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I'm thinking of travelling to Australia...any insights/advice?

Cropduster84Cropduster84 Posts: 1,283
edited March 2008 in All Encompassing Trip
Ok so I'm planning on heading to Australia in June 09 when I have saved enough money, my first destination will be Sydney. Im going with an organisation called Oz Intro for my first week then I'll be left to fend for myself.

Now, Australia is a huge country, and it would just be great to hear from people who have travelled or live there to give me some insight on some things I should probably see whilst I'm there. Im particularly interested in wildlife and nature more than city destinations.....

But yeah, just chat away about your Australian experiences.............
'The more I studied religions the more I am convinced that man never worshipped anything but himself.' - Sir Richard Francis Burton
Post edited by Unknown User on

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  • Cropduster84Cropduster84 Posts: 1,283
    lol anyone?! :D
    'The more I studied religions the more I am convinced that man never worshipped anything but himself.' - Sir Richard Francis Burton
  • polarispolaris Posts: 3,527
    depends on your interests ... i've been in and around sydney; cairsn, darwin, alice springs and brisbane ...

    mostly nature stuff ... also - oz is a big place and not cheap ... so a lot could depend on how much time you have and $$$ you got ...
  • Cropduster84Cropduster84 Posts: 1,283
    polaris wrote:
    depends on your interests ... i've been in and around sydney; cairsn, darwin, alice springs and brisbane ...

    mostly nature stuff ... also - oz is a big place and not cheap ... so a lot could depend on how much time you have and $$$ you got ...


    I planning to get part time work as i travel, and money wise I'll probably have about £4000 to get me started.....looking at staying out there a good few months.....
    'The more I studied religions the more I am convinced that man never worshipped anything but himself.' - Sir Richard Francis Burton
  • Drop The Leash 10Drop The Leash 10 Posts: 7,011
    use protection and sunscreren
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  • HinnyHinny Posts: 1,610
    Cropduster84 wrote:
    Ok so I'm planning on heading to Australia in June 09 when I have saved enough money, my first destination will be Sydney. Im going with an organisation called Oz Intro for my first week then I'll be left to fend for myself.

    Now, Australia is a huge country, and it would just be great to hear from people who have travelled or live there to give me some insight on some things I should probably see whilst I'm there. Im particularly interested in wildlife and nature more than city destinations.....

    But yeah, just chat away about your Australian experiences.............
    June/July is the ideal time to be heading north. Wayyyyyyy north. Tropical North Queensland. Past Cairns. If wildlife is what you want, ignore Cairns- it's really just a launch-off point for the Reefs. The North gets too wet to visit otherwise- I mean it, the roads become inaccessible because of all the rain.

    This site is quite helpful to cut down spending on roadtrips
    http://www.needaride.com.au/

    Read Bill Bryson's Down Under.

    Tassie is heaven for people who want to see nature. A lot of it is pure nature. See it before the loggers obliterate everything. It's also the most expensive area to visit in Australia cos of the isolation.

    If you're considering heading up to the Top End, I suggest skip Darwin and concentrate on 2 points- Kakadu national park and the Bungle Bungles in far north Western Australia.

    As far as I'm concerned, if you're not a ski enthusiast, you really should be focusing your time around June-August in the north. The south can come later in the year. Go to Kangaroo Island in South Aust. Then drive along the coast down the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne.

    If you intend on driving a lot, rather than flying, check this site:

    http://www.wickedcampers.com.au/
    Binary solo..000000100000111100001110
  • sweet adelinesweet adeline Posts: 2,191
    my buddies and i flew into sydney and drove up and down the gold coast to surfers paradise, great barrier reef, etc. stayed in hostels the whole way and had one of the best times of my life. i highly recommend doing this, australia is a great country.
  • IwasBit10IwasBit10 Posts: 646
    one word: Nimbin

    Seriously though, oh man, i'm so jealous of you. My 5 months in Sydney were the greatest of my life to date. In terms of nature and wildlife, it's not hard to find. If you're staying in Sydney for a while, check out Katoomba and the Blue Mountains. There are some cool towns up and down the coast as well, but nothing spectacular. Otherwise, i'd follow Hinny's instructions and head to Queensland. Unfortunately, I was only able to spend a few days in Cairns when I was there, so I can't really give you any insight there besides checking out the reef. I did spend 2 weeks in Byron, but I'm not sure how the weather will be there in June/July; certainly not like it was in the end of November. If you have any questions about Sydney, I'm glad to help.
    He floated back down 'cause he wanted to share, his key to the locks on the chains he saw everywhere.
  • zenithzenith Posts: 3,191
    lol - hinny should become a tour guide with all his travelling - listen to his advice

