Australia / Japan

[DeactiveCarib]

Anyone ever been to either of these exotic places? I know creeky is from Australia. We've been saying we're gonna go to these places for ever, and it looks like we're finally gonna have enough miles to fly there 1st class for free. We'll probably be going to Japan first, then Australia. What cities should we go to in both of these places? Anyone ever stayed in the Cairns area? Basically, we want to go there but have no idea what to do there. Nothing is final yet. I think that Japan would be more interesting. How long would you all reccomend going to these places for?

Sorry for so many questions

[creeky]

Anyone ever been to either of these exotic places? I know creeky is from Australia. We've been saying we're gonna go to these places for ever, and it looks like we're finally gonna have enough miles to fly there 1st class for free. We'll probably be going to Japan first, then Australia. What cities should we go to in both of these places? Anyone ever stayed in the Cairns area? Basically, we want to go there but have no idea what to do there. Nothing is final yet. I think that Japan would be more interesting. How long would you all reccomend going to these places for?

Sorry for so many questions

I have been to Japan airport - all I wanted to see

I have been to Cairns and I am going there mid november again. I have family up there. There is loads to do there. You can contact me on PM or email or AOL messenger if you want to yap.

I would come here before Japan .. but then I am baised!!!

[Cuervo]

Anyone ever been to either of these exotic places?

Yeap.... Down Under

We'll probably be going to Japan first, then Australia. What cities should we go to in both of these places?

Well, since I've only been to the east coast of Australia. I would say Melbourne and Sydney are a must.

Anyone ever stayed in the Cairns area?

Yep, Beautiful area, You'll have to take a trip up to Karanda in the Rainforest. Also, great dive place too.

How long would you all reccomend going to these places for?

Well, I spend about four weeks and I barely scratched the surface of these places ( Melbourne, Sydney and Cairnes) So I say take as long as you dare and have fun. Great place to go and I can't wait till I have the chance to go back

[land_shark3]

I love Australia! I used to live there, and I've been back to visit twice since my return.

I too, I have only been to the East Coast. Before I give you my opinions, keep in mind that I get very tired of the "tourist-y" stuff very quickly. Sure, there are some things that you shouldn't miss, but you'll get more of the culture by staying away.

Cairns, great spot for the young and young at heart. Be sure to stay on or near the Esplanade. Its the main street next to the water, but its where all the nightlife is. If that's not your speed, stay north of there (towards Port Douglas or Cape Tribulation). I've done the hostel route (not bad) and the Hilton Cairns (top notch!!!). If you decide to go the Hilton route, contact Herman Ehrlich (GM ~ I've got his e-mail if you want it) and let him know you are coming. They really take care of Americans at both the Hilton and Marriott chains.

Of course you'll want to go see the reef while you're up north. Plan on a day on the reef, because its 2-3 hours out and 2-3 hours back. Also, ONLY GO ON CATAMARANS!!! Don't take a single or v-hull boat out to the reef! Quicksilver does a nice out and back trip.

Daintree ~ if you're into wilderness, this is for you. Its the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. Its a one-day tour out of Cairns or Port Doulas.

Whitsunday Islands ~ perfect if you want to relax on white sandy beaches.

Townsville ~ if you are a diver, there is the Yongola wreck dive out of Townsville. One of the best wreck dives in the world, but it take 3 days and you'll be narced for the next day or so.

Brisbane ~ my FAVORITE city in Australia. Its not full of tourists, but there is plenty of nightlife and zoological retreats to go on. I suggest the Koala Sanctuary for price and availability of koalas. Steve Irwin's zoo is also there. It has a ton of animals, but its a little more expensive. Once again I've done the Novetel, Marriott, Hilton, Conrad, and hostels. If you want hostels, there's no better place than Backpacker's Palace. Once again, I prefer the Hilton for service and ammenities. The Conrad was nice, but I was treated so much better at the Hilton. Also, best steak house in the world!!!

The Gold Coast/Surfer's Paradise and Noosa are great getaways from the Brisbane citylife. Both are about an hour away. Noosa is more wildlife while the Gold Coast is more WILD life. Marriott / 5-star resort / VERY CHEAP!!!

