Oh tell me about the fjords! I missed that briwsing so far! I was in Montenegro once which is almost like a Fjord, so beautiful. I'm not going to drive down the coast so imagine I'll miss quite a bit.
I have started some research on the First Nation people there and the traditional territory I'm going to be visiting.
Oh tell me about the fjords! I missed that briwsing so far! I was in Montenegro once which is almost like a Fjord, so beautiful. I'm not going to drive down the coast so imagine I'll miss quite a bit.
I have started some research on the First Nation people there and the traditional territory I'm going to be visiting.
The fjords are located on the South Island of NZ. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are what I am planning to do. No cell phone. No WiFi. Just sitting back and staring at nature.
Yup. Milford is the quintessential NZ shot but Doubtful is the daddy. Also if you like espresso based coffee you can get a world class cup anywhere in the country-like little podunk towns with three men and a dog living there. Wellington and Melbourne are the two best coffee cities in the world for mine (Sydney Auckland and NYC not far off). Fox Glacier is also less prone to heli-hike tours being canned as the terrain is more stable now.
If you plan on taking the Picton ferry bear in mind they have been notoriously unreliable for a couple of years.
Stars are suns to other people.
Wellington 1998 London 2007 Brisbane 2009 Stockholm 2012
Amsterdam 1 & 2 2014 EV Dublin 2017 Milan 2018 Padova 2018 Boston 2 2018 Auckland 1 & 2 2024
I've had problems with my add-on data roaming in Hawaii trying to catch an Uber to Hanauma bay. I'm thinking about picking something up in the New Zealand airport, it looks like there's a One store in arrivals.
Does anyone have any experience with buying airports SIM cards or buying e Sims Online? I'm looking for unlimited data in Australia and New Zealand.
My last trip to Australia.. my phone had a problem and died...I was stuck and I bought a cheapish phone at Woolworth. Used that while I was there rest of trip while my new phone was being sent to my home. You'd have to do research if you're looking for unlimited overseas.. usually costs alot.
I've had problems with my add-on data roaming in Hawaii trying to catch an Uber to Hanauma bay. I'm thinking about picking something up in the New Zealand airport, it looks like there's a One store in arrivals.
Does anyone have any experience with buying airports SIM cards or buying e Sims Online? I'm looking for unlimited data in Australia and New Zealand.
2degrees do a unlimited sim for NZ that you can get in multiple places- then preload it for use for no of days need. I got mine on arrival many years ago with no issues. I presume still works same way.
I dont know about Australia tho but i think if getting back to pre covid, as both countries big for backpackers on working holidays and people on longer trips down under that there will be plenty of options for sim card and data plans on arrival.
2000 Cardiff/ 2006 Paris/ 2011 Toronto/ 2013 Chicago/ 2014 Amsterdam 1 & Milton Keynes, 2016 MSG 1 & 2/ 2017 London Ed solo/ 2018 London 1, Padua, Rome, Prague & London 2 2019 Dusseldorf & Dublin Ed Solo 2022 Copenhagen, London 1&2, Budapest, Krakow, Vienna, Prague, Ams 1 & Ams 2 2024 Manchester, London, Auckland & Sydney
Thanks, mate! (I'm practicing my 🥝🥝🥝 speech for down under! I haven't figured out how you guys get any work done with all this 'mate' and 'down under' chat.)
^^GtB... @RatherStarved had a rogue wave take out his phone while sight seeing near Dana Point at Ohana! He was just so chill about it, too!
I guess it's more important to me to have one SIM that works reliably in both countries than unlimited data.
I've got renewed excitement again! All of my flights and hotels are paid to Auk, Ool, Lady Elliott Island, Syd and home (except for my Gold Coast hotel)!
Hope for PJ tix to kick my vacay up a notch!
Pipsqeuak is going to have so much fun! We're gonna bungee jump off the Auckland bridge; hit Dreamworld🎢 in GC and surf Paradise beach; snorkel the Great Barrier Reef 🤿; as well as a🏄♀️ surf lesson on Manly and 🐨 Taronga Zoo🦘in Sydney.
