My husband and I are flying into Sydney April 8, 2010. Then on to Cairnes for the Great Barrier Reef adventure. We have 2 weeks and know these are at least two of the adventures we must see. Any suggestions as we want to see as many wonderful things as we can including kangaroos, koala bears etc.and? We don't have hotel reservations or anything yet. Thank you, Cindy
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Cindy,
For lots of information on Australia, have a look at This Branch of the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Message Boards.
Cheers!
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Cindy. How long are you spending in Sydney? If you have a few days, you can go to Kuringai Chase Park where you will be able to get up close and personal with kangaroos and koalas and other Australian Native animals. Check out Trip Advisor for hotels and other things to do in and around Sydney and other places you will be visiting. Have a great time. Far North Queensland is one of my all time favourite destinations in the world.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Driving distance between Sydney and Cairns taking the coastal route is 1637 miles = 4 days travelling time. In other words it's a helluva long way. Budget airline flights (Jet Star or Tiger Airways) would be the way to go.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
We always stop over in Sydney for at least a week on the way to our 3 yearly visit to New Zealand and really like the city. Next one due in 2011!
We usually use aparthotels, of which there are many in the city, as they are a nice compromise between hotels and apartments and cover the full price range. Have booked through Expedia.com in the past. As the time you are going is autumn you might be able to get some deals.
There are a number of organised tours from the city including trips to the Blue Mountains, dolphin encounter boat tours and wineries etc. We have found them well organised but laid back in that typically open Aussie manner (forgive the stereotype?).
We always pay a visit to the Sydney Aquarium. Other than that we wander around the Rocks area and the harbourside as well as other downtown areas.
Posted by
Lafayette, Colorado
82 posts
We went to Australia 4 years ago and found Frommers guidebook to be very helpful. We were in Cairnes but spent more time in Port Douglas, which is about an hour north; smaller but still great access to Great Barrier. We stayed in B & B's. Sydney zoo is great and we stay at Bondi Beach at Heidi's B & B-- write on bus line and close to metro. It's about 1 block from the beach. The Aussies are friendly, helpful people.