Sydney ~ personally, I don't care for it. It reminds me of NYC. Everything moves much faster than the northern Australian cities. You need to see the symphony at the Opera House and you need to take a city cat through the Harbour. I've stayed at the Four Seasons, the Grace Hotel, and some of the hostels. Creeky can help you out more here, I just didn't care for it.

Melbourne ~ an ok city. My judgement is a little biased because I've only been there twice. The first time was when the city lost their natural gas in 1998; NO HOT WATER! The second time was this Summer (their Winter) where I went from 80-90 days in sunny Brisbane to 40-60 rainy days in Melbourne. My sister just moved back to the states after a 6 month stint in Melbourne and she loves it. I can connect you two if you want to go there.

There are so many other cities that you should see, but I promise you won't have time. As for how long you should go. I would think you can see a great deal of it in 7-8 YEARS. My last trip was the first one under a month. We did about 3 days in each Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. I felt so rushed, but then again I knew what I was missing.

WHEW, that was quite a novel. If you want more details or have questions, feel free to PM me.

[creeky]

Anyone ever been to either of these exotic places?

Yeap.... Down Under

We'll probably be going to Japan first, then Australia. What cities should we go to in both of these places?

Well, since I've only been to the east coast of Australia. I would say Melbourne and Sydney are a must.

Anyone ever stayed in the Cairns area?

Yep, Beautiful area, You'll have to take a trip up to Karanda in the Rainforest. Also, great dive place too.

How long would you all reccomend going to these places for?

Well, I spend about four weeks and I barely scratched the surface of these places ( Melbourne, Sydney and Cairnes) So I say take as long as you dare and have fun. Great place to go and I can't wait till I have the chance to go back

Wow - you were lucky! We have a habit of losing american tourists diving on the reef!!

(and I know why you went up to Kuranda - for the stuff they sell at the back of the markets )

GREAT trip but - Get the train up and the skyrail back!!!!! (they may not have had the skyrail when you where there - is like a enclosed ski lift over the rainforest down the hill!)

[creeky]

Cairns, great spot for the young and young at heart.

It is good for any age. I know people of all ages from here that go there on vacation.

Of course you'll want to go see the reef while you're up north. Plan on a day on the reef, because its 2-3 hours out and 2-3 hours back. Also, ONLY GO ON CATAMARANS!!! Don't take a single or v-hull boat out to the reef! Quicksilver does a nice out and back trip.

I went on Ocean Spirit - you go out to Upolu Cay (just a blob of beautiful sand in the ocean) and do your snorkelling. Have a GREAT BBQ lunch and then sit on the deck of the Cat on the way back in, while one of the crew plays his guitars and sings a few tunes (we even got a Buffett song thrown in!)

Brisbane ~ my FAVORITE city in Australia. Its not full of tourists, but there is plenty of nightlife and zoological retreats to go on. I suggest the Koala Sanctuary for price and availability of koalas. Steve Irwin's zoo is also there. It has a ton of animals, but its a little more expensive.

You really like Brisbane? hmm ... it does little for me - no good coastal areas - need to head north or south for that - but it is a more modern city than Sydney.

Sydney ~ personally, I don't care for it. It reminds me of NYC. Everything moves much faster than the northern Australian cities. You need to see the symphony at the Opera House and you need to take a city cat through the Harbour. I've stayed at the Four Seasons, the Grace Hotel, and some of the hostels. Creeky can help you out more here, I just didn't care for it.

I usually go there for work (2 hours from me) but it really is a must for tourists to see at least once - ie the Bridge, Opera House and the Harbour (and me!!!).

Melbourne ~ an ok city. My judgement is a little biased because I've only been there twice. The first time was when the city lost their natural gas in 1998; NO HOT WATER! The second time was this Summer (their Winter) where I went from 80-90 days in sunny Brisbane to 40-60 rainy days in Melbourne.

There are plenty of places to see in Australia before Melbourne. ie, Darwin, Alice Springs. Melbourne is basically just a big city - not a lot of stuff for international people to see. Some great coastal areas to the west of it tho!