My recommendations are if you are on the Gold Coast and have time, also go to WB Movie World, they have pretty good roller coaster rides too and is about 20min drive from GC. All the beaches along surfers Paradise are awesome to surf, there is long stretch of 50kms (30 miles) of beach all along the coast where you can catch a wave.
If you can, there is Australia zoo that is about 1hr from Brisbane by car which is worth a look.
If you have a few minutes while in Sydney go to Bondi too if you haven’t been there, surf is good there too.
Melbourne:
March 17 1995,
March 18 1995,
March 2 1998,
February 18 2003, November 13 2006, November 20 2009,
January 24 2014, November 16 2024, November 18 2024.
I know I've been looking at that swimming pool by Bondi. It reminds me of the seaside pools at 2nd beach in Stanley Park, Vancouver and Kitsilano, without the amazing waves. From Circular Quay, it looks easy to get to Manly on a ferry. It seemed like Bondi, for some reason, people take a ferry and bus?
I was looking at Warner Brother world, as well. Do you think it's better than Dreamworld if I can't do both? Is it awesome because of the imagination aspect compared to just thrill? We get a fair passing through our town with five thrill rides a couple times a year, so will definitely will try to do both, thank you, I couldn't agree more!
...Will definitely hire some locals to give us a push in Surfer's Paradise wash zone so we can surf! 😆
I've got renewed excitement again! All of my flights and hotels are paid to Auk, Ool, Lady Elliott Island, Syd and home (except for my Gold Coast hotel)!
Hope for PJ tix to kick my vacay up a notch!
Pipsqeuak is going to have so much fun! We're gonna bungee jump off the Auckland bridge; hit Dreamworld🎢 in GC and surf Paradise beach; snorkel the Great Barrier Reef 🤿; as well as a🏄♀️ surf lesson on Manly and 🐨 Taronga Zoo🦘in Sydney.
My recommendations are if you are on the Gold Coast and have time, also go to WB Movie World, they have pretty good roller coaster rides too and is about 20min drive from GC. All the beaches along surfers Paradise are awesome to surf, there is long stretch of 50kms (30 miles) of beach all along the coast where you can catch a wave.
If you can, there is Australia zoo that is about 1hr from Brisbane by car which is worth a look.
If you have a few minutes while in Sydney go to Bondi too if you haven’t been there, surf is good there too.
✔️ Done. Fit WB into itinerary 😀 There's gonna be a jetlag meltdown to pay for it lol.
But until we find out how bad Air Canada screws our flights that they sold us, I won't know if we can fit Bondi in.
I know I've been looking at that swimming pool by Bondi. It reminds me of the seaside pools at 2nd beach in Stanley Park, Vancouver and Kitsilano, without the amazing waves. From Circular Quay, it looks easy to get to Manly on a ferry. It seemed like Bondi, for some reason, people take a ferry and bus?
I was looking at Warner Brother world, as well. Do you think it's better than Dreamworld if I can't do both? Is it awesome because of the imagination aspect compared to just thrill? We get a fair passing through our town with five thrill rides a couple times a year, so will definitely will try to do both, thank you, I couldn't agree more!
...Will definitely hire some locals to give us a push in Surfer's Paradise wash zone so we can surf! 😆
Movie World & Dreamworld both have some pretty cool rides. The Hypercoaster & Superman rides at MW are the 2 main big thrill rides. DW has the Steel Taipan, The Claw and the Giant Drop. They both have a bunch of other smaller rides as well. DW also has an animal section which is kind of like a mini zoo where you can hold koalas and feed kangaroos.
They are both a fun day out
I'm a local and have been to both many times - I'm more than happy to offer any advice or answer any questions you (or anyone) may have about theme parks or anything else on the Gold Coast.
I'm really hoping the rumors are true and they and the do play down here at Heritage Stadium as I live only 5 minutes away from it....
