Australia

Folks as it is Christmas my mind is already focussed on my summer holidays! This year I would like to take an extended holiday of between four and six weeks in Australia. Obviously I would like to cram in as much and as many cities as possible in this time. The intention would be to be accommodated in 4 star hotels/apartments during my time in country.

Do V-flyers have any recommendations for a specialist travel agent that could organise such a trip at reasonable prices? My flights to and from Aus would be with VS and bought seperately.

Many thanks
Bryan

[HighFlyer]

I used TravelBag when I went to Australia (and elsewhere) and couldnt fault them. I usually like to arrange my own trips but it was useful to speak to staff who had actually spent lots of time there and could give me their views on what was worth seeing and what was worth missing. They also provided the Aussie visa free of charge and did all the work for me.

Others I am sure will have their own thoughts and experiences on agents. There are also a number of Oz veterans on here that can proably help you with regards to individual areas so you may not even need an agent! [:)] Sydney, Melbourne, Port Douglas and Uluru would be my 'must do's' [y]

Thanks,
Sarah

I know the temptation is to pack in as many cities as you can but Australia is a BIG country. We had almost a month last year and only managed the East Coast +MEL. As Highflyer has said there are a few veterans here who will be more than happy to help (and all with different 'must dos') and a good few threads on the subject which are worth reading. I booked everything myself but did speak to a Travelbag consultant in the planning infancy of the trip.
Travel in the best cabin you can afford -even in UC the journey is a bit of an ordeal (pity the poor folk sitting further back).
DL

Ladies

Many thanks and I look forward to more suggestions. D/L rest assured that with 11,000 miles and a 23 hr flight this year it will be U/C!

Regards
Bryan

[quote]Originally posted by sixdownkeepsafedepth
Ladies

Many thanks and I look forward to more suggestions. D/L rest assured that with 11,000 miles and a 23 hr flight this year it will be U/C!

Regards
Bryan


23 hours. Felt like 23 days coming back...

Trailfinders and Flight Centre are also good people to talk to as often staff have spent extended times in Australia/NZ etc.

As DL said Australia is a big country and even though you want to fit in as much in as possible, you also want it to be a holiday too and not a race around Oz!! It would be good to sit down and narrow down what you would like to do and then maybe speak to your travel provider and see if it is feasible.

Feel free to drop me a line I am originally from Perth and hubby is from Sydney and happy to give you pointers. As others have said there are a few Aussie on here too.

Let us know how you get on and what you decide.

DMB

Would 2nd the Trailfinders suggestion found them good for numerous options.

My folks have just booked NZ for a month, with flights & hotels & they were very comprehensive with 1st hand knowledge and options (amazing deals on offer if you have some flex in your dates)- Oz appearred the same.

Bryan

I note you said summer holidays - if you mean northern hemisphere summer it is worth noting that it is winter here and despite common thought it does get cool/cold depending on where you visit.

As for pointers I am slighlty Melbourne biased but have been all over the country.

I would support Sarah's suggestions.

Sydney just because it has two iconic structures set beside a magnificent natural harbour.

Port Douglas is a very nice resort and close to the wilderness (rainforests and deserted beaches) and the Oz winter is the best time to go - not cold up there.

Uluru - just because it is a big rock in the middle of nowhere. Amazing thing to see.

Melbourne - just because.

But it really depends on what you like to doing and if you have a burning desire to see specific things. It is a big country and travelling around a lot after the long flight here may leave you needing a holiday.

If you have any specific questions/queries pm me.

PS I am British - I am just lucky enough to live here.