km) through the park and around the lake. It is truly amazing!

 

And to vote for ULURU over Melbourne. While I did enjoy my visit to Melbourne, it doesn't begin to compare to the Red Center and The Rock.

We flew to Alice Springs and stayed at The Ross River Homestead, then took a coach to Ayers Rock (17 hour day trip), but it was worth every hour on that coach to see it and feel it. It is truly amazing and the colors at sunset are awesome. My last trip was in 2000 and there were still many fools climbing that rock, I didn't even try, as I have a fear of heights, but many people want to make that climb. I don't know if you can still do that or if it has been banned, as walking on the Great Barrier Reef has been banned to save the environment.

 

AAT King is a great tour company with great prices. We enjoyed all of our tours on their coaches. We went independant, but booked a lot of their tours in each city we stopped in.

 

But whatever you decide to do, you will enjoy Australia immensely. We have loved our 8 weeks downunder and look forward to returning sometime again in the future.

[jane02]

ShamrockFL and Aussiegal,

 

As an American that has traveled downunder twice (Sydney, Emu Plains, Katoomba and the Blue Mountains, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Melbourne, Canberra, Launceston Tasmania, Cradle Mountain Tasmania, Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin), I'm going to jump into the friendly WAR between Melbourne and Sydney and vote that the loveliest city is CANBERRA. It is after all your capitol, then throw in the fact that it was designed by an American (who won the design contest), I was just amazed at the design of the lake and the park and the embassy section of town, and the war memorial. I walked from one side of town (the war memorial) to the U.S. Embassy on the other side of town and back (approx. 25 Km) through the park and around the lake. It is truly amazing!

 

And to vote for ULURU over Melbourne. While I did enjoy my visit to Melbourne, it doesn't begin to compare to the Red Center and The Rock.

We flew to Alice Springs and stayed at The Ross River Homestead, then took a coach to Ayers Rock (17 hour day trip), but it was worth every hour on that coach to see it and feel it. It is truly amazing and the colors at sunset are awesome. My last trip was in 2000 and there were still many fools climbing that rock, I didn't even try, as I have a fear of heights, but many people want to make that climb. I don't know if you can still do that or if it has been banned, as walking on the Great Barrier Reef has been banned to save the environment.

 

AAT King is a great tour company with great prices. We enjoyed all of our tours on their coaches. We went independant, but booked a lot of their tours in each city we stopped in.

 

But whatever you decide to do, you will enjoy Australia immensely. We have loved our 8 weeks downunder and look forward to returning sometime again in the future.

Canberra - Australia's lovliest city:confused: :confused: :confused: - you have got to be kidding! Try Australia's most boring city. Its OK for a day trip but lovely does not even come to mind when I think of Canberra.

Thats why we stick all of our politicians up there!

Jane;)

[Aussie Gal]

Agabbymamma,

 

I agree with Jane. Canberra is quite pretty and easy to get around but once you have visited the War Memorial, the National Art Gallery etc. there is nothing else to do. Two days at the most and you have finished seeing everything. It is really a big country town, which has lots and lots of roundabouts.

 

If you have been reading the postings from the very beginning, you will have read that I definitely said to the OP to visit Uluru. It was only when either he or another poster questioned whether they should come South and asked whether it was feasible to drive the Great Ocean Road that I said it could be done. We are very proud of what we have to offer down here so naturally if someone is thinking of coming why would we deter them.

 

The OP only had one night to go to Uluru not the leisurely time you had to see the Olgas, drive through the desert etc. His trip is a very quick one and he wanted advice on whether he should spend the time and money.

 

Jennie

[Globaliser]

Did you book this as a continuous round trip with Qantas or are they all separate flight reservations. I wondered if you did them as a round trip if you felt you got a better deal? We're doing something similar, Brisbane, Cairns, Uluru, Sydney, but I was going to use VirginBlue for the Brisbane/Cairns leg as it is a better fare, at least right now, and fly the rest on Qantas.