'95: Brisbane BEC March 21 & 22 '98: Brisbane BEC March 14 & 15 '03: Brad Surfers Paradise Troccadero Jan 11 '03: Brisbane BEC Feb 8 '06: Brisbane BEC Nov 10 & 11 '09: Brisbane QSAC Nov 25 '11: EV Solo Brisbane QPAC March 10, 12 & 13 '11: PJ20 Alpine Valley Sep 3 & 4 '14: Gold Coast BDO Jan 19 EV Solo QPAC Feb 22, 23 & 25
Is taking the 740 bus back from Heritage Bank Stadium to Surfers Paradise feasible after the show?
Maybe a hotel near Broad Beach shuttle stop is better?
They always have a heap of shuttle buses that run to Surfers and Broadbeach after shows so doesn't really matter where you choose to stay - wait times can be long tho...
'95: Brisbane BEC March 21 & 22 '98: Brisbane BEC March 14 & 15 '03: Brad Surfers Paradise Troccadero Jan 11 '03: Brisbane BEC Feb 8 '06: Brisbane BEC Nov 10 & 11 '09: Brisbane QSAC Nov 25 '11: EV Solo Brisbane QPAC March 10, 12 & 13 '11: PJ20 Alpine Valley Sep 3 & 4 '14: Gold Coast BDO Jan 19 EV Solo QPAC Feb 22, 23 & 25
^ Happy Australia day, indeed! I just had my e-toursist Visa granted to visit. That should have been my first step. The ETA app was cheaper (20Aus) than that Immu site/office that wanted 190$.
I know I've been looking at that swimming pool by Bondi. It reminds me of the seaside pools at 2nd beach in Stanley Park, Vancouver and Kitsilano, without the amazing waves. From Circular Quay, it looks easy to get to Manly on a ferry. It seemed like Bondi, for some reason, people take a ferry and bus?
I was looking at Warner Brother world, as well. Do you think it's better than Dreamworld if I can't do both? Is it awesome because of the imagination aspect compared to just thrill? We get a fair passing through our town with five thrill rides a couple times a year, so will definitely will try to do both, thank you, I couldn't agree more!
...Will definitely hire some locals to give us a push in Surfer's Paradise wash zone so we can surf! 😆
Movie World & Dreamworld both have some pretty cool rides. The Hypercoaster & Superman rides at MW are the 2 main big thrill rides. DW has the Steel Taipan, The Claw and the Giant Drop. They both have a bunch of other smaller rides as well. DW also has an animal section which is kind of like a mini zoo where you can hold koalas and feed kangaroos.
They are both a fun day out
I'm a local and have been to both many times - I'm more than happy to offer any advice or answer any questions you (or anyone) may have about theme parks or anything else on the Gold Coast.
I'm really hoping the rumors are true and they and the do play down here at Heritage Stadium as I live only 5 minutes away from it....
I agree with all of this, Superman ride is awesome. I am not game enough for the Giant Drop, my wife an 14 year old went on it the other day, but I just watched.
Like redraw said, the shuttle buses are easy and you will get back to Surfer’s no problem.
Bondi is a pain to get to, I hire a car and drive but parking is a nightmare. I have never been there by public transport sorry.
Melbourne:
March 17 1995,
March 18 1995,
March 2 1998,
February 18 2003, November 13 2006, November 20 2009,
January 24 2014, November 16 2024, November 18 2024.
^GB, What do you consider a good spot at a stadium show? GA? I've never been inside a stadium. I'll have to look at a couple more pictures and venue layouts, but they look packed!
^GB, What do you consider a good spot at a stadium show? GA? I've never been inside a stadium. I'll have to look at a couple more pictures and venue layouts, but they look packed!
They are packed... whole floor is GA. For Springsteen at AAMI I was on rail on Nils side... when Eddie came out. Never been inside a stadium? Geez.. no stadium shows or sporting events? Ever? If you want rail you'll spend at least a day or 2 in line.. in the heat... good luck.
