As we were walking along the river this afternoon, I suddenly remarked to HWMBO, “I think that next year we should holiday in Australia/New Zealand.” He was a bit taken aback, and asked why. I said, “I don’t know how long I’m going to be healthy, and I’ve always wanted to see Australia. We can throw in a week in New Zealand as well.”
The plan is to spend a few days in Singapore, then go on to Australia, spend 2-1/2 weeks there, then a week in New Zealand, back to Singapore, and then back to London.
What I’d like from my livejournal friends, wherever you are, is recommendations for:
–where we should go in Australia (Sydney and Melbourne, maybe Perth too as HWMBO has relatives there) and what we should see there;
–ditto for New Zealand, with the additional factor that we will only be there for a short time;
–what time of year is best to go for good weather.
This will likely be The Trip of a Lifetime for me, as I’m not likely to go more than once at my age, so I want to see those things that Australians and New Zealanders are proudest of and that are the best things to see there. We have probably a year to plan.
Thanks for helping us out.
I traveled to Australia in July, 2001 – their winter.
Sydney – very much like New York. Very “Big Metropolitan City”. Great sites – the Opera House, Sydney Harbor (If you can, do the bridge walk across the Sydney Harbor bridge), and the beaches unfortunately, too cold for any beach-goers). I did a boat cruise of the harbor as well as a bus tour to the various beaches. They offered a combination pass for both. The weather was “cool” by my definition. If I remember correctly, the high’s were in the upper 60’s to low 70’s. I wore a spring jacket while here.
Cairn’s – AWESOME – very tropical and wonderfully HOT. I did a rain forest tour and a aerial canopy tour which were wonderful. I also went snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef which was way cool. Obviously, great seafood. I also rented a car and drove to Port Douglas (I think) and enjoyed that quaint little town. It reminded me of a little New England village. If I had known about it before my arrival, I would of spent a couple of nights here too. Cairns is also a major destination for Japanese tourists, so expect a LOT of Asian tourists.
Melbourne – LOVED IT! A big city with a lot to do. It’s very quaint and “old worldly”. Very European as opposed to American. Trolly cars and trains. From Melbourne I was able to visit a couple of local vineyards, watch the penguins come ashore, visit a zoo as well as a wildlife preserve where people are the ones behind the wires and the native wildlife is running wild. I also took an evening dinner tour in a trolley car – a great experience even if the food wasn’t memorable. Overall, Melbourne was my favorite of the three major cities I toured.
I traveled via air between the cities, but I’m pretty sure there are trains and passes. If I were to return, I’d take the train along the southern coast from Sydney, stopping in Melbourne, and then on to Perth.
Haven’t been to New Zealand – yet!
I’ve used and recommend Swain Tours to my clients. They have pre-packaged tours as well as a great FIT department that will put together a custom tour for both Australia and New Zealand. (Not sure if they operate out of London)
I’ll give you my guide book and I’ll let you know what I really liked next time I see you! Got lots to say about it!
Oh, much obliged. It will be the trip of a lifetime as I’m not apt to get there more than once, so I have to get as much in as I can. Thanks! See you soon.