You should find that both airlines price all their domestic trips as one-way sectors. Thus there should be no difference whether you're buying a series of one-way tickets or a round-trip ticket. You should be able to test this by separately pricing Brisbane-Cairns, Cairns-Uluru-Sydney, and Brisbane-Cairns-Uluru-Sydney on Qantas. The total for the last trip ought to be the sum of the totals for the first two trips. If so, you can then book Brisbane-Cairns separately on Virgin Blue if you really think that's a better deal. But don't forget that a lower ticket price does not necessarily mean you're getting a better deal.

... I'm going to jump into the friendly WAR between Melbourne and Sydney and vote that the loveliest city is CANBERRA. It is after all your capitol, then throw in the fact that it was designed by an American (who won the design contest), I was just amazed at the design of the lake and the park and the embassy section of town, and the war memorial. I walked from one side of town (the war memorial) to the U.S. Embassy on the other side of town and back (approx. 25 Km) through the park and around the lake. It is truly amazing!

I'm not going to be quite as rude about Canberra as jane02 and Aussie Gal. You may be right that Canberra's an attractively-designed city. But once you've seen it, what are you going to do for the rest of the afternoon? ;)

 

I go to Canberra every time I go to Australia, because I want to see good friends who live there. Every time I come, all of them spend days wracking their brains to work out how best to get us away from the place when I turn up. I'm going to be there again in a couple of weeks' time, and it sounds like we're going to Thredbo instead.

[agabbymama]

Canberra - Australia's lovliest city:confused: :confused: :confused: - you have got to be kidding! Try Australia's most boring city. Its OK for a day trip but lovely does not even come to mind when I think of Canberra.

Thats why we stick all of our politicians up there!

Jane;)

 

Jane,

 

Have to disagree with you on that one. We spent 2 days our first visit and liked it so much more than Sydney or Melbourne, we stayed 3 days the second trip. The War Memorial and Museum takes 2-3 days to even get through all of it. And as I stated earlier my 25 Km walk through the park around the lake was absolutely beautiful, and that took me almost a whole day. I don't remember the exact name of the hotel (right close to the War Memorial, but we walked everywhere around the city. Oh yeah, forgot Parliament, and Anzak Parade ?? in front of Parliament. And the Embassy area, WoW! some of them are huge. I was impressed on our first visit that the U.S. Embassy was the largest and the only one allowed to own the ground on which it stand. Then when we returned in 2000 were told the Chinese? Embassy had surpassed the U.S. in size, bummer.

 

But then, I guess I'd say the same thing about Washington, DC if anyone was planning on coming here to visit. Guess you have to be a history and World War II buff to really appreciate it.

[Aussie Gal]

agabbymama,

 

I admit that our War Memorial does take some time to go through and is very moving but as I said once you have done that and the Art Gallery, what else is there!! You mention walking around the park, our gardens here in Melbourne surround the city and you could spend days just walking in them.

 

At least with both Sydney and Melbourne you have so much more to see and look at. Obviously when you visited both cities you must have missed out on seeing half of what they have to offer if you think Canberra is the tops.

 

Perhaps you are using your patriotic feelings in viewing Canberra because of Walter Burley Griffin. He also designed suburbs both in Sydney (Castlecrag)and Melbourne (Eaglemont) and a large city building in Melbourne.

 

We like to visit Canberra every 10-15 years or so but love visiting Sydney at least once or twice a year as there is just so much more to do up there.

 

As for the Embassy area, you only need to visit that once in your lifetime. We have far lovelier homes down here in our suburbs.

 

Jennie

[agabbymama]

agabbymama,

 

I admit that our War Memorial does take some time to go through and is very moving but as I said once you have done that and the Art Gallery, what else is there!! You mention walking around the park, our gardens here in Melbourne surround the city and you could spend days just walking in them.

 

At least with both Sydney and Melbourne you have so much more to see and look at. Obviously when you visited both cities you must have missed out on seeing half of what they have to offer if you think Canberra is the tops.

 

Perhaps you are using your patriotic feelings in viewing Canberra because of Walter Burley Griffin. He also designed suburbs both in Sydney (Castlecrag)and Melbourne (Eaglemont) and a large city building in Melbourne.

 

We like to visit Canberra every 10-15 years or so but love visiting Sydney at least once or twice a year as there is just so much more to do up there.

