Australia

[spice]

I have been looking at going to australia for a holiday but cant find much on my usual sites anyone got any good ideas preferably beach holiday as i dont want to spend all holiday driving thats the one thing that puts me off australia and the states.

[hurdler]

I have just come back from the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.The beaches in that area are superb and not too crowded unless you go in their high season.You also have a good choice of towns to visit,from small to medium sized.You are also near enough to visit Melbourne which is a beautiful city with the River Yarra running through it.There are zoos ,aquariums ,and animal sanctuary's nearby as well as all the local wineries to visit.We were there for the Commonwealth Games but still had a good look round and could have done with being there longer as there is so much to see and do.

[magpie200]

Depends on what you want to do & when you are going. Australia ias a huge country but there is no doubt it is a fantastic place to visit. I have been twice - most recently July 2005. The best place in my opinion is Cairns in Queensland as this is the gateway to both the Barrier Reef & the Tropical Rainforest both of which are must do's if you are in that area. If in the Cairns area you must also take a trip on the scenic railway to Kuranda then travel back over the rainforest via the Skyrail & then end up with a visit at Tjapukai Aboriginal Park - one of the best day trips that you can do.We stayed at The Lakes last time & these are lovely apartments situated just outside the town itself & agin come highly recommended.Thie web site is : http://www.thelakescairns.com.au/

http://http://www.thelakescairns.com.au/

. You must also pay a trip to Sydney where there are reams of things to see & do.I can supply further suggestions info. on trips to reef / rainforest or other stuff if you wish.

[bluealb1]

You have got to visit Australia if you can and i would recommend the East coast especially between Brisbane and Cairns. We stay at a little place called Yeppoon which is on the beach and excellent for us.We do a home swap holiday so the cost is just the flights and spending money.We even exchange cars to save costs.It might be worth a thought. This year we are going back and going to Cairns,Barrier reef and the Tablelands which are supposed to be fabulous.Becuse it is so big i feel you have to pick a spot and then cover that area.Hope this helps.

[spice]

Thanks everyone for the help i will keep these in mind as we are now going to florida this year and romania next year because of a change in circumstances but hopefully one day we will get there.

[eenide]

Cairns itself doesn't have a beach although there are a lot in the area. The one thing to bear in mind is that around the last couple of months of the UK year and app. 3 months into the new year then it is stinger season ( Poison jelly fish which have a sting that is fatal.) From Cairns you can travel by train all the way down the coast to Brisbane. In between are lots of places with beautiful beaches but the same thing applies if you go in AUS summertime. Noosa is a really nice spot with lovely beaches. The train and bus services are good so you wouldn't need to drive.

[ZuziPal]

How about some good agencies for trying out the Great White cage diving thing?

I would LOVE to try that one!

[isawlashings]

Went 5 years ago to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast with Mercury Direct, and would love to go again. Beaches, excursions etc all within easy reach. We often look at our DVD we filmed. MD are very reasonable and professional.