Sydney Travel Forum

I am from the US. What do I need to be able to make my plugs work (a voltage converter and a plug adapter)?

Also I am staying in Sydney for 7 weeks. What are the cheap ways to get up to the great barrier reef for a short period of time?

I can't help you out with the barrier reef as I've not been to Australia. What kinds of devices do you need power adapters for? Somethings, like charging your camera or an electric razor can be charged using a small converter that is barely bigger than an adapter. Many laptop computers are capable of running on 220 so you just need an adapter plug for them.

You should be able to get a universal adapter at places like Radio Shack, Mori Luggage (or other travel type of store) as well as at the airport. Just be careful not to use an adapter where a converter is needed!

The GBR is about 1200 miles long, the north of it is usually accessed via Cairns which is about 2000 miles from Sydney. You could go to somewhere closer, towards the southern end of the GBR which would be around 1000 miles from Sydney. Bear the distances and time to get there in mind when you say 'for a short period of time'.

Probably with cheap air fares from www.virginblue.com.au or www.jetstar.com.au Cairns will be the cheapest place to visit in spite of the distance.

You should not have trouble with your power as US uses lower voltage than Australia, so your gear should work as long as you have a proper outlet plug. See the following for details: http://www.adaptelec.com/index.php?main_page=document_general_info&products_id=237

The Great Barrier Ref is long but there are three main areas for visiting; and it is always quicker and usually cheaper to fly there. Virgin Blue and Jetstar airlines are the cheap airlines servincing the areas. You can get a fare from Syd to Cairns for as low as $109.AU, I have flown to Whitsundays for $79.00 - you just have to get on to the web sites and search out the bargains.

For islands, diving, sailing the Whitsundays are the place to go - flying to either Hamilton Island or Proserpine. Check out:www.whitsundaytourism.com

For rainforest, topend adventure stuff plus islands and diving Cairns is the place to go - this is the north end of the reef, you can fly to Cairns direct. You can visit Port Douglas and rainforest areas nearby. Check out www.cairnseguide.com or www.tropicalaustralia.com.au
Other areas of interest although not the tourist appeal of the above are :
Lady Elliot Island- 25 minute flight from Bundaberg, Heron Island - a 2 hour launch trip from Gladstone,Great Keppel Island - 15 minute flight from Rockhampton.
Another good site is http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/onboard/home - for tourism operators.Have a great stay

I don't know what the rule is on all items, as computers are universal and only need a plug adaptor, yet when Mom came to visit, she zapped her hair dryer in 5 seconds flat.

What stuff are you bringing?

I'm bringing my computer as well as hairdryer, cell phone charger, and a stereo.

All should be fine except the hair dryer for a voltage converter. Stereo? I'd ask at a stereo shop just to be sure!