 

As for the Embassy area, you only need to visit that once in your lifetime. We have far lovelier homes down here in our suburbs.

 

Jennie

 

Jennie, Guess we just aren't big city folks. Sydney and Melbourne both just reminded us too much of Los Angeles. I was so surprised the first time we flew into Sydney at 6:00 am and saw lights for miles and miles, just like in Southern California. We only had 3 days there and saw the Rocks, the Opera House, Harbor Bridge and took a Harbor Tour, went to Kings Crossing (I think), and that was about enough for us. We didn't stay in Sydney long, we got on the train and went out to Emu Plains to a friends house. She took us around the countryside to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, and to a Wildlife Park, and she and I went to small town that was all antiques.

 

In Melbourne we stayed at Victoria Hotel and we did have a great time walking in your gardens and along the River. Enjoyed seeing the trolleys going down the streets, really had a great time at Victoria Market (bought lots of souvenirs there), and even went into a Casino (which we don't do here at home). But again was just overwhelmed with the size of the city.

 

We much preferred, Canberra (maybe I am biased because it was designed by an American, but I don't think so). We also really loved Launceston Tasmania, Darwin and Cairns. Oh yeah, we went to a sheep station outside of Canberra too. Had a really good laugh there with the hands, and then a wonderful lunch.

 

Don't get me wrong, we totally loved Australia, and even thought of trying to move there. But then with the kids and grandkids here, decided that might not be such a good idea. As I said earlier, I felt we saw a good amount of Australia in our 8 weeks there, each city and town has it's own personality, and do look forward to a return trip in the next couple of years.

[mydream]

I really do have to agree with my fellow Australians re Canberra.

Canberra is a planned city and as such is nicely laid out and organised and does have lots to recommend it BUT I could never choose it over other Australian cities.

Most visitors to our country only have a short time to get a glimpse of Australia, and if visitors have a chance to see "The Outback" I think they would enjoy the contrast to the cities.

I consider Sydney to be one of the most beautiful cities, with so much to see and enjoy, BUT I AM BIASED.

Whatever you do when you come "down under" we hope you enjoy yourselves and have fun.

[jane02]

Jane,

 

Have to disagree with you on that one. We spent 2 days our first visit and liked it so much more than Sydney or Melbourne, we stayed 3 days the second trip. The War Memorial and Museum takes 2-3 days to even get through all of it. And as I stated earlier my 25 Km walk through the park around the lake was absolutely beautiful, and that took me almost a whole day. I don't remember the exact name of the hotel (right close to the War Memorial, but we walked everywhere around the city. Oh yeah, forgot Parliament, and Anzak Parade ?? in front of Parliament. And the Embassy area, WoW! some of them are huge. I was impressed on our first visit that the U.S. Embassy was the largest and the only one allowed to own the ground on which it stand. Then when we returned in 2000 were told the Chinese? Embassy had surpassed the U.S. in size, bummer.

 

But then, I guess I'd say the same thing about Washington, DC if anyone was planning on coming here to visit. Guess you have to be a history and World War II buff to really appreciate it.

agabbymama,

I guess we are of a much different generation. I enjoy visiting places for a number of reasons - history included, but I also enjoy 5 star restaurants and a vibrant night life - these are non existant in Canberra.

One thing Canberra is famous for - its known as the "pornography capital" of Australia!! (No - I am not making that up)

Jane;)

[agabbymama]

agabbymama,

I guess we are of a much different generation. I enjoy visiting places for a number of reasons - history included, but I also enjoy 5 star restaurants and a vibrant night life - these are non existant in Canberra.

One thing Canberra is famous for - its known as the "pornography capital" of Australia!! (No - I am not making that up)

Jane;)

 

Jane,

A very definite different generation. I could care less for five star restaurants and I'm in bed by 9:30, so not much nightlife is needed either. We tried for quiet and small hotels and restaurants. It's funny that Canberra is the "pornograhy capital" of Australia, I didn't see any when we were there in 2000, not that it wasn't there, we just didn't see it. Now Kings Crossing in Sydney was very lively when were there, almost to the point of thinking of leaving the hotel we were at there, but ended up staying the night and leaving the next day on our flight.

