Anyone here who can share their experience with travelling to Australia? What is the best place to visit there?
Hello,
I'll be travelling around the world (UK, France, Italy, USA & UAE) and want to purchase an international SIM Card.
Can anyone recommend the best value carrier or package to look at?
Thanks!
we are planning a NZ trip for Feb / March. Would like to incorporate regular swimming into our sight seeing plans. Used to swim in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Mexico, Italy in summer and some lakes in Canada in mid summer when they are warm enough. Won't swim in cold water and can't imagine wearing a wet suit being enjoyable. Planning to visit Bay of Islands, Coromandel, Hawke Bay, Rotorua, Abel Tasman Bay, Akaroa at Banks Peninsula. How are water temps there ? If it is freezing, should we add more days to our Abel Tasman or Rotorua or Coromandel visits and skip Akaroa ? Would welcome specific recommendations in our route above, or modify route if not too far off.
Was trying to find a guide to warm water swimming online, all I get are beautiful surfing beaches.... am I the only one disliking frigid water ?
Need help please.
during our NZ trip in Feb / March we would like to incorporate regular swimming into our sight seeing plans. Used to swim in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Mexico, Italy in summer and some lakes in Canada in mid summer when they are warm enough. Won't swim in cold water and can't imagine wearing a wet suit being enjoyable. So far I have planned stays in the Bay of Islands, Coromadel on E coast , Rotorua, Hawke Bay, Abel Tasman Bay, Akaroa / Children's Bay. How are water temps there ? Should we forget about Akaroa? Can change plans if need be.
Would appreciate specific recommendations in above areas, or others if not too far off our route.
Was trying to find a guide to warm water swimming online, all I get are beautiful surfing beaches.... am I the only one disliking frigid water ?
Need help please.
Hi there,
I am flying from Kathmandu to Sydney and my transit in Malaysia is for 2 hours and it is my first time on Malaysia Airlines. I heard that we have to catch an aero train to get to another gate or terminal. Is the time frame of 2 hrs enough to get to another gate or terminal?? If I have to catch the aero train how do I know that which stop to alight from the train??
We are a group of10-12 people from all over the world planning a reunion in Australia. We are going to visit Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. We plan to take flights between cities but just wonder if there is minibus hiring service with a driver to take us from Adelaide to Melbourne so we can visit the great ocean road and the twelve apostles en route without going to Melbourne first. We would then fly from Melbourne to Sydney directly and the driver will drive back to Adelaide. Or is there any one-way tour from Adelaide to Melbourne with similar itinerary?
Thanks.
We are a family of four planning to visit QLD for 2 weeks in next april, I went through forums but couldn't decide what to see and where to stay, I need your help, thanks in advance.
Does anyone have a solution to paying my U.S. bills while in Australia? It seems that some of my bills will only accept a payment from the U.S., so I have to figure out how to get my money from my Australian account to my U.S. account.
Thanks
We are booked on a 20 day guided your of Australia and New Zealand and the tour operator charges $2,000 pp for the internal flights. I can book these exact flights for $1,500 pp. Has anyone done these private bookings while on a guided tour? What if any were the problems you found?
I hear that there's some mutual agreement between UK and Australian governments that a citizen of either country while touring is eligible for free medical treatment in the host country. Is this true?
Hi there! I am looking to book an exciting holiday away for a week or so for my longtime girlfriend's 21st. I was looking at places like Antarctica (a cruise there - exciting but also romantic) or Madagascar! Unfortunetly these two are out of my budget ($1000-$3000). Someone suggested New Caledonia - relaxing but also exciting wildlife and landscape wise. But do you guys have any suggestions? We live in Australia and would ideally go mid year. Also hopefully not TOO many other tourists where we'll be.. I know this is a specific request just looking for somewhere perfect for her! If anyone knows its you guys. Thanks if you can help!
Which is the better choice to view penguins? Considering money and time.
We're planning on taking our 3 year old for a longhaul trip from Europe - via Mideast - Asia - NZ. He has been on planes before but is becoming more interested in the destinations!
I'm looking for a fun book for him that explains animals and things he will see in different countries. He relates well to transport-related things - planes, trains, boats, and of course anything superhero-topical!