    but ill add - byron/ballina - i lived up there for a while a few years ago - winter weather there is about 20 - 25 average - jeans & t weather to me, although the long stand locals wore jumpers. if your used to a colder climate youll think its great - is very commercial tho - if your looking for a laid back style try lennox head which is a little bit south from there - great surf and very very relaxed

    sydney & melbourne is great - but remember to get out of the citys - the eastern coastline is great to follow & nip inland a bit to see the mountains - south coast trivia - flea from chili peppers owns a house there and trumpet busks pretty reguarlly at the Ulladulla markets when he's in the country ;)

    bear in mind that we are huge - you cant just jump in the car and get somewhere. plan for heaps of time.

    north qld - i like cairnes personally - i think further north ala port douglas is way too expensive. but jump on the reef tours and look at the little islands.

    perth is great too - very relaxed style for such a big city.

    and darwin - my bro lives there atm - is very hot, but very different, attracts very different people
    impatience is a gift ........
  • HinnyHinny Posts: 1,610
    If I ever got sick of my profession, I'd jump right into the travel industry, no question.
    Binary solo..000000100000111100001110
  • Cropduster84Cropduster84 Posts: 1,283
    zenith wrote:
    lol - hinny should become a tour guide with all his travelling - listen to his advice

    but ill add - byron/ballina - i lived up there for a while a few years ago - winter weather there is about 20 - 25 average - jeans & t weather to me, although the long stand locals wore jumpers. if your used to a colder climate youll think its great - is very commercial tho - if your looking for a laid back style try lennox head which is a little bit south from there - great surf and very very relaxed

    sydney & melbourne is great - but remember to get out of the citys - the eastern coastline is great to follow & nip inland a bit to see the mountains - south coast trivia - flea from chili peppers owns a house there and trumpet busks pretty reguarlly at the Ulladulla markets when he's in the country ;)

    bear in mind that we are huge - you cant just jump in the car and get somewhere. plan for heaps of time.

    north qld - i like cairnes personally - i think further north ala port douglas is way too expensive. but jump on the reef tours and look at the little islands.

    perth is great too - very relaxed style for such a big city.

    and darwin - my bro lives there atm - is very hot, but very different, attracts very different people


    All sounds good, in the process of planning and saving money as we speak.....


    Been reading up on Byron Bay definately a place i would like to visit after sydney.....
    'The more I studied religions the more I am convinced that man never worshipped anything but himself.' - Sir Richard Francis Burton
  • pineapplesandwavespineapplesandwaves Posts: 584
    I agree with most everything Zenith said (though I've never been to Darwin or Cairns).


    Byron Bay is a lovely place. You should make a point to visit. While you're in that area, you should check out Nimbin. It's, uh, quite the experience.


    Great Ocean Road is a must!!


    I spent a few days sailing the Whitsundays (Queensland). It was an incredible experience, probably the best of my life. I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind living on a boat for a few days with the very minimum. Whitehaven Beach is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Great way to meet people from all over the world.


    I also spent a few days on Fraser Island (Queensland) as part of a group "safari". Great time! And another great way to meet people. I went in March - bloody hot!


    Perth is also lovely.


    I spent some time in Tasmania. I thought it was beautiful. I actually went at the end of June, so it was definitely chilly, but it was gorgeous.
    No time to be void or save up on life. You got to spend it all.
  • Cropduster84Cropduster84 Posts: 1,283
    pineapplesandwaves wrote:
    I agree with most everything Zenith said (though I've never been to Darwin or Cairns).


    Byron Bay is a lovely place. You should make a point to visit. While you're in that area, you should check out Nimbin. It's, uh, quite the experience.


    Great Ocean Road is a must!!


    I spent a few days sailing the Whitsundays (Queensland). It was an incredible experience, probably the best of my life. I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind living on a boat for a few days with the very minimum. Whitehaven Beach is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Great way to meet people from all over the world.


    I also spent a few days on Fraser Island (Queensland) as part of a group "safari". Great time! And another great way to meet people. I went in March - bloody hot!


    Perth is also lovely.


    I spent some time in Tasmania. I thought it was beautiful. I actually went at the end of June, so it was definitely chilly, but it was gorgeous.