[vozzie]

Don't worry agabbymama , not all Australians are stuck on the big cities. As one who has lived and worked in Canberra ... in fact we were married beside the Carillion on Lake Burley Griffin ... I know exactly what you mean.

 

We found plenty to do, see and experience in Canberra. There's noting like being there on a crisp early autumn(fall) morning with the mist on the Lake and the turning leaves of the trees ... into all colours of the rainbow.

 

I bet if you ask any long term Canberran what they think of the place ... they will quote the fresh air, the community spirit and the country town feel. They also will be quiet content that outsiders dislike the place ... don't want it to outgrow itself.

 

I also defend your right to like or dislike whatever Australian cities you like ... just as you don't demand that I like New York over Portland.

[cands]

agabbymama,

I guess we are of a much different generation. I enjoy visiting places for a number of reasons - history included, but I also enjoy 5 star restaurants and a vibrant night life - these are non existant in Canberra.

One thing Canberra is famous for - its known as the "pornography capital" of Australia!! (No - I am not making that up)

Jane;)

 

To our international readers the "pornography capital" comment requires just a little clarification.

Due to the vagaries of law the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in which Canberra is situated, (think DC as in Washington), is not subjected to the same laws as the rest of the country with regard to X rated videos and publications. This has meant that Canberra has become centre for mail order businesses concentrating on this type of merchandise. It certainly does not make Canberra a sleazy destination for travellers;) .

 

Cheers,

Steve.

[agabbymama]

To our international readers the "pornography capital" comment requires just a little clarification.

Due to the vagaries of law the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in which Canberra is situated, (think DC as in Washington), is not subjected to the same laws as the rest of the country with regard to X rated videos and publications. This has meant that Canberra has become centre for mail order businesses concentrating on this type of merchandise. It certainly does not make Canberra a sleazy destination for travellers;) .

 

Cheers,

Steve.

 

Steve, Thanks for clearing that up. I certainly never saw the pornography on the streets or in the stores (like in Amsterdam), which is what I thought when Jane02 stated it.

 

Vozzie, Thanks for your words of support. I was there in August (the dead of Winter, I think) and still thought Lake Burley Griffin and the park surrounding it were beautiful. And yes, we found plenty there to keep us busy our three days there. I don't dislike Sydney or Melbourne, I just like the smaller feel of Canberra, Launceston, Cairns and Darwin better. Perth was very pretty too, but still a big city. And Adelaide with it's green fields and vineyards was certainly beautiful too. As I said earlier, each city has it's own uniqueness.

[Aussie Gal]

Jennie,Don't get me wrong, we totally loved Australia, and even thought of trying to move there. But then with the kids and grandkids here, decided that might not be such a good idea. As I said earlier, I felt we saw a good amount of Australia in our 8 weeks there, each city and town has it's own personality, and do look forward to a return trip in the next couple of years.

 

agabbymama,

 

You certainly must have loved Australia to have considered moving down here. It is a big ask, especially when one has family back home.

 

It is great to hear that someone has really travelled and taken the time to visit the different areas of our country. You have certainly seen a lot and I admire you for spending the time down here when so people from the other side of the world think it is just too far to visit.

 

We welcome your return and next time perhaps I can point you in the way of some of our lovely country towns which are not too far away from Melbourne. We have just spent 4 days in the North East of our state close to the Murray River and have had a wonderful time, visiting the vineyards, walking along the river and enjoying wonderful food and wine.

 

Every area of Australia is just so different and there is so much to see.

 

Jennie

[agabbymama]

agabbymama,

 

You certainly must have loved Australia to have considered moving down here. It is a big ask, especially when one has family back home.

 

It is great to hear that someone has really travelled and taken the time to visit the different areas of our country. You have certainly seen a lot and I admire you for spending the time down here when so people from the other side of the world think it is just too far to visit.

 

We welcome your return and next time perhaps I can point you in the way of some of our lovely country towns which are not too far away from Melbourne. We have just spent 4 days in the North East of our state close to the Murray River and have had a wonderful time, visiting the vineyards, walking along the river and enjoying wonderful food and wine.

