OT: Aussie help

Kim

My hubby and I are thinking about visiting Australia in the spring of 2012 to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We need to start saving now if we really want to do this.

We live in Canada so would be literally going 1/2 way around the world!

Can anyone there tell me what the weather is like in late Jan, early Feb in say Sydney? Or where would the weather be best? (Hot is OK, it'll be -20C here when we leave, I'd like to pack only dresses, shorts and swim suit! Plus I'll shop a bit while I'm there....Really! LOL)

We know *nothing* about Australia, but are willing to learn! What do you consider the "must see" of your country? What are some of the ways to travel to sightsee, (besides car rental? Is train a viable option? or is there discount airlines between major cities?)

Is there condo apartment rentals (we're staying 3 weeks) that would have kitchenettes included? Reasonably priced 3 star or better hotels?

Feel free to PM me, I have to start the planning process now, cause that's just the way I am!

Thanks for any info and help! I can hardly wait, this will literally be our trip of a lifetime!

15 years ago

General

5 replies

Latest reply was from Theresa

LeahJanes

Active Member

The weather in late January - Early Feb will be *very* hot and humid in Sydney. If you venture further north it's likely to be worse. If you're close to the coast you get a nice cooling breeze, but in general the days won't be cooler than 30 degrees celsius. It's tempting to wear not much clothing if you're out and about, but remember, the sun in Australia is not your friend. It burns you quickly so you have to wear a light long sleeved top layer and a hat when outdoors.

Car is pretty much the only option to see the further flung places. I've got no experience with the rail system - but I do know that you can travel via rail up the Queensland coast. There is an amazing luxury train called the Ghan that goes straight of the middle of the country - I hear it's pretty amazing if you like fancy rail travel.

Must sees are:
Victoria: The Great Ocean Road - amazing scenic drive along the southern coast of Australia.
Melbourne - amazing culture and great restaurants. All round awesome city. I just like hanging in Melbourne, St Kilda & Fitzroy are choice neighbourhoods to wander about.

New South Wales - The 1000 Stair trail down the cliffs at the Blue Mountains, Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo (hard to get to), Lightning Ridge for the opal mining (my family is from there so this is a shameless plug - it's a pretty awesome place though) Byron Bay - amazing small seaside town,
Sydney - Particularly: Manly ferry & beach (not on a Friday night though unless you really like to party), Taronga Park Zoo, afternoon tea with opera singers at the restaurant at the Sydney Opera House ( I think it's called Guillame).
Kirribilli Markets - I can't remember when they are on but the have an artisan & vintage market which is great

NT: Arnhem Land & Uluru of course. Spectacular.

Queensland: The Great Barrier Reef (make sure you scuba dive it, nothing compares), Mosman Gorge is an amazing place to escape the heat in Cairns, Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island - spectacular lakes. If you're going to stay at the Gold Coast, which is the major tourist area in Queensland, beware that Surfers Paradise is a bit of a tourist trap, I prefer Kingscliff and Burleigh Heads which are a little further south and more authentic.

I have missed so much, there is so much to see - I'm more detailed on New South Wales and Queensland cause that's where I've lived. Most people just stick to the East Coast as it's the most populated area and therefore easier to travel. 3 weeks might not be enough

PM me for more info and recs for places to stay once you decide your trajectory. You should be able to get a self contained place in most of the major tourist centres, and definitely in the cities, try http://www.stayz.com.au for private houses and apartments you can rent.

Oof that was an essay - sorry!

15 years ago

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Hi Kim

Oh, how wonderful and utterly exciting - you will have a lovely time I'm sure!
First up, here are a couple of websites that you may find useful. I use these quite often to plan my trips. (Well admittedly, all bar the first - I kinda have an idea what Australia has on offer! ;-):

http://www.australia.com/index.aspx
http://www.virginblue.com.au/
http://www.wotif.com.au/
http://www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au/
http://www.qantas.com.au/

The biggest thing to be aware of is that January/February is the time of year where we often have sweltering heat. I'm not kidding when I mean hot - often over 30 degrees celsius and can be high humidity. Be aware January is also our summer school holidays, so you will find that you are paying peak prices (generally anyway) and may have to compete with families with children. (I just wanted to make sure that you wouldn't mind this since it is such an important anniversary.)