Any recommendations for a sturdy book, not too large that we can take with us. I'd prefer an actual physical book than an ebook/iPad version.
thanks
I've got a lot of great information out of here that have helped me plan 3 or 4 great trips so I'm back again for more help.Hey everyone. First off here's a little background on myself and my wife so you guys can better help us decide. I'm 28, she's 27 and we have done our fair share of traveling in the past few years, Mexico, Hawaii, Belize, Fiji, Costa Rica and parts of the US. We did 3 weeks in Belize in 2012 and it was amazing. We love to scuba dive, eat good food, hike, and do pretty much anything outdoors. We found Belize great because it wasn't too touristy, there were lots of things to do off the beaten path, we got to explore lots of different parts of the country and there was awesome culture.....oh yeah and great diving!!! We did a trip to Fiji and the rainbow reef last year and were blown away by the reefs and sharks there. Hands down the best diving I have ever done. Then there was the trip to Costa Rica this year. We had big plans while we were there.....but they were cut short when I broke my ankle while rafting and had to fly home early for surgery. In fact I write this with the cast still on my ankle. So I'm allowing myself a redo for this years big trip. We will most likely be traveling with another couple and are looking to go in late August. We are trying to decide between Palau, Indo, Australia and a trip back to Oahu/Kauai. This trip might be a bit shorter than some of the others but will still be 10-14 days. We like places that aren't too touristy but do like to stay in nice hotels with great amenities. Outdoor activities and things to do are key, we do like to lounge but not all day. I have my reservations about each of the places on that list above. First off is the cost, 3/4 will cost us about $4000-$5000 just to get there, while Hawaii would be about $1500. I mentioned earlier that I like to have other activities to do besides dive. We love a good dive but I'm not totally sold on going to a place to dive 100% and not do anything else. I know Hawaii is touristy but we have been there numerous times and there are things to do outside diving like hiking and try different eateries and bars. My concern is that if I go to Palau or Indo is that I may miss out on great dives if I don't do a livaboard but if I do a livaboard then I may miss out on other things. Australia sounds cool but it's a huge country and I'm not sure we could swing it in a 10-14 trip. I just want to get this damn cast off and get into some board shorts and swim! Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
Hello, I'm going to be traveling throughout Australia soon for about 5-6 weeks on a very tight budget (lots of couch surfing and whatnot). What is the best way to call people while I am there? In particular, I would need to call people I am meeting up with Australia as well as calling people back at home to let them know I haven't been kidnapped or anything like that. :P On average, I would estimate that I would be making short 5-10 minutes calls about once or twice a day or so.
Thanks in advance.
My husband is planning a cruise trip in Sydney as our third wedding anniversary celebration. We have a child of 11YO. I am a first time cruiser and i am concerned about the safety of my child. Can anyone explain what all settings will be there for kid’s safety? Or is there anything to worry? We are gonna book Magistic dinner cruise. Here is their cruise worked with these guys?
Dear All,
I will be spending 2 full days in Sunshine coast staying in Rumba Beach Resort in Caloundra.
Would like advice on how to spend the 2 full days there with total 4 Adults + 2 young children (age 6 & 4)
Was thinking Australia Zoo & Glasshouse Moutain. Any review on The Cafe at Mary Cairncross? Any suggestions how I should plan this 2 full days? By the way, Eumundi Market is not possible as I arrive only on Wednesday night and leaving on Saturday early morning!
Appreciate you all kind assistant :)
Thank you!
We, a family of three adults will be flying to Sydney in early March and leave from Brisbane. We will be spending a total of 10 days. This is our first time in Australia. We enjoy the nature, and hopes to do some snorkeling and hiking in the rainforest. After spending a few days in Sydney and the surrounding area, we plan to drive from Sydney to Brisbane, stopping to snorkel and hike. We would love to see the koala and other animals indigenous to Australia. Any suggestions and advise how to plan this trip. Is it possible to take a train midway between Sydney and Brisbane and then rent a car to drive up to Brisbane?
Need help with my itinernary travelling with 2 young children (age 6 & 4) and my typical old dad (age 68)
Will be spending 9 days in Australia and would like to know how to plan the route.
1) 3 main theme park (Movie World, Dream World, Sea World) - 1 day ea (happen also to see there is a new theme park beside dreamworld known as White Water World, is it advisable to go?
2) Sunshine Coast (1 night stay?)
3) Moreton Island (Tangalooma Island Resort) (1 night stay enough?)
