It's been a while since I posted anything too lengthy, but since I managed to snap up those ARN-SYD return flights in J in the recent Qatar sale (for £1300 each, would you believe?), I am in full planning mode, and thought I'd draw on your wealth of experience from you well-travelled lot for some feedback and pointers on my draft itinerary
It will be hubby and me travelling, both in our early 30s, spending 17 nights in Australia in total, and this is our first visit to Australia. Those that have suffered through some of my trip reports may remember that we enjoy a jam-packed itinerary, whilst not wanting to feel rushed, particularly as we both enjoy photography.
We narrowed down to 4 destinations: Sydney, Uluru, Cairns and Melbourne.
Day 1 - arrive in the evening, sleep
Day 2 - full day in Sydney
Day 3 - flight to Melbourne (flight time TBC as can be flexible - will be using Avios to redeem on Qantas)
Then 3 full days in & around Melbourne
Day 7 - Morning flight to Uluru (cash tickets on Jetstar as cannot find any miles redemption options). Hire car and spend next 3 days (including pm of day 10 and am of day 10) in Uluru
Day 10 - pm flight to Cairns (again redeeming Avios). Hire car and spend next 4 full days around Port Douglas/Palm Cove.
Day 15 - fly to Sydney (likely pm flight, redeeming Etihad Guest miles (from Amex MR) on Virgin Australia)
2 full days in Sydney
Day 18 – am in Sydney before flying out mid pm
Any feedback & pointers on this rough itinerary would be much appreciated indeed! I am particularly interested in your views on these 4 destinations, and whether the time I've provisionally allocated above represents a good balance.
Thank you!
It will be hubby and me travelling, both in our early 30s, spending 17 nights in Australia in total, and this is our first visit to Australia. Those that have suffered through some of my trip reports may remember that we enjoy a jam-packed itinerary, whilst not wanting to feel rushed, particularly as we both enjoy photography.
We narrowed down to 4 destinations: Sydney, Uluru, Cairns and Melbourne.
Day 1 - arrive in the evening, sleep
Day 2 - full day in Sydney
Day 3 - flight to Melbourne (flight time TBC as can be flexible - will be using Avios to redeem on Qantas)
Then 3 full days in & around Melbourne
Day 7 - Morning flight to Uluru (cash tickets on Jetstar as cannot find any miles redemption options). Hire car and spend next 3 days (including pm of day 10 and am of day 10) in Uluru
Day 10 - pm flight to Cairns (again redeeming Avios). Hire car and spend next 4 full days around Port Douglas/Palm Cove.
Day 15 - fly to Sydney (likely pm flight, redeeming Etihad Guest miles (from Amex MR) on Virgin Australia)
2 full days in Sydney
Day 18 – am in Sydney before flying out mid pm
Any feedback & pointers on this rough itinerary would be much appreciated indeed! I am particularly interested in your views on these 4 destinations, and whether the time I've provisionally allocated above represents a good balance.
Thank you!