Australia!!!

[TMarra6]

Hey fellas--Im going to Australia for 2 weeks in August and I was wondering if anybody has been there, has any advice or can steer me in the right direction. I know that I will be headed to the north part of the country (Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef) for part of the trip. Also, Sydney and Melbourne are on the list.

I know it is "winter" at that time, but weather is not a concern as I live in the South and see all the sunshine I want to!! Im more interested in the travel experience, and I know the weather will be warm in Cairnes and the Reef!!

Any comments, advice and input, in advance, is greatly appreciated as always!!

Thanks

[dave nz]

Been to all those places you mention. Cairns is great, if you are into fishing go out on a charter boat, you will catch many fish some you have never seen before.
Try to avoid the areas designed for tourists eg charge way over market price for all kind of things.
You are actually going at a good time to Cairns because in the summer months the humidity and heat can be unbearable. It will still be warm in August eg 22 or so celcius.

I'm not a big Sydney fan. People are some of the more unfreindly in Australia. Just another large City, has nothing u can't get in any other large City. Pack warmer clothes for Sydney and Melbourne that time of year it won't be warm. Decent casino in Melbourne if thats what you are into. Check out a major live AFL or rugby game in Melbourne or Sydney it will be an eye opener for you.
Melbourne is good the respect there is alot of good dining spots and selection. Golf courses galore in both Melbourne and Sydney. Not sure if u play or not....but if u do don't play in Cairns, they over charge and courses are overated IMO. Syd, Mel much better.

[Steel]

Spent a month and a half traveling the East coast of Australia. Make sure you stop by gold beach. Winter or not you wont be disappointed. I would stay away from Sydney. Sydney is not what you would think. Melbourn is the place you want to see. Its beautiful with a river running right thru town. The food is awesome most every place. Its also very easy to ride their trains until you figure out how to drive. I flipped into many round abouts and came out driving on the wrong side of the street. Don't worry they wont hit you they will just point and laugh. Coffs Harbour is also a very nice laid back place. Remember this, they love yanks in australia. Prepare to get hit on in every bar you go enter. Girl to guy ratio was awesome. The great barrier reef is amazing. I have a ton of info and picture if you need anything. People there are very nice and will invite you in to eat. Families for the most part are huge. Let me know if you want any more info I have a ton. I am jealous also, I look forward to going back only this time I am going to spend a month in New Zealand and 2 weeks in Australia. Have a good time Mate.

[dave nz]

Originally Posted by Steel

Spent a month and a half traveling the East coast of Australia. Make sure you stop by gold beach. Winter or not you wont be disappointed. I would stay away from Sydney. Sydney is not what you would think. Melbourn is the place you want to see. Its beautiful with a river running right thru town. The food is awesome most every place. Its also very easy to ride their trains until you figure out how to drive. I flipped into many round abouts and came out driving on the wrong side of the street. Don't worry they wont hit you they will just point and laugh. Coffs Harbour is also a very nice laid back place. Remember this, they love yanks in australia. Prepare to get hit on in every bar you go enter. Girl to guy ratio was awesome. The great barrier reef is amazing. I have a ton of info and picture if you need anything. People there are very nice and will invite you in to eat. Families for the most part are huge. Let me know if you want any more info I have a ton. I am jealous also, I look forward to going back only this time I am going to spend a month in New Zealand and 2 weeks in Australia. Have a good time Mate.

Chit mate....I just hope they told u we drive on the left side of the road before you started lol even knowing though I bet its hard getting out of the habit. There was an American tourist killed not long ago in Auckland from driving the wrong side.

[Steel]

Originally Posted by dave nz

Chit mate....I just hope they told u we drive on the left side of the road before you started lol even knowing though I bet its hard getting out of the habit. There was an American tourist killed not long ago in Auckland from driving the wrong side.

I can take you to a place in Coffs Harbour where I had some Aussies in stiches as I rolled around the corner and started driving Yankie style. They moved out of the way I flipped a bitch and off I went. Sure they tell you about the driving but trust me when I say that instincts take over at times. I phucked up once but never again. Its scary when 3 lanes of traffic are coming at you. By the way I agree with you Sydney was a lot like SF only far worse. Hell they had building full of people selling everything. Yes EVERYTHING. Sydney is like a really crappy San Fran. Strange place to say the least.