•4WD Safari tour / •Sand Tobogganing / •Hand-Feed Wild Dolphins
4) Lillydale Farm Stay (min. 2 nights required), is it advisbale because I am so afraid of animals
5) Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
6) Carrara Markets
7) Harbour Town Outlet Shopping Centre
8) Is the natural bridge glow worm tour recommended?
9) Any winery vineyard?
As I flight landed about 11am in brisbane, what would you suggest on that day? Straight to Sunshine coast, Moreton Island, Gold Coast or Lillydale Farm Stay which is in between Brisbane and Gold Coast?
Is rental car required throughout my 9 days or I can cut cost on the rental?
Appreciate all your kind assistant in helping my gather enough information for my trip in May 2014.
Thank you!
Best Regards
Rachel
Hello - Me and my friend have booked to go to Travelling we fly into Sydney on the 1st of July staying there for four days in the base hostel then travelling up to cairns on the greyhound bus stopping off at different places on the way , we both have a 12 month working holiday visa but are taking about £5000 / £6000 english pounds does anybody know how long this will keep us going for until we need to get a job ?
Can anyone tell me which tourist company is the best one. We are coming from USA. We have never been in Australia and would appreciate someone from there telling us so we don't get a bad tour. Thank you.
Hi,
I'd like to know which of the following I should go for (that has better reef views and underwater creatures):
5 hrs at Marine World - Outer Barrier Reef (Moore Reef)
or
2 hrs at Green Island and 3 hrs at Norman Reef
(other options are upolu cay or agincourt reef, but I've narrowed down to above two)
Thanks!!
I'm a surfer going to travel Australia from December to March. I was wondering what's better to rent a juicy van for my stay and be portable or go as a backpacker and travel from hostel to another?
Hello,
We’re planning our honeymoon and would like to spend around 20 days between Australia and New Zealand in April/May 2014
This is our first time visiting both countries and we are interested more in exploring the culture/city life and enjoying the natural beauty in the optimal way than engaging in any sporty or adventurous activities.
During our trip, we are interested in spending our time doing a combination of the following activities:
• Fine dining/cafes/local cuisines in or overlooking scenic nature/sea views/harbors
• Leisurely walks in dynamic big cities, artsy small towns and scenic natural surroundings
• Attending cultural events: theaters, music, art galleries, museums, etc.
• Short day trips to must-see locations
• Some shopping
Note:
• We want the trip to take a relatively leisurely pace and thereby avoid crowding too much cities and things to do all at once
• We will not be driving and are thinking of relying on walking, public transport and tour operators
Questions:
• Which cities should we visit, in what sequence and how many days to spend in each?
• What is the best travel mode within and between these cities?
• What are the major must-sees/must do’s in each city given the nature of our trip? Many thanks in advance for any tips and hints.
My friend and I wanna go to Australia or new Zealand this sep for two weeks. We want to pick one or two cities to stay and travel around that area. We don't drive and just wanna go relaxingly and have a taste of local life and feel the local culture. Not sure which should be the best to pick. How about Brisbane or Auckland? What is the must see? Thanks in advance!
If I understand the website correctly, traveling in economy I am allowed 2 checked bags as long as they don't weigh over 23 KG or 50 lbs. What about travel in the country I am going from Melbourne to Cairns I am not sure the airline I am on but will I have to pay additional for the domestic part of those 2 flights? I just plan on a carryon and 1 checked bag.
Am very excited about coming down to see your country!
I am wanting to go visit friends and will be in Melbourne end of May 2013. I want to get to Tongala to see people that I have met and see the farm that they live on. Can I drive myself with a rented car to Tongala and back in a day and have any time to visit? What about getting a car and driver costs? THANKS Scott
In addition to my previous question - I would like to know the names of the good travel spots which will be worth visiting in Cairns, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne ? If $ 5000 is not enough - then Maximum how much will I have to spend to travel reasonably well and stay in moderate hotels ? We are planning to visit during 1st week of November 2013.
I would like to visit, with my family (ttl no. of adults 4) - Cairns, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Can any one suggest which is the best and cheapest way to travel. Can any one suggest if I can do this for A$ 5000 with reasonable hotels and sight seeing. None of us can Drive the car. We are planning to visit in November 2013
Hi! I would like to buy some organic essential oils, soaps, etc. and was wondering if there
were any stores like this in Australia? Where would be the best place to buy these? I am only
there for a few hours because its a short trip. Thanks!