This is Etihad in Melbourne, typical stadium like AAMI. I'm on the front rail and took a picture of crowd behind. No one can tell you what is best for YOU. if you don't mind being in a huge crush then do GA . If you want safer do a seat. Asking people 7+month out is kind of moot.... nothings announced or on sale.
^GB, What do you consider a good spot at a stadium show? GA? I've never been inside a stadium. I'll have to look at a couple more pictures and venue layouts, but they look packed!
Seems like they will all be stadium shows.
November over here is starting to get warm, but not crazy hot.
GA can get pretty crowded but it depends on where you stand and how close you like to be to the front.
Most bigger shows will have the GA sectioned off with a fence so if you are in the front section, it is easy to head towards the back and find breathing space but still be reasonably close to the stage.
We did this for Foo Fighters last month at Suncorp with 3 kids in our group without a problem - still a great view of the stage with plenty of room to dance around and the kids were even able to sit down for a while when they got a bit tired without getting crushed or stepped on
'95: Brisbane BEC March 21 & 22 '98: Brisbane BEC March 14 & 15 '03: Brad Surfers Paradise Troccadero Jan 11 '03: Brisbane BEC Feb 8 '06: Brisbane BEC Nov 10 & 11 '09: Brisbane QSAC Nov 25 '11: EV Solo Brisbane QPAC March 10, 12 & 13 '11: PJ20 Alpine Valley Sep 3 & 4 '14: Gold Coast BDO Jan 19 EV Solo QPAC Feb 22, 23 & 25
That's really helpful information @redraw as I will be bringing a preteen! Thank you.
Before I fell asleep last night, I recalled that I was at UBC Thunderbird stadium (on traditional, ancestral, unceded Musqueum territory) which can host 5,000 on their field or seat 3000 for the year 2 Lollapalooza, @gotthebottle. Thank you for the pictures. I enjoyed looking at you sporting your Stickman shirt! Beautiful happiness 😊
These huge Australian and New Zealand's stadiums are going to be a whole new ball game! I'm guessing Pipsqueak will want the action close to the stage. It'd be nice to be able to go there and then pick and choose which date has better weather in Sydney and New Zealand, but likely I will want everything planned ahead!
I did start looking at the weather last year in November so I could get an idea. We will get what we get and we won't be upset! This is going to be amazing!!!! I'm so thankful for Pearl Jam to hit the road and to inspire us to travel to that part of Mother Earth!
Comments
I have started some research on the First Nation people there and the traditional territory I'm going to be visiting.
If you plan on taking the Picton ferry bear in mind they have been notoriously unreliable for a couple of years.
Wellington 1998
London 2007
Brisbane 2009
Stockholm 2012
EV Dublin 2017
Milan 2018
Padova 2018
Boston 2 2018
Auckland 1 & 2 2024
I've had problems with my add-on data roaming in Hawaii trying to catch an Uber to Hanauma bay. I'm thinking about picking something up in the New Zealand airport, it looks like there's a One store in arrivals.
Does anyone have any experience with buying airports SIM cards or buying e Sims Online? I'm looking for unlimited data in Australia and New Zealand.
https://www.2degrees.nz/mobile-plans/unlimited-travel-sim
I dont know about Australia tho but i think if getting back to pre covid, as both countries big for backpackers on working holidays and people on longer trips down under that there will be plenty of options for sim card and data plans on arrival.
2016 MSG 1 & 2/ 2017 London Ed solo/ 2018 London 1, Padua, Rome, Prague & London 2
2019 Dusseldorf & Dublin Ed Solo
2022 Copenhagen, London 1&2, Budapest, Krakow, Vienna, Prague, Ams 1 & Ams 2
2024 Manchester, London, Auckland & Sydney
^^GtB... @RatherStarved had a rogue wave take out his phone while sight seeing near Dana Point at Ohana! He was just so chill about it, too!
I guess it's more important to me to have one SIM that works reliably in both countries than unlimited data.
If you have a few minutes while in Sydney go to Bondi too if you haven’t been there, surf is good there too.