You normally need at least 2 weeks if you want to do the basics of Sydney, Cairns and Ayers Rock .........

[NW_Parrothead]

Next summer I am planning on going to Japan, i love Japanese Culture, Music, Movies, Anime, Food, Etc... I am thinking about moving there for a year or two, ( go there , get a job, have fun for a couple years and head back to the USA and finish college). Are there any Japanese Parrotheads.

[Ermie]

Don't forget the centre and the West - the Alice Springs area is fantastic - a trip down the Kimberley (north west) coastline is an amazing experience.
Perth has some of the most beautiful beaches in the worls and they're not crowded. Stay at the Ocean Beach Hotel or Backpackers - sit in the front bar of thehotel at sunset watching the sun go down over the Indian Ocean. Head south to the majestic coastline of the Margaret River area with some of the best surfing - with magnificent wines, and superb local food together with talented local artisans - painters, furniture makers, glassblower.
I could go on forever!

[land_shark3]

Just keep in mind that you need a lot of time if you want to go to the Outback or out west. Australia is the same geographic size as the US. To compare the trip; imagine spending a few days in NYC, flying down to Orlando, and then out to LA.

[creeky]

Just keep in mind that you need a lot of time if you want to go to the Outback or out west. Australia is the same geographic size as the US. To compare the trip; imagine spending a few days in NYC, flying down to Orlando, and then out to LA.

Come on .. you can do it in a week like most tourists think

[land_shark3]

Just keep in mind that you need a lot of time if you want to go to the Outback or out west. Australia is the same geographic size as the US. To compare the trip; imagine spending a few days in NYC, flying down to Orlando, and then out to LA.

Come on .. you can do it in a week like most tourists think

That reminds me of when my dad was coming over to visit for one week. I was living in Toowoomba (for the rest of you, its about 2 hours west of Brisbane). I told my dad I would fly down and meet him in Sydney. He told me there was no need because he would just rent a car and drive up to Brisbane.

[creeky]

Just keep in mind that you need a lot of time if you want to go to the Outback or out west. Australia is the same geographic size as the US. To compare the trip; imagine spending a few days in NYC, flying down to Orlando, and then out to LA.

Come on .. you can do it in a week like most tourists think

That reminds me of when my dad was coming over to visit for one week. I was living in Toowoomba (for the rest of you, its about 2 hours west of Brisbane). I told my dad I would fly down and meet him in Sydney. He told me there was no need because he would just rent a car and drive up to Brisbane.

No problem, if you have 10 hours to spare, and also are a cat with 9 lives, cause you need em on that road .....

[land_shark3]

That reminds me of when my dad was coming over to visit for one week. I was living in Toowoomba (for the rest of you, its about 2 hours west of Brisbane). I told my dad I would fly down and meet him in Sydney. He told me there was no need because he would just rent a car and drive up to Brisbane.

No problem, if you have 10 hours to spare, and also are a cat with 9 lives, cause you need em on that road .....

Luckily I had been there for a while and suggested otherwise. Over here, based on flight time, the drive would have been about 3-4 hours.

After seeing my dad try to drive over there, I'm glad he didn't opt for that route!

[creeky]

That reminds me of when my dad was coming over to visit for one week. I was living in Toowoomba (for the rest of you, its about 2 hours west of Brisbane). I told my dad I would fly down and meet him in Sydney. He told me there was no need because he would just rent a car and drive up to Brisbane.

No problem, if you have 10 hours to spare, and also are a cat with 9 lives, cause you need em on that road .....

Luckily I had been there for a while and suggested otherwise. Over here, based on flight time, the drive would have been about 3-4 hours.

After seeing my dad try to drive over there, I'm glad he didn't opt for that route!

I have unfortunately known too many victims on that road - I wont drive it .. I am flying next month .... dont care on the cost .....

[land_shark3]

I have unfortunately known too many victims on that road - I wont drive it .. I am flying next month .... dont care on the cost .....

Well now you have Jetstar, Virgin, and Qantas's low cost options. When my dad came, the only options were Ansett or Qantas (before deregulation). My last trip we flew everywhere because the tickets were less than I used to pay for the QLD Rail.