 

Every area of Australia is just so different and there is so much to see.

 

Jennie

 

Jennie,

 

Funny you should mention the Murray River, we had a Riverboat tour booked for I think it was 3 days/2 nights, but when we arrived in Melbourne, it was cancelled (not enough signed up for it), so we just stayed in Melbourne. We also had a bus tour booked to Canberra through the Snowy Mountains, but they changed that to a flight to Canberra instead of the bus.

 

And yes, it is a long way downunder, that's why we stayed 4 weeks. My husband just felt that the 14 hour flight warranted more than a week or two. He's not a big traveler, but he really wanted to see Australia. I want to do New Zealand with a quick stop in Australia sometime in the next couple years. We will definitely stop at my friend's place out of Sydney, but not sure where else we will go this time. As you say, it's a big Country. We haven't been to Brisbane yet because from my research it was filled with casinos, beaches and nightlife, and that isn't what we are into. May head back to Cairns just to see the difference. The motel we stayed at isn't even there anymore, or if it is, it has changed names, and from the photos online, Cairns has really grown.

 

I'll keep this website in mind when we finally decide when we are going back, to pick peoples brains.

[tgard76]

We haven't been to Brisbane yet because from my research it was filled with casinos, beaches and nightlife, and that isn't what we are into. May head back to Cairns just to see the difference.

 

 

BRISBANE

 

• Casinos - Only 1 but not as boorish or in your face as Crown in Melbourne, in fact, if you looked the other way as you walked past, you wouldn't even know it was there.
  
• Beaches - Yes, but easily avoided.
  
• Nightlife - Yes like any other city, but can easily be avoided. Yes there are 5 star restaurants serving top class international cuisine, but there are also quaint little cafes and tea houses serving up wonderful dishes too.
  
• Relaxing atmosphere - YES. Because of the fantastic weather, a stroll through one of Brisbane's many parks and gardens (Roma Street Parklands, City Botanic Gardens, Mt. Coot-tha gardens and bushwalks etc) is relaxing and refreshing.
  
• History - Yes. A walking tour and exploration of Brisbane's historic past as a convict penal settlement is a must. Maps available from visitor information centres.

Brisbane is a rich, vibrant city, but also a relaxing one. There is not the hustle and bustle and "rushed" atmoshphere as in Sydney or Melbourne. In Brisbane, you can actually sit and enjoy a meal at one of the many al fresco cafes and restaurants as the weather is perfect all year round. Time should be taken to explore Brisbane and what it has to offer, I think you would be pleasantly suprised. Brisbane avoids the tourist trap culture, that is held by the Gold Coast and Surfer's Paradise an hour south.

 

GOLD COAST AND SURFERS PARADISE

• Casinos - Yes
  
• Beaches - Yes
  
• Nightlife - Yes

Surfers Paradise is the epitome of all that is touristy and tacky, if you don't like that, I suggest you stay away. The Gold Coast hinterland west of Surfers and the main Gold Coast tourist strip offers bush retreats, beautiful little B&Bs and relaxing rainforest walks.

 

SUNSHINE COAST

• Casinos - NO
  
• Beaches - Yes
  
• Nightlife - A little

The Sunshine Coast, home to Steve Irwin's (RIP) Australia Zoo, is located approx. an hour north of Brisbane is not the tourist trap you think it might be. Yes there are beaches, yes there are tourists but it's not obtrusive. Noosa is the main tourist centre for the Sunshine Coast, with 5 star resorts and restaurants, boutique shops and tourists and backpackers in abundance. Even so, it is not a major city. It is nothing like the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise. The Sunshine Coast hinterland offers many quaint little villages like Maleny and Montville. Montville is a beautiful little village set amongst the green rolling hills of the hinterland and boasts small art galleries, simple little sidewalk cafes and relaxin B&Bs. There is no noise or nightlife, you would think you were a world away from anywhere.

 

CAIRNS

• Casino - Yes
  
• Tourists - yes
  
• Nightlife - Yes
  
• Beaches - No

To sum up, give Brisbane and for that matter All of Queensland a go. The best thing you can do is hire a car, start in Brisbane and drive north, stopping and exploring the little cities like Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville.