Australia tips and advice please

We have visited Australia twice and love the country.
On our first trip, we took a cruise "Over the Top" of the country, from Perth, stopping in several ports on the north and west coast of Australia and two days in Bali, Indonesia. Darwin is interesting, but unless you are on a cruise, not sure it is worth flying there.
Spend a few days in the Perth area, also Cairns (Great Barrier Reef), Brisbane and Sydney.

On our second trip, we again visited Sydney, as well as Melbourne. From Melbourne we visited local vineyards and did a tour of the Great Ocean Road and Philip Island were the small penguins come in at nightfall (both are amazing).

If you have a month, you can see quite a lot. Sydney for some days, as well as a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Be sure to do a Harbor Cruise, climb the bridge piles of the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge. See the zoo and visit Bondi Beach and the Botanical Gardens. Also, there are some great museums to see in Sydney.
Do Melbourne, nearby wineries, The Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island.
Also, Cairns and if you can the Great Barrier Reef.

We didn't go to Tasmania, but you might spend a few days there.

It is a huge country and flying from Sydney to Perth is a five hour flight, like flying from Washington, DC to LA.

Thank you so much, really helpful!

Dont forget to apply for your visa. Its easy on line.

I think visiting the outback (Alice Springs or Uluru) is where you can see the Australia you imagine.

I think you can get airfares that let you hop from one place to another.

My husband and I spent 9 days just in Sydney--so we hardly touched the vastness of the country. Saw just about everything to see in Sydney, along with a day excursion with guide to the Blue Mountains. Just before our time in Sydney, my husband had been in country for two weeks on a business trip, so he got to see Melbourne (which he loved), Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, and Barossa Valley wine region.

I’ve only been to three places in Australia — Sydney (including the Blue Mountains), Port Douglas, and Uluru. I highly recommend all three even though they are widely scattered. You’ve gotten excellent advice on Sydney. I particularly liked the zoo and the Blue Mountains (an easy train ride away).Port Douglas is a delightful town with a laid back vibe. I just loved staying there even though I got sick on my trip out to the Great Barrier Island and a bridge was washed out so our Daintree rainforest tour was canceled. Uluru was fascinating and something you’re not going to see anywhere else.

Good luck with your trip.

Thank you all!!! So very helpful. I'm not into zoos and aquariums (feel sorry for the animals). I like flea markets and museums.

Wow, I didn't even think of getting seasick! I get HORRIBLY motion sick. Used Bonine but the prescription patch is usually what I ask my doctor for. I've heard the GBR is bleached, sad.

Sounds like Melbourne is a to-do for sure.

Thank you ALL again... you're the experts!

Look up museums in Melbourne, lots of good ones. Also, Queen Victoria Market is a must if you like markets.

Hi Jill.
I have a bit to do so will keep this brief and post further info later.
I am an Aussie, currently living in Neilborough in Victoria (pop about 300). It's probably not on your to do list lol just kangaroos, wallabies, goanna, emus, forests, farms and us redneck bogan Aussies.
January. Well it is school hols throughout Oz, so popular spots particularly seaside will be crowded. Also local airfares and accom can be pretty pricey.
Also keep in mind January is wetseason, stinger season and tropical cyclone season in Cairns.
None of that is said to deter you from coming but just a few things to think about.
The best travel in my opinion is done outside the main tourism box and Australia has some incredible options aside from the tourist bucket list items.
Cheers.

@ Jill

For guided tours try https://www.aatkings.com/. Not my preferred method of travel but have seen the company’s coaches around. Spent last 4 weeks in West Australia, Murchison and Pilbara, and noticed a few coaches around for the the spring wildflowers. Was a rather disappointing subdued season. Maybe something suitable for you in their eastern state's itineraries.

Also, https://www.bunniktours.com.au/our-team. Dennis is well known for his YouTube commentary on Airlines, particularly top end products.

Adding to Tintaldra’s top advice. Eastern state schools return from summer holidays circa 1st Feb. Fares tend to be at peak around this time. The grey-headed and the blue rinse set tend to start taking their domestic trips around this time.

North of Tropic of Capricorn, Top End, is monsoon/cyclone season until end of March. Eastern States are hot and humid. Western and southern continent are desert type conditions hot and dry. I enjoy both and would never let them deter me from enjoying the delights of nature. Have always viewed whatever weather is thrown up as part of the experience. Am not a person who needs air-conditioning.

In Melbourne for art and other museum interests https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/. General entry is free, though some special exhibits may have a fee. Apparently, the building dimensions are the same as Noah’s Ark. Built on the land of the traditional owners, Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung People. I try and visit one a year. It is a good one. Planning on this Thursday for International Collection Highlights and the Australian Collection Highlights as I pass through.

For other museums in Melbourne try https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/.

As Ordtraveler has noted, GBR is being degraded by global warming, still a wonder of the planet. Hope we all can fix things. Stumbled on a wonderful coral spawning a few years ago.

Regards Ron

The GBR is indeed a wonder, and sadly suffers from both bleaching/climate change (as do all coral reefs worldwide - as a longtime scuba diver, it’s hard to not see a lot of that, nearly everywhere) and the GBR also suffers from over-tourism. If you’re going to the GBR on a day-trip (as most do) you’ll see it at its worst (just like almost every popular “attraction” in the world). The good news is that parts of the GBR are still (relatively) vibrant and healthy. The bad news is that you would need to be dedicated enough to put in some time/effort/money to get there to see those parts. I did it on a week-long scuba live-aboard dive boat, and once we get beyond convenient “snorkel day trip” distance from Cairns, things improved dramatically.

It’s the eternal dilemma of convenience/cost/time/the mass tourism industry. If you’re OK with a “Pretty Good Barrier Reef” experience, plenty of people are perfectly happy with the half-day snorkel experience from Cairns (many of those happy customers have never seen a healthy tropical coral reef, so don’t have much of a baseline for context). To have a “Great” experience worthy of the name, it may be worth it to go further out where the GBR still lives up to its moniker - but that takes time, money and effort, and most don’t/can’t/choose not to go there.

On my next Australia trip, I’m torn between Tasmania and Western Australia. Big country, so much to see, hard choices.

Wow, I cannot thank you all enough. This helps me immensely. Question: what is a "stinger?". Mosquito or spider or...?

I am reading every word and taking to heart this great advice, thanks again.

On Sydney. It has been suggested already to head to the Blue Mountains. I have always stayed in the Blue Mountains rather than Sydney itself (not a fan of big crowded cities). Trains will take you up there from the city. Katoomba is the number one destination and for good reason. I have usually stayed out a bit in cabins at the Blackheath Hol.Park. Bit quieter than Katoomba. Equally spectacular if you wander down to the Govetts Leap area. If you enjoy nature and stunning scenery the Blue Mountains have it in spades.
I am a Victorian.
Victoria is a smaller state than most but is very diverse. We have A grade coastal scenery, beaches, rainforest and many other forests, great alpine country and sub alpine country, lakes, rivers, deserts, farmlands and wineries. A huge capital city (Melbourne) lots of great historic towns. Pretty much got the lot and it is more accessible than in any of the other states.
You can get to or close to most of the top sights using public transport.

Not sure what your really looking for so I will just give you some of my faves and you can look them up if you are interested.

Heading up my way by train from Melbourne you pass through Macedon at the foot of Mt Macedon. Beautiful forests and gardens. Then Castlemaine, historic gold town, not far from another beautiful historic town Maldon.
Then my regions big smoke Bendigo. Impressive architecture as this was a big gold mining town in the mid 19th C.
From Bendigo PT will take you north to the historic river port town of Echuca. Take a paddle steamer ride.
If you fancy a desert type experience you could head further NW up toward Mildura.

West from Melbourne you will reach another historic gold mining town Ballarat, now like Bendigo a large regional city.
Further on you can reach Halls Gap at the foot of the Grampians mountain range. Might be busy in January. A bit further out is Dunkeld. Usually quieter but in an equally beautiful setting below the Grampians.

S.West through Geelong you can pick up the Great Ocean Road. This winds through magnificent rainforest and stunning coastal scenery through to the city of Warrnambool. You like museums? The Maritime museum at Warrnambool is worth a visit.
Keep Heading west you reach the impossibly gorgeous town of Port Fairy. Even further west is Portland, industrial (aluminium) but also beautiful and historic. Nearby Cape Bridgewater is a gem.
Continuing further west takes you across the border to South Australia. The town of Mt Gambier is full of caves, lakes, sinkholes and extinct volcanoes.

