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Whats best to see in Oz in 30 days (Dec-Jan_
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I only have 30 days to see the best experience I can in Australia...suggestions, tips and advice please as I am a novice to back packing and Oz!!
N Posts: 5
Help...
Recently single with 5 weeks booked off work to go to Oz with my ex-partner at Xmas, we had planned Jindabine for Xmas (see his family) then 4 weeks doing the east coast until I returned at the end of January.
I really want to still take the 5 weeks planned and see Oz but realise it's not a great amount of time to do such a thing as the great loop and I'm new to backpacking and the whole concept so could really do with some advice as I really want to continue with the trip and i could do with some ideas and hints/tips of how to get the best of Oz on my own for the 4/5 weeks.
Reply to this
Recently single with 5 weeks booked off work to go to Oz with my ex-partner at Xmas, we had planned Jindabine for Xmas (see his family) then 4 weeks doing the east coast until I returned at the end of January.
I really want to still take the 5 weeks planned and see Oz but realise it's not a great amount of time to do such a thing as the great loop and I'm new to backpacking and the whole concept so could really do with some advice as I really want to continue with the trip and i could do with some ideas and hints/tips of how to get the best of Oz on my own for the 4/5 weeks.
Reply to this
B Posts: 24.6K
Hello Tracey 
I am not an Australia expert, because I have not yet been there. So I will leave the indept Australia advice to somebody who know more.....
But, I do suggest to anyone who wants to backpack, that they get a copy of the Lonely Planet Guide for the country they want to visit. It gives just about all the information an Independent Traveller could need.
And you could also check out TravelBlogs Guide to Travel for the Independent Traveller written by Ali
Mel
I am not an Australia expert, because I have not yet been there. So I will leave the indept Australia advice to somebody who know more.....
But, I do suggest to anyone who wants to backpack, that they get a copy of the Lonely Planet Guide for the country they want to visit. It gives just about all the information an Independent Traveller could need.
And you could also check out TravelBlogs Guide to Travel for the Independent Traveller written by Ali
Mel
[Edited: 09:47 - Mell ]
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B Posts: 5,615
Hello Tracey,
Summer is a good time to visit Australia - but do not head much further north than the Fraser Island in Queensland - it is far too humid to be enjoyable and you have to weather the storm season which can mean a few very wet afternoons. Also, if you head to North Queensland, you are in Box Jellyfish season - and this is one creature that you definitely do not want to meet.
Can you give me some idea of what you like to do - nature, cities, adventure - then I can give you some pointers. Thanks. Reply to this
Summer is a good time to visit Australia - but do not head much further north than the Fraser Island in Queensland - it is far too humid to be enjoyable and you have to weather the storm season which can mean a few very wet afternoons. Also, if you head to North Queensland, you are in Box Jellyfish season - and this is one creature that you definitely do not want to meet.
Can you give me some idea of what you like to do - nature, cities, adventure - then I can give you some pointers. Thanks. Reply to this
N Posts: 5
Hi
Thanks for taking the time to reply, I've been looking at Sydney to Cairns trips on line, something that takes me to all the places down the east coast as some have said this can be done in a month, I've never been to Oz and certainly never been back-packing so I'm open to any ideas that people have as to what to see to get the best from my trip as I don't think I'll get so lucky to get this amount of time off again.
I'm not the fittest when it comes to hiking etc so anything that is too extreme is off the list, but nature, culture, lots of fun and a laugh are more a priority.
And I must admit I'm not one for going in the sea too much so I will stay well away from the Box Jellies! Reply to this
Thanks for taking the time to reply, I've been looking at Sydney to Cairns trips on line, something that takes me to all the places down the east coast as some have said this can be done in a month, I've never been to Oz and certainly never been back-packing so I'm open to any ideas that people have as to what to see to get the best from my trip as I don't think I'll get so lucky to get this amount of time off again.
I'm not the fittest when it comes to hiking etc so anything that is too extreme is off the list, but nature, culture, lots of fun and a laugh are more a priority.