In terms of all round nice weather for Australia, I'd recommend March as my absolutely favourite month of the entire year. I find that it is pleasant pretty much the whole way around Australia. Humidity drops down up north, the south finally gets some reprieve from heat and it generally has nice, mild temps (still hot in comparison to you though!) and the kids are definately back at school . Otherwise, September/October tends to be pretty good 'round the country as well (there is a school holiday in the middle though).

If you came (say....) end of Feb/early March and headed up North to Queensland first, it would absolutely be swimsuit weather still and perfect for lying by the beach. I can recommend going to The Great Barrier Reef. If you go there, you MUST try and get to Whitehaven Beach - one of the most perfect beaches in the world! There are also gorgeous Islands to stay. Try Hayman Island for a luxurious celebration. I live in Brisbane as do some of the others - you must get here and say Hi! (Just thought I'd throw that in )

Sydney has the famous icons of the Harbour and the Sydney Opera House and the famous Manly and Bondi beaches. If I was going there for a few days I must confess I'd probably be inclined to try and stay on the harbour if possible - Darling Harbour is the central point around there (from what I recall).

For shopping and culture, I'd recommend Melbourne. A great city and reminds my English hubby of more of a European feel than the rest of the place.

Tasmania is stunning if you like nature - hiking - eco-tourism - convict history - that sort of stuff.

Northern Territory has Kakadu national park and Uluru. It is a pretty vast place, sparsely populated and a totally different perspective of Australia.

I'd say when planning, the biggest thing you need to remember is that Australia is a HUGE country. For instance, if I travel from Brisbane to Canberra by car, it will take me *over* 18 hours (I leave at 4 in the morning and will drive for a full day till 5pm and then do the remainder few hours the next day - it is not for the light hearted!). Canberra to Melbourne is around 9 hours by car. (That's why I often fly if I can!)

When you have a better idea of the States and things you'd like to find out more about, please let us know and I'm sure we would be absolutely delighted to help and make recommendations.

Happy planning!
x

15 years ago

puffenstuff

(website)

Veteran

Leah and Kirstie have covered pretty much everything. I just wanted to add in a few more handy tips. If you're looking at Jan/Feb that is actually our Summer so yes it's going to be hot and humid, the further north you go the more humid you get.

For looking at flights, I would recommend this website:
http://www.iwantthatflight.com.au/
It will search over the various airlines in Australia and if you're flexible with your dates you can see the different price points.

Good luck with the planning!

15 years ago

Kim

Veteran

Thank you all so much! Canada too is a *huge* country, so I'm aware of what I'm dealing with size wise. 3 weeks will not cover it I know, so I'm going to have to try and talk hubby into limiting our trip somewhat! (Cause we don't want to blow the retirement fund on a 3 week trip! LOL)

I'm not *committed to Jan/Feb, and Feb/March is actually more do-able for me work wise, so we'll look into that. I certainly want swimsuit weather, but we often get 30C and up for weeks at a time (with tons of humidity) here on our summers too, so I know what I'm up against if we go earlier.

I'm off to check out all your links now! Thanks!

15 years ago

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

I think those links and everything the girls have said is an excellent starting point!

I would just add that if you did want to venture to Central and Far North Queensland, it can still be suitable swimsuit weather right up until April - especially if you are coming from the cold! (We have LOADS of "southerners" here in their swimmers in the middle of June/July because even our winters are hot to some of them!)

Hamilton and Hayman Islands would be a superb island locations - Hayman particularly, but it is fairly pricey, Hamilton has pretty much everything you need on it and everyone drives around in little Golf Carts - its great fun LOL

I'd also suggest Feb-Mar - you can avoid the hoards of families and inflated prices, and hopefully, by then the highest peaks of summer will have passed. If you were to venture to Western Qld, be prepared for temps of 40C and above easily.

If you want outlet shopping, I'd suggest Harbour Town at the Gold Coast - its a fabulous spot for discount shopping, but has outlets for some of our top designers, so has a higher class of shops (along with some of our cheaper brands too), but the location is divine, and because its an outdoor centre, its glorious to sit and enjoy lunch etc.

Can't wait to hear your itinerary and if you wanted, given the long time frame, we could always organise a little YLF meet... of course Hubby may not be up for that seeing as its such a special occasion LOL

15 years ago

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