NE by PT you can reach the tourist magnet town of Bright at the foot of the Australian Alps. Across Tawonga Gap is the less tourist Mt Beauty.
From Bright you can access one of my favourite mountains Mt Buffalo. It is pretty spectacular.
You can also head out to lovely little Harrietville and access Mt Hotham one of our major skifields in winter. The Alps are quite stunning in summer (no snow though). You can hike from Harrietville up to Mt Feathertop (2d highest in Vic). I have over 40 visits so I do rate it. Not sure if that's your cup of tea though.
From Mt Beauty you can hike Vic peak number one Mt Bogong. Neither Feather or Bogong have vehicle access or any mechanical aids.

You can reach Phillip Island (SE of Melbourne) by PT with a bit of effort. Phillip Island is home to the famous Fairy Penguin Parade.
Further east is one of the jewels of Aussie National Parks in Wilson's Promontory NP. It is more of a challenge to access by PT however.

Closer to Melbourne. Healesville and the Yarra Valley are beautiful areas. Also the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Bay. Summer school holidays though so expect big crowds.
Melbourne's lungs are the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, stunning forest not too far from the city.

I will post some further stuff on Melbourne itself and also Tasmania (if you are interested).

Tuntaldra, THANKS so much for all your Victoria tips. I feel like this is where I want to spend all my time now, LOL. What is PT? The train? I am coming out of cancer (knock wood) so no hikes right now but the historic gold mini g towns sound right up my alley. Are hotels easy to find on the fly or should I book ahead? I like to go with a backpack and keep it open

Thank you again, really appreciate your expertise!!!

P.S. yes, would love your tips on Tadmania too if you can spare the time. Thank you!

PT just meaning public transport, either train or bus. The public transport to many of these places is quite limited but with a bit of organisation most areas can be reached by either train or bus.
As to Melbourne itself.
It is a giant. The Greater Melbourne area has a population of more than 5 million, 19% of the Aussie population.
Obviously there are a huge number of things to see and do. Melbourne considers itself (with good reason) the sporting capital of the World.
In January the Australian Tennis Open (Grand Slam event) will be on.

The list of things to see and do is way too long so I will just list a few of my preferences.
National Gallery of Victoria.
Melbourne Museum.
Royal Exhibition Building
Immigration Museum
The Lume
State Library
Hamersley Hall.
Melbourne University
St Paul's Cathedral
St Patrick's Cathedral
St James Church
St Francis Church
Shrine of Remembrance
Royal Botanic Gardens
Chinatown
A Yarra River cruise
St Kilda and nearby beaches
The Melbourne Cricket Ground
Montsalvat art commune.

Tindaldra. Well done, you deserve nomination for the Vic Tourism salesperson award. I have been to most of these, and your descriptions are mouth wateringly spot on.

I would like to add the mighty Murray River. https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/the-murray/see-and-do/tours/cruises-and-boat-tours/murray-river-paddlesteamers. In my younger days enjoyed a few romantic summer evening dinner cruises on the paddle steamers. Made my wife extra randy.

The Vic goldfields are especially deserving of consideration. Those towns were some of the wealthiest places in the world. Some Great grandparents and other antecedents tried their luck there. Unsuccessfully. Ancestry research exposed a few dodgy skeletons.

Anyone interested in the high country should try and put their hands on the movie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_from_Snowy_River_(1982_film).

Was the basis for the spectacular opening to the Sydney Olympics.

As Tindaldra urges, if you can, get away from the usual haunts for the best bits. Basis for a longer return adventure. I wholehearted endorse these comments.

Regards Ron

Thanks Ron. Our new State premier is a local (Bendigo) lass so I might make it into her good books.
I have been pretty busy but will try to post some stuff tonight after work or tomorrow morning Aus time.
ORD I can give you a few hiking ideas, that is very much in my wheelhouse.

Tasmania.
I am no great expert just somebody who has enjoyed a number of visits. Tassie Devil/Ron probably has more knowledge.

So I will just go off my memory and experiences, this hopefully gives you some reference points to search further.
Hobart is the capital and usually arrival point.
A beautiful little city at the base of 1200 metre high Mt Wellington.
Constitution Dock and Battery Point are worth a visit.
Quite a few museums and galleries.
MONA is the big ticket gallery.
One smaller museum we found by accident and enjoyed was the Female Factory Museum near the iconic Cascades Brewery.
For me it is a formality that I will end up on top of Mt Wellington if I am visiting Hobart.
Spectacular views, the drive up is awesome (just 22 km from downtown Hobart). I have only scratched the surface with the hiking up there but it is a hikers paradise.
Not too far away from Hobart is the historic town of Richmond, absolutely worth a good explore.

