Sydney Travel Forum

I am going to meet my husband in Australia in June. He is working out there for a few months and just happens to have 10 days off in June so I've decided to go over to see him for about 6 weeks. We will be visiting Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane as he is working in these cities but its in Sydney when he has 10 days off work. We have both been to Sydney before and done the usual tourist places in and around Sydney and had a great time so not sure what we should do. Should we fly off somewhere else or just spend time in Sydney and relax and enjoy it again. We have not been to the Blue Mountains so that could be a possibility if anyone thinks its worth a visit and if so would you stay out there or is it really just a day trip out? Its probably the last time I will visit Australia so don't really want to feel at a later date that we missed out on something. Also thought about heading up to Cairns as never been up there either but would not really know what to expect. If anyone has any ideas then let me know.

I'd been to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast. My friend in Australia
told me I missed out beautiful Tasmania. I also recommend you visit South of New Zealand if you've no plan of going back that way, at least visit that area, it has one of the most beautiful scenic view of the world, place call Melford sound.

Hi, Seeing you have been to Sydney before perhaps go elsewhere, as you wondered, Cairns is a good idea. There are cheaps flights being offered all the time. I see you are from the UK, so if you go there, the weather is very pleasant even in Winter. It would be a shame if you are not coming back to Aus to miss the chance to visit the Great Barrier Reef. As said in the prior post, Tasmania is beautiful. Lots of people circle it in a hire car in 7days, there are lots of packages car/acc that are sold this way. Adelaide(tips on my pages) is a nice quiet, small city with beautiful surrounds plus the famous Barossa Valley. You can catch a ferry to Kangaroo Island for a day trip or stay over there if you want. I would look elsewhere while you have the chance, Australia is a long way away from elsewhere, so make the most of it while you are here. Hope this gives you a few ideas. Happy holiday!

I agree with balhannah- The Great Barrier Reef should not be missed. It is simply beautiful- and the weather will be good. Fly to Cairns from Sydney, and once you are in the area, hire a car. Port Douglas is a great place to stay, and not far from Cairns.

Hi Suzanne, welcome to VT.

It's winter down south but at that time of year the weather up in Cairns is perfect, and as you've been to Sydney before I'd say spend at least some of the time up in the far north. What to expect? It's more like Asia than what people usually think of as Australian countryside - wet tropics, sugar cane, rainforest etc. The Great Barrier Reef, the Atherton Tableland, the Daintree are all well worth the trip. Check out our pages here on VT for info, photos and tips. You can click on our names to go to our pages then follow the links, or use the search panel.

If you don't want to stray too far from Sydney, Blue Mountains are a good choice. The Hunter Valley and many wonderful wineries etc. are also less than 2 hours away. There are some very nice accomodation options up there in winter if you need some time out.
Port Stephens is also a short trip up north - a huge waterway twice the size of Sydney Harbour, dolphin & whale watching cruises and not a bad spot to come in the winter months as it is quiet, not so many tourists. I must get some pages done soon to promote my beautiful home.

The Blue Mountains are really stunning that time of year.
I am a Cairns local and the weather is lovely throughout our winter months--we have so much to offer--the reef,waterfall circuit,Tablelands and the outback.
The Daintree and Cape Tribulation,Port Douglas--Palm Cove and Cairns have all types of accommodation,restaurents and interesting things to do.Hiring a car is a good way to travel but we also offer day trips to places and the reef.
I call Cairns and area a place where the outback--reef--forest and city all meet--so there is something for everyone.Don't forget a trip to Kuranda via cable car or the train--or both-it is magical.Have a great trip.

Yep, another vote for the north of Queensland here :o) The price at the moment for flights is fantastic! Check out flightcentre.com.au and Jetstar.com.au.

I havn't been to Cairns...but am looking forward to visiting in September after out big downunder Whitsunday vt meet. But I can personally recommend the Whitsundays! The flight into Hamilton Island is awesome with a view of the lovely islands as you bank right for a landing.

The Whitsundays has a variety of things to do. You can stay on an island for a few days and on the mainland at Airlie Beach for a few days which is what we did. You can fly into Hamilton Island and fly out of Proserpine. We did the yellow sub, took the Raggamuffin (an ex Sydney to Hobart racing yacht) to the famous world renouwned Whitehaven Beach, did the 3 island day trip complete with snorkling and Hubby & daughter did diving for the first time :o)

So there is another option just to confuse you more ;o)

Have a wonderful trip!...and if you want to meet a few locals while you guys are in Perth for dinner or a few weekend drinks at the Lucky Shag pub on the water front, then you are welcome to flick me an email and I'll see what I can line up :o)

Cheers, Ann.

Go the Reef! One of the most amazing things I have ever seen. Possibly the most amazing.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) is also very special.

Hi,

Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays ( Great Barrier Reef) would be perfect for 4 days , Jetset airlines has cheap fares from Sydney, when the sale is on can be very lowm , maybe $50 one way. June is perfect weather for Queensland and Cairns is another place to consider.

I see you are visiting Perth, the weather should still be reasonable in Perth in June, days 18 to 21C.

Recommend you research the pages of VT members who have replied, they all have good knowlege of Australia.

Good Luck,
Mike

Hi Suzanne,

Welcome to VT. :) As many suggested, go to the Great Barrier Reef (Cairns). If I were you, go to Cape Tribulation north of Cairns. Nicer, quieter and closer to the reef. Cairns feels like a city escape, but Cape Tribulation is more relaxing and rural. Also, there aren't the huge crowds when snorkelling as opposed to going from Cairns. I have photos of Cape Tribulation, and it says it all really. :) Check them out!

So, head far north. It's fairly dry, best time of the year to go, and since you have not been there, do it!

Cheers.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their great feedback and ideas - this was my first posting and can't believe the responses what a great web site!!

Thanks again to everyone. Looks like I'm heading up north then!!

Yes this site is the best Suzanne :o) ....love your Bora Bora pix! ....You're going to have a wonderful time downunder!! See you around vt. Cheers, Ann :o)