    Wow, that does all sound pretty cool, Im loving the inspiration.....

    the sailing at whitsundays does sound quite an experience.....



    anyone visited the heart of australia at all? Alice Springs, Uluru etc?
    'The more I studied religions the more I am convinced that man never worshipped anything but himself.' - Sir Richard Francis Burton
  • polarispolaris Posts: 3,527
    Cropduster84 wrote:
    Wow, that does all sound pretty cool, Im loving the inspiration.....

    the sailing at whitsundays does sound quite an experience.....



    anyone visited the heart of australia at all? Alice Springs, Uluru etc?

    yeah ... ayers rock and the olgas are cool ... i think it's worth it ... some people think it's a bit far to go just to see ayers rock ... if ya got the money - take a domestic flight into alice springs vs. driving there ...
  • AmentsChickAmentsChick Posts: 6,969
    My parents just got back from a month-long trip to Australia, NZ and Tasmania. They LOOOOOOVED it! Make sure you hit up Cairns (pronounced "Cans") or Port Douglas, up near the Great Barrier Reef!
    This is the greatest band in the world -- Ben Harper

  • Lukin66Lukin66 Posts: 3,063
    bring anti-venom
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  • JeanieJeanie Posts: 9,446
    If you get a chance to be in Western Australia during Wildflower season you should. Just magical! And if you are there make sure you visit Kalbarri National Park and hike up to Nature's Window. Just magic! :)

    http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Things_to_See_and_Do/Forest_and_Flowers/Pages/Wildflowers.aspx

    Oh and Monkey Mia to see the dolphins, is pretty special too. :)
    NOPE!!!

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  • vedder_soupvedder_soup Posts: 5,861
    Lukin66 wrote:
    bring anti-venom

    lol, na you can get that at the hospital if you get bitten by a snake!
    2003 - Sydney x3,
    2006 - Reading Festival,
    2007 - Katowice, London, Nijmegen, Rock Werchter,
    2008 - MSG x2, Hartford, Mansfield x2, Beacon Theater,
    2009 - Melbourne, Sydney,
    2010 - I watched it go to fire!
    2011 - EV Brisbane x3, Newcastle, Sydney x3,
    2012 - Manchester x 2, Amsterdam x2, Prague, Berlin x2, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen,
    2014 - Sydney, EV Sydney x3

    I wave to all my Friends... Yeah!
  • acoustic guyacoustic guy Posts: 3,770
    Just don't try to box one of the Kangaroo's! :D
    Get em a Body Bag Yeeeeeaaaaa!
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  • pjfan31pjfan31 Posts: 7,335
    Yeh, australia is a great country, I wouldnt live anywhere else.

    I live In sydney, it is great. A beautiful harbour, a great zoo, beaches and everything.

    Tasmania is also such a beautiful place. I went in 2000, and it was magic. Probably the 2nd plasce I would live. Cradle mountain http://www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au/includes/viewimage.asp?page=http%3A//www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au/&img=http://www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au/images/media/cml02.jpg

    And there is so much more.

    And don't forget to go go to a couple of footy matches in that time. May I recomend the mighty canterbury Bulldogs(NRL) and the mighty Sydney Swans(AFL).

    Anyway isnt the time ur coming supposed to be when the Ashes is on???? Another thing to think of, because you will cop a lot of flack...

    Good luck
    Sydney 11/02/2003
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    Sydney 22/11/2009
    EV Sydney 18/03/2011
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    EV Sydney 20/03/2011
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    EV Sydney 13/02/2014
  • pjfan31pjfan31 Posts: 7,335
    AmentsChick wrote:
    My parents just got back from a month-long trip to Australia, NZ and Tasmania. They LOOOOOOVED it! Make sure you hit up Cairns (pronounced "Cans") or Port Douglas, up near the Great Barrier Reef!


    I love it how you seperate Tasmania from Australia..... We always try and do that.
    Sydney 11/02/2003
    Sydney 14/02/2003
    Sydney 07/11/2006
    Sydney 18/11/2006
    Sydney 22/11/2009
    EV Sydney 18/03/2011
    EV Sydney 19/03/2011
    EV Sydney 20/03/2011
    Melbourne 24/01/2014
    Sydney 26/01/2014
    EV Sydney 13/02/2014
  • catefrancescatefrances Posts: 29,003
    vedder_soup wrote:
    lol, na you can get that at the hospital if you get bitten by a snake!