Port Arthur is about as close to being a must see as I can come up with. This is perhaps the best piece of convict history in Australia. Just be respectful of the fact a modern day atrocity oc urged there, look it up rather than mentioning it during your visit. Recent enough to still be quite raw with locals.
The Tasman National Park area has a lot of points of interest. I haven't but you can book a boat trip around Tasman Bay.

In a different direction is Mount Field N.P. a beautiful area, Russell Falls is one of the most photographed falls in Tassie.
We took a beautiful drive out to Strathgordon and the Gordon Dam via Lake Pedder.
Tarraleah and Waddamana are 2 interesting spots relating to the Hydro system.

Near the nice town of Deloraine we visited the caves at Mole Creek (guided tour). Also enjoyed an easy hike near Mole Creek to the spectacular Alum Cliffs.

Queenstown is a fascinating place. The natural environment was obliterated by copper mining leaving a moonscape. Nature is slowly winning the battle these days.
Not too far from Queenstown are 2 interesting towns Strahan and Zeehan. There is tourist railway from Queenstown but I haven't ridden it.

The eastern side of Tassie is pretty impressive.
Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay, Saint Helens, Bicheno and the stunning Freycinet N.P great coastal scenery.
I haven't been to Maria Is. but it sits atop my to do list next time I visit Tassie.
Tassies 2d biggest city is Launceston.
I have mostly just passed through on my way to other places. However my wife and I did enjoy a big afternoon exploring the impressive Cataract Gorge just out of town. I feel a need to spend a bit more time in Launceston.
My last visit to Tassie was focused on Bruny Island.
A great place, we stayed at Adventure Bay. A few highlights: Fluted Cape, Cloudy Bay, The Neck and perhaps number one highlight was meeting up with a white Bennett's Wallaby while out running.

I have been fortunate enough to do 2 of Tassie's most iconic multiday hikes, Cradle Mountain Overland Track and the pretty wild South Coast Track.
The start of Cradle and the finish at Lake St Clair are accessible to those who aren't wanting to do the week long hike.
The start of South Coast requires a light plane trip to the sand Meleleuca airstrip then a week-long hike comes out at Cockle Creek where a bus can pick you up at the most southerly road in Australia.
Pretty sure that isn't on your agenda though JILL.

Flying from Melbourne to Hobart (or Launceston) takes less than an hour.

Re accommodation in Victoria. January is super busy as I mentioned and most popular tourist locations will be tight for accommodation. This is particularly the case at popular seaside spots. Inland destinations are usually far less crowded. Usually easy enough to find accommodation at short notice if you look a bit wide of the popular spots.

Having been to Australia several times, once for several months, I can assure you that you will have a marvelous experience. A great country and wonderful people. There is so much to see, you can easily fill a month. As others have noted, it is a huge country, roughly the same size as our 48 contiguous states.

Others have already noted so many great sites to see, and I don’t intend to repeat what has already been suggested. The cities are beautiful, affording many great opportunities. One site that I think Americans often overlook, though, is Tasmania. It’s an easy flight from either Sydney or Melbourne to Hobart or Launceston. Being from upstate New York, I found the topography of Tasmania reminiscent of the northeast US. Somewhat mountainous and green and lush. Quite a change from most of “mainland” Australia. Hobart and Launceston, while certainly not rivaling the big cities, are nonetheless interesting with much to offer. I would also recommend a visit to Cradle Mountain, ideally with an overnight stay. In Hobart, Port Arthur is well worth a visit, one of the early penal sites for prisoners being sent from England.

Australia was our 7th continent where we took a tour. Melbourne and Sydney were worth the time, very different places. Alice springs and Uluru were not worth the time and money. They are 5 hours apart and you need a car to get around or take a day tour to see Uluru from a tourist built area where you stay overnight . We saw no kangaroos, camels or other animals in that part of the outback.

The GBReef was also a bust. We had windy weather, rough seas and cloudy water on our day trip to snorkel. The suggestion to take an expensive multi day boat trip to the GBR might yield some good water conditions and reef/fish views. The rain forests in New Zealand are much more exotic than the Daintree Forest.

Sorry Australia, we found New Zealand a much more beautiful country where you could drive and see the whole country in a month. The people were much friendlier, too.

