Hi,
I am thinking of spending some time in oz but need to know top exciting places to visit so i can plan my route. I was thinking of basically doing the east caost, is 6 weeks long enough? Can anyone help?
Thanks.
Reply to this six weeks is long enough for the east coast but my opinion is that the east coast is really really touristy - it did my head in after a while. there are some good places to see along the way, obviously Sydney is worth a visit, as is Fraser Island and the Whitsundays, snorkelling in the Great Barrier reef etc.
The best places I thought in Oz were Melbourne, Sydney, the Whitsunday Islands, and Uluru.
Reply to this If you have six weeks, I think you should have time to go inland a bit - just a few hours west and it starts to feel more like the Outback - try to get to Broken Hill if you can. I did a six week road trip that included a lot - from Queensland through the NSW Outback to Broken Hill, across SA, and then north to Ayres Rock, Alice Springs, and up to Kathrine ( just south of Darwin). Then west in the Kimberleys of WA, and then across Queensland to Cairns and back down the coast to Sydney. It was actually pretty do-able for six weeks - driving about 6 hours a day - but since things are pretty far apart, you don't feel like you're wasting time in the car - it's worth it.
If you are only going to stick to the East Coast, I'd try to spend more time in Queensland - especially the Townsville to Port Douglas area. There was a lot to do up there and the weather's great. I didn't find as much to do on the NSW coast. Gas is expensive here - not sure where you're from. In Sydney it's $1.65AU/L right now and when I was in the Outback a couple of months ago it was up to $1.95! It's a consideration when planning how far to drive.
Other than that, have a good trip! Try not to plan too much in advance because it's nice to be flexible and stop in towns that happen to like - rather than having pre-booked accommodation for the whole time!
Reply to this Thanks Kangajen.... I am from England so i am quite use to paying alot for fuel/gas/petrol. I will take a look at your route as evryone does do the east coast, maybe it wouls be more of an adventure trying inland.
Reply to this My top locations would be:
Port Douglas/ Cairns (1 hour apart in far Nth Queensland, tropical climate, access to great barrier reef)
Mackay
Byron Bay on Northern coast of NSW (driving distance to Brissie)
Sydney
Melbourne
If you're a wine drinker, the Barossa Valley & McLaren Vale in SA
Haven't been to Uluru and Fraser Island, but they come highly recommended from everyone who has
If you can, drive it. Otherwise you'll spend half your time in airports, and miss out on seeing the real sights and understanding the breadth and diversity of the country.
Reply to this Yeah 6 weeks is probably a perfect amount of time... another week and u could do the great ocean rd
Don't miss:
Great Barrier reef (best out of port douglas - i did this
reef snorkel
Whitsundays - whitehaven beach is the whitest and most spectacular beach in the world
gold coast - only if you are young and don't mind 1000's of other tourists
Byron Bay
Hunter valley - wines wines and more great wines (better than barossa i say! hehe)
Sydney
Jervis bay - amazing coastline
Melbourne - awesome hidden away bars and art
Great ocean rd - i guess this is on teh south coast but please please don't miss it
Reply to this Okay, I more of a city girl-- I love my wine and food so here are my top things-to-do on the Australian east coast (sorry for the repeats of whats been said above-- but there are certain things you MUST do when you are in AU):
* Hunter Valley (hello,
wine tasting )
* Sydney (do the Harbour Bridge Climb & Opera House- amazing!)
* Port Douglas (
snorkel the reef and eat at Nautilus!)
* Red Centre (Uluru & Las Olgas, sunrise hikes)
* Melbourne (for a little bit of art and a lot of coffee)
* NSW Northern Beaches (Whale & Palm beach)
* Whitsundays (for
sailing
I think you can skip the Gold Coast and Brisbane (sorry, QLD'ers, but as I am a Sydney dweller, I am very biased. But generally, if you hit: Sydney, Melbourne, Tropical North Queensland and the Red Centre that will fill your weeks and you'll get to see a good chunk of AU. Have fun and good luck!
Reply to this Go to Whitsundays for SURE. Even if you have to sail in the cheapest boat there. You should check out the Johnston River Croc Farm on Flyiing Fish Road (near Cairns kinda)...if you like crocodiles. There's also Paronella Park in that area. They have an old spanish castle and a pretty big water fall. It's cheap too. I think I paid $21 for a night's stay and access to the park. Cool little spot.
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