    ...or a spider or blue ring octopus(pretty but deadly) or any of the other poisonous bities we have in abundance. :p:D



    oh and cropduster, if you see a croc at your swimming hole one day, please dont make the mistake of swimming there the next day.
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  • duggroduggro Posts: 1,343
    Melbourne

    Neighbours Set

    Great Ocean Road

    Halls Gap In The Grampians

    best thing to do though......get a flight to new zealand
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  • «¤tîg®ê§§¤»«¤tîg®ê§§¤» Posts: 5,137
    if you get to the Gold Coast come and visit me!!
    Im at the Hard Rock Cafe in Surfers Paradise!!
    Your trip will be incomplete, without me, Jagermeister and scummy Surfers Paradise!!
    he who forgets will be destined to remember
  • pineapplesandwavespineapplesandwaves Posts: 584
    «¤tîg®ê§§¤» wrote:
    if you get to the Gold Coast come and visit me!!
    Im at the Hard Rock Cafe in Surfers Paradise!!
    Your trip will be incomplete, without me, Jagermeister and scummy Surfers Paradise!!
    I lived on the Gold Coast in 2005. We used to go to the Hard Rock for Friday night karaoke, and then we'd hit up the lovely Surfer's bars. Good times! I miss Surfer's!!!
    No time to be void or save up on life. You got to spend it all.
  • pineapplesandwavespineapplesandwaves Posts: 584
    pjfan31 wrote:
    I love it how you seperate Tasmania from Australia..... We always try and do that.
    When I visited Tasmania, a tour guide told me and my fellow Canadian friends that Tasmania was to Australia what Newfoundland was to Canada. Beautiful, beautiful places, but the butt of all the countries' jokes. :)
    No time to be void or save up on life. You got to spend it all.
  • vedder_soupvedder_soup Posts: 5,861
    pineapplesandwaves wrote:
    I lived on the Gold Coast in 2005. We used to go to the Hard Rock for Friday night karaoke, and then we'd hit up the lovely Surfer's bars. Good times! I miss Surfer's!!!

    i really don't like the gold coast...
    well the gold coast fine, it is surfers paradise i hate!
    southern end round kirra and burleigh is much better
    2003 - Sydney x3,
    2006 - Reading Festival,
    2007 - Katowice, London, Nijmegen, Rock Werchter,
    2008 - MSG x2, Hartford, Mansfield x2, Beacon Theater,
    2009 - Melbourne, Sydney,
    2010 - I watched it go to fire!
    2011 - EV Brisbane x3, Newcastle, Sydney x3,
    2012 - Manchester x 2, Amsterdam x2, Prague, Berlin x2, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen,
    2014 - Sydney, EV Sydney x3

    I wave to all my Friends... Yeah!
  • i like matt.ci like matt.c Posts: 1,122
    I always go down to Wollongong and Kiama, places on the south coast of NSW. But if you're going in winter it might be too cold to fully appreciate them. I would definitely visit Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay. It is the most beautiful beach I've ever seen.
  • vedder_soupvedder_soup Posts: 5,861
    i like matt.c wrote:
    I always go down to Wollongong and Kiama, places on the south coast of NSW. But if you're going in winter it might be too cold to fully appreciate them. I would definitely visit Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay. It is the most beautiful beach I've ever seen.

    south coast is underrated...
    great place to go, very pretty and some amazing and quiet beaches
    2003 - Sydney x3,
    2006 - Reading Festival,
    2007 - Katowice, London, Nijmegen, Rock Werchter,
    2008 - MSG x2, Hartford, Mansfield x2, Beacon Theater,
    2009 - Melbourne, Sydney,
    2010 - I watched it go to fire!
    2011 - EV Brisbane x3, Newcastle, Sydney x3,
    2012 - Manchester x 2, Amsterdam x2, Prague, Berlin x2, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen,
    2014 - Sydney, EV Sydney x3

    I wave to all my Friends... Yeah!
  • «¤tîg®ê§§¤»«¤tîg®ê§§¤» Posts: 5,137
    vedder_soup wrote:
    i really don't like the gold coast...
    well the gold coast fine, it is surfers paradise i hate!
    southern end round kirra and burleigh is much better

    Surfers Sucks V Soup. I have to go there nearly every day... luckily my Job rocks and thats the light at the end of the tunnel.
    Southern end is gorgeous.... not ruined by all the highrises.
    he who forgets will be destined to remember
  • «¤tîg®ê§§¤»«¤tîg®ê§§¤» Posts: 5,137
    pineapplesandwaves wrote:
    I lived on the Gold Coast in 2005. We used to go to the Hard Rock for Friday night karaoke, and then we'd hit up the lovely Surfer's bars. Good times! I miss Surfer's!!!

    ahh, Karaoke.... those were the days!!
    No more though Pineapple... the Pray For Surf bar is closed and has been for 2 years + now. Luckily, you got to enjoy it while it lasted. I friggin loved that Bar!!
    he who forgets will be destined to remember
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