Jill: You are correct; Australia is huge and there are so many things to do, whatever your interests. I have been fortunate to have visited several times, and suggest looking over your research and making a list. It really helps to narrow down the options: Sports? Wine country? Hiking? Culture? Keep in mind that an easy activity is to ferry-hop in Sydney. During one visit I took the next ferry to wherever from Circular Quay, hopped off at some point and boarded another! You can purchase a day pass. ALSO - be sure to check out https://step.state.gov/ for additional guidance on traveling abroad, and also https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder. Australia prohibits many items from being transported in! Happy Journey!

leila.at.515 how do I find out the items I can't bring in? Can you give some examples we should know about? Thanks

Thanks ORDtraveler

Some of my thoughts on Tasmania and Western Australia.

@David of Seattle. My answer is Western Australia. Home of all Sandgropers. It occupies one-third of the continent and provides close to 50% of Australia’s export income. My mates and I have significant investments and interest in mining.

On GBR, I presume, that like Sir David you were able to go to the outer reef and the start of the Coral Sea. A real privilege. Let us hope it remains exclusive and does not suffer like the closer to mainland parts of the reef have.

On the Australian west coast 1200 km north of Perth is Ningaloo Reef, and Ningaloo Coast, a world heritage listed location. For intrepid divers, a wonderful location to experience Indian Ocean Coral, whale sharks and humpbacks migrating to and from the Antarctic. Plenty of information can be found on the internet. Its isolation keeps most away. Signs of coral bleaching from climate change causing increasing water temperatures are starting to show. Not a cheap or easy place to get to. Last century my mates and I were able to drive up and camp on the beach during our university breaks. With a dinghy we could venture out and enjoy these delights. Gets your heart pumping. 160+ bpm. Tightly controlled now, and rightly so.

I am told that spectacular sponges and corals are in and around Ashmore Reef Marine Park and it is virtually unknown outside Australia. https://parksaustralia.gov.au/marine/parks/north-west/ashmore-reef/. Probably need to put your hands on a 25-30 metre sailing yacht to get there. Not recommended for cyclone season.

Around 4 hours’ drive south of Perth is my hideaway in the idyllic vineyards of Margaret River and the world renown surfing haunt of Yallingup. Stopped over for a few days last weekend. Nic Cage has been entertaining the locals as he and crew film his latest undertaking “The Surfer.” I had no idea he was part of the Coppola dynasty. Generously donated $5k to the Perth Telethon which raised nearly $80m for the leading Australian children’s research hospital. Big accolade to him as this is not his country.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12660635/Nicolas-Cage-family-visit.html

This region is starting to become too popular for my liking. The local airport has just had around $90 million invested to take A330 and perhaps other international class e aircraft. A350 & 787 etc.

A myriad of other stuff but that will do.

@ Jill. Tasmania. Another nice summary by Tintaldra.

Tourism Tasmania. https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/. Best place to start. I hope the sustainability theme comes through. Maureen Wheeler of Lonely Planet fame served as a director 2000-2006.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3dYjV1wqV0&t=18s

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8ahotf Sir David Attenborough’s Tasmania.

I choose to live here for part of the year because it is isolated from the major trouble spots of the world, a place to minimise the effects of global warming and is pristine and lightly populated. For the most part people living here love this tin pot little island. Tourists who come tend to be looking for a unique experience and have a respect for the natural environment.

Regards
Ron

Don’t skip Melbourne which is do different from Sydney, like Boston and LA.

Hi Suki. I am curious as to what aspects of Melbourne you enjoyed?
I ask so as to glean a bit of a tourists view rather than a locals.
I lived the first 45 years of my life there and 2 of my children and 4 of my grandchildren still live there.
Also did you get out into Victoria's wonderful countryside?

Wondering whether JILL is still heading to Australia in January?

Of course! Australia is a large, diversified country. Here are some travel suggestions:

1. Verification: Air travel between cities is effective. Train rides are lengthy yet scenic. For flexibility, think about purchasing a domestic flight pass.
2. Adelaide: Investigate well-known sites including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Bondi Beach has a laid-back atmosphere. Give yourself at least three to four days.
3. Basins: The Great Barrier Reef stands out. Think about diving or snorkeling. Investigate the rainforest. Take four to five days off.
4. Melbourne: Well-known for its culture and arts. Take in the coffee scene, Hosier Lane street art, and Federation Square. Give yourself three to four days.
5. Climatic conditions Summer is in January, so it might be hot and muggy in Cairns. Use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and pack appropriately.
6. Local Experiences: Talk to people in the area to get special experiences. Consider going on an indigenous tour.