And I must admit I'm not one for going in the sea too much so I will stay well away from the Box Jellies! Reply to this
B Posts: 5,615
If you are coming at that time of year, ensure you are in Sydney for New Year's Eve - I think there is no better place in the world to watch fireworks as they explode from atop the Harbour Bridge!
Popular and social places with travellers (heading in a northerly direction from Sydney) are Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay/Fraser Island, Noosa (Sunshine Coast), Whitsundays and Cairns. You need to travel a long way in Oz to see the sites, so it is a good idea to concentrate on just a few and stay longer than trying to cover too much distance in a short time.
I live in Brisbane, and quite a few travellers base themselves here as it is possible to do weekend trips to the Gold Coast, Noosa, Fraser Island and Byron Bay.
Australians are a very relaxed and friendly people - which is where the culture is at its strongest - we don't have much in the way of historical buildings, art galleries or the like.
As for attractions there are plenty - but in Sydney (apart from the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House) try The Rocks, Bondi Beach, Manly (go via the ferry) and the Blue Mountains. Byron is just Byron - relaxed and chilled, but touristy. Gold Coast is famous for its theme parks, and the nearby Mount Tamborine whilst if on the Sunshine Coast, you could head to Australia Zoo (the one Steve Irwin founded), and up the hills to Montville. Fraser Island is an attraction in itself and so are the Whitsundays. Whilst in Cairns, head up to see Barron Falls, the Waterfall Circuit, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and Port Douglas (great seafood in the last place). Reply to this
Popular and social places with travellers (heading in a northerly direction from Sydney) are Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Hervey Bay/Fraser Island, Noosa (Sunshine Coast), Whitsundays and Cairns. You need to travel a long way in Oz to see the sites, so it is a good idea to concentrate on just a few and stay longer than trying to cover too much distance in a short time.
I live in Brisbane, and quite a few travellers base themselves here as it is possible to do weekend trips to the Gold Coast, Noosa, Fraser Island and Byron Bay.
Australians are a very relaxed and friendly people - which is where the culture is at its strongest - we don't have much in the way of historical buildings, art galleries or the like.
As for attractions there are plenty - but in Sydney (apart from the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House) try The Rocks, Bondi Beach, Manly (go via the ferry) and the Blue Mountains. Byron is just Byron - relaxed and chilled, but touristy. Gold Coast is famous for its theme parks, and the nearby Mount Tamborine whilst if on the Sunshine Coast, you could head to Australia Zoo (the one Steve Irwin founded), and up the hills to Montville. Fraser Island is an attraction in itself and so are the Whitsundays. Whilst in Cairns, head up to see Barron Falls, the Waterfall Circuit, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge and Port Douglas (great seafood in the last place). Reply to this
N Posts: 5
Wow thanks, you've given lots to think about and I can see what you mean on a map about heading north from Sydney - defo want to be in Sydney new year! What about Canberra and hamilton island, are they possible too? I only ask I have friends who may be there the same time of year (forgive me if I'm being dim) Reply to this
B Posts: 5,615
Canberra is worthy of a detour - it has Parliament House, War Memorial and the National Gallery - give yourself a couple of days - it is a picturesque city.
Hamilton Island is expensive - if your friends are there and able to share costs, then that is good - if not, try somewhere else - there are plenty of options in the area. Reply to this
Hamilton Island is expensive - if your friends are there and able to share costs, then that is good - if not, try somewhere else - there are plenty of options in the area. Reply to this
N Posts: 4
Hi Tracey
I plan to be in Oz Dec - Jan also and am planning to spend New Year in Sydney (cant wait!). Thanks for posting it is giving me some ideas too!
Danielle
Reply to this
I plan to be in Oz Dec - Jan also and am planning to spend New Year in Sydney (cant wait!). Thanks for posting it is giving me some ideas too!
Danielle
Reply to this
B Posts: 13
Hi,
I am going to Queensland in mid Nov till mid Dec. Thanks for the wonderful idea. It is my first time travelling alone and for a month! Looking forward to it! ^^ Reply to this
I am going to Queensland in mid Nov till mid Dec. Thanks for the wonderful idea. It is my first time travelling alone and for a month! Looking forward to it! ^^ Reply to this