I was looking at Warner Brother world, as well. Do you think it's better than Dreamworld if I can't do both? Is it awesome because of the imagination aspect compared to just thrill? We get a fair passing through our town with five thrill rides a couple times a year, so will definitely will try to do both, thank you, I couldn't agree more!
...Will definitely hire some locals to give us a push in Surfer's Paradise wash zone so we can surf! 😆
There's gonna be a jetlag meltdown to pay for it lol.
But until we find out how bad Air Canada screws our flights that they sold us, I won't know if we can fit Bondi in.
The Hypercoaster & Superman rides at MW are the 2 main big thrill rides.
DW has the Steel Taipan, The Claw and the Giant Drop.
They both have a bunch of other smaller rides as well.
DW also has an animal section which is kind of like a mini zoo where you can hold koalas and feed kangaroos.
They are both a fun day out
I'm a local and have been to both many times - I'm more than happy to offer any advice or answer any questions you (or anyone) may have about theme parks or anything else on the Gold Coast.
I'm really hoping the rumors are true and they and the do play down here at Heritage Stadium as I live only 5 minutes away from it....
'03: Brisbane BEC Feb 8 '06: Brisbane BEC Nov 10 & 11 '09: Brisbane QSAC Nov 25
'11: EV Solo Brisbane QPAC March 10, 12 & 13 '11: PJ20 Alpine Valley Sep 3 & 4
'14: Gold Coast BDO Jan 19 EV Solo QPAC Feb 22, 23 & 25
Is taking the 740 bus back from Heritage Bank Stadium to Surfers Paradise feasible after the show?
Maybe a hotel near Broad Beach shuttle stop is better?
'03: Brisbane BEC Feb 8 '06: Brisbane BEC Nov 10 & 11 '09: Brisbane QSAC Nov 25
'11: EV Solo Brisbane QPAC March 10, 12 & 13 '11: PJ20 Alpine Valley Sep 3 & 4
'14: Gold Coast BDO Jan 19 EV Solo QPAC Feb 22, 23 & 25
Like redraw said, the shuttle buses are easy and you will get back to Surfer’s no problem.
Bondi is a pain to get to, I hire a car and drive but parking is a nightmare. I have never been there by public transport sorry.
If you want rail you'll spend at least a day or 2 in line.. in the heat... good luck.
. If you want safer do a seat. Asking people 7+month out is kind of moot.... nothings announced or on sale.
November over here is starting to get warm, but not crazy hot.
GA can get pretty crowded but it depends on where you stand and how close you like to be to the front.
Most bigger shows will have the GA sectioned off with a fence so if you are in the front section, it is easy to head towards the back and find breathing space but still be reasonably close to the stage.
We did this for Foo Fighters last month at Suncorp with 3 kids in our group without a problem - still a great view of the stage with plenty of room to dance around and the kids were even able to sit down for a while when they got a bit tired without getting crushed or stepped on
'03: Brisbane BEC Feb 8 '06: Brisbane BEC Nov 10 & 11 '09: Brisbane QSAC Nov 25
'11: EV Solo Brisbane QPAC March 10, 12 & 13 '11: PJ20 Alpine Valley Sep 3 & 4
'14: Gold Coast BDO Jan 19 EV Solo QPAC Feb 22, 23 & 25
Before I fell asleep last night, I recalled that I was at UBC Thunderbird stadium (on traditional, ancestral, unceded Musqueum territory) which can host 5,000 on their field or seat 3000 for the year 2 Lollapalooza, @gotthebottle. Thank you for the pictures. I enjoyed looking at you sporting your Stickman shirt! Beautiful happiness 😊
These huge Australian and New Zealand's stadiums are going to be a whole new ball game! I'm guessing Pipsqueak will want the action close to the stage. It'd be nice to be able to go there and then pick and choose which date has better weather in Sydney and New Zealand, but likely I will want everything planned ahead!
I did start looking at the weather last year in November so I could get an idea. We will get what we get and we won't be upset! This is going to be amazing!!!! I'm so thankful for Pearl Jam to hit the road and to inspire us to travel to that part of Mother Earth!