To add more impressions about visiting Tasmania & Melbourne --

I stayed in Tasmania in Aug 2014 as a solo traveler, mid50's single female from the USA, rented a car and drove more in 5 days than what most Tasmanians usually do (told to me by one person who I met there). I'm fairly certain that I drove at least 1000 kilometers in those 5 days.

I had been warned by another friend from the US that if any damage is done to the rental car, expect a bill of $2500 Aus minimum. I did have a mishap parallel parking in Richmond, yet this was damage to the tire hubcap and not to the car so I was very lucky. I didn't find it troubling to drive on the opposite side from what we do here in the US. I did drive mostly during the day and not during morning / evening going to work times -- at least not for long distances.

Here are some of the specifics that I remember from nearly 9 years ago.
Hobart -- Salamanca Market on Saturdays -- fantastic shopping experience, go early to find car parking anywhere close without requiring a lot of walking; great to browse. I still have the hand-painted silk scarves bought there.
Port Arthur - definitely worth it; I went on the twilight park ranger tour which focused on ghost stories. I echo a previous poster's sentiments about being sensitive to the recent-ish incident.
Strahan -- I had to visit as a very good friend's last name is Strachan (when did the town change its name?). It took awhile to flag down a passing motorist who could take a picture of me in front of the town sign. (A selfie wasn't possible at the time.) I think that there was a museum with an interesting tourist-oriented show to explain the local history.
Cataract Falls -- although outside the city limits, it was still in a residential area (at least the location of the car park was). Strong memory of peacocks preening while they were sitting on stone walls bordering the yards of the nearby houses.
Small towns of Ross, Oatlands, and Richmond very interesting with the old cemeteries
The drive from Strahan back to Rt 1 (if I'm remembering this correctly) was through deep canyons with several tight switchbacks and little fencing on the side of the road. It was harrowing yet very impressive.
Gorgeous scenery in Tasmania. I didn't hike nor visit any specific national park so I have no helpful info for those activities.

Re: Melbourne -- I used it as the transition to/from Tasmania in between flying to/from Kuala Lumpur & Singapore (it was a complicated overall 2-week itinerary). If any problems, I didn't want to worry about making connections for the longer flights to/from Singapore & Kuala Lumpur to the US. Tasmania was my primary vacation destination for the 2-week trip although the trip reason was a convention in KL. I took a bus tour one day to get an overview of Melbourne -- really liked the Shrine of Remembrance and the botanical gardens, and the architecture of buildings seen on the tour. I stayed nearer to the airport which required extra effort to get downtown for sightseeing, yet it was possible via the trams. The British actor David Suchet was in town yet I hadn't thought about checking for possible theater opportunities so I missed seeing him, yet if I ever were to meet him in person, I could say that we were in Melbourne at the same time!

Great tips, thanks BLM!! That makes me nervous about rental car damage tho. I asked for the higher rental cost to cover damage, I'll make sure to ask when I rent. I seem to be one of those people stuff usually happens to. Lol. So excited to go!!!!

Just a heads up JILL. Much of Eastern Australia has had extreme weather in the last month. I had 5 inches of rain Christmas Day, 4 inches and huge hail on 2d Jan and another 4 inches 2 days ago. Lots of flash flooding around.
Hopefully the weather settles now but just be aware that some places you maybe going to have had recent storm and flood issues.

On the rental car damage issue.
We rented a small campervan from Just Cruisin in Hobart a couple of years ago. Picked it up in the afternoon and headed straight out to our campsite. 100 metres from the campsite gate a kamikaze wallaby jumps straight into the front of the van. Poor guy died instantly. Amazingly no damage to the van.
The main cause of car damage in my part of the country is kangaroo impacts. So if you are driving in rural areas near dusk or dawn keep an eye out.

Omigosh Tintaldra, stay safe!! I've been monitoring the weather off of Google but I had not seen about the floods it just showed rain clouds. I fly out this Saturday January 13th! So excited. I can't wait to see your beautiful country and am going to your recommendations outside of Melbourne. And I'm going to try Vegemite! Lol. I can't thank you enough for all your great information tips and advice

Thanks JILL but all good here. A few hiccups, blacked out much of Christmas Day. Last Tuesday my wife, daughter and 3yo grandson had to stay at a friend's about 15 kms from our place due to road closures. They had to stay home from work yesterday for the same reason. Fortunately they will get disaster payments for the lost day rather than using sick leave.
Vegemite is best spread thinly on thickly buttered hot toast. Emphasis on thinly for the unitiated.