Talk to me about Australia

Glaucus · 22 Mar 2011 at 15:56

Going to Australia in August for a mates wedding, so making it into a holiday as well. Just wanted some personal opinions from people who have been, as it's such a massive country and I'm unlikely to go back again (or at least while young), so wanted first hand opinions on what are must do's as well as an idea of living costs out there as well if it's worth taking internal flights anywhere, on the one hand I want to experience loads, but on the other hand I don't want to feel rush and wish I just chilled out and enjoyed it more.. I'm looking to go for 3-4 weeks. Meeting a mate over there for the wedding and a 3 day trip thing, other than that looking at probably youth hostels. All flights seem to be around £1300 unless anyone can suggest any other websites, but I've googled loads.

01/08/2011 - 03/08/2011 http://www.adventuretours.com.au/3-day-albany-margaret-river-south-west-tour/

04/08/2011 - 07/08/2011 perth/Pinjarra for the wedding.

TheDean · 22 Mar 2011 at 16:17

If you are under 30 & single go up the east coast on a Contiki / bus tour or something. It's litterally on tap...every night.

Best month of my life

Russinating · 22 Mar 2011 at 16:20

Talk to me!

Went to Aus for 3 weeks when I was younger. Brisbane was probably one of my favourite "normal" places as the atmosphere's so relaxed. Aside that Fraser Island is amazing.

[TW]Fox · 22 Mar 2011 at 16:22

It is the best place I have ever been. Went for 6 weeks 18 months ago and am counting down the days until I can go back again.

Most of the stuff to see and do is the other side of the country to Perth, mind. Perth is the worlds most isolated city - it is closer to Singapore than it is to Sydney!

unclebob123 · 22 Mar 2011 at 16:30

Have you tried looking at Air Asia? Their prices are very good. Maybe even cheaper if you stop off at KL or Singapore on the way as well.

[TW]Fox · 22 Mar 2011 at 16:30

£1300 for flights is comically expensive - when are you going? Christmas? Thats the most expensive time to go. I'd be happy with £700-£800 to Perth.

Glaucus · 22 Mar 2011 at 16:33

[TW]Fox;18726181 said:
£1300 for flights is comically expensive - when are you going? Christmas? Thats the most expensive time to go. I'd be happy with £700-£800 to Perth.

August, so school hollidays.

[TW]Fox · 22 Mar 2011 at 16:34

The recession was so great, £560 to Melbourne in June

Xein · 22 Mar 2011 at 16:34

Look On http://www.travelsupermarket.com/Default.aspx

There can be some cheap flights on there

ewarwoowar · 22 Mar 2011 at 16:35

The city life isn't all that much different from here really (Just hotter and with accents)

But the tourist attraction areas are incredible. Definitely go outback and check out Ayers Rock.

When I went, we stayed on a small island for a couple of days. Were flown out in a 10 man plane and lived in a small challet. Kind of like Lost

Make the most out of it because you dont know if you'll ever go back!

Glaucus · 22 Mar 2011 at 16:39

Would it be worth doing internal flight to Ayers rock then onto the east side?

Glaucus · 22 Mar 2011 at 16:41

Frozo said:
Look On http://www.travelsupermarket.com/Default.aspx

There can be some cheap flights on there

Thanks that gets it down to £1k

or Qantas
For 1800 can do
london - perth
perth - ayres rock
ayres rock - sydney
Cairns- London

unclebob123 · 22 Mar 2011 at 17:01

From : London Heathrow To : Sydney Via : Taipei
Min / Max : 3 / 365 Days Depart : 01 Aug 2011 Return : 01 Sep 2011
Fare : £390 Cabin : Economy Airline : China Airlines
(Approx) Tax : £220
Total Per Adult : £610

Not sure I believe that Quote to be honest.

[TW]Fox · 22 Mar 2011 at 17:02

AcidHell2 said:
Thanks that gets it down to £1k

or Qantas
For 1800 can do
london - perth
perth - ayres rock
ayres rock - sydney
Cairns- London

Thats not a great deal - I paid about $200 for Cairns to Melbourne so there is about £400ish of extra flights in there, tops.

Glaucus · 22 Mar 2011 at 17:04

who did you use for internal flights?

oli356 · 22 Mar 2011 at 17:05

ewarwoowar said:
The city life isn't all that much different from here really (Just hotter and with accents)

Yes, but very hot accents

Swifty123 · 22 Mar 2011 at 17:06

oli356 said:
Yes, but very hot accents

Gay

[TW]Fox · 22 Mar 2011 at 17:10

AcidHell2 said:
who did you use for internal flights?

Virgin Blue - but I only took the one. I drove the rest of the way

Glaucus · 22 Mar 2011 at 17:11

[TW]Fox;18726542 said:
Virgin Blue - but I only took the one. I drove the rest of the way

Lucky sod, think driving on my own might be a bit boring.

Jimbeam3678 · 22 Mar 2011 at 17:21

AcidHell2 said:
Lucky sod, think driving on my own might be a bit boring.

Jet Star are normally the cheapest internally and to Bali.

Perth is a awesome place , make sure you go the gardens nbrilliant view of Perth. I spent 4 months in Perth and 14 months in Australia in total.

South of perth is some real gems margret river if you like wine etc etc. Denmark is stupidly beautiful as is the whole of the west coast. North of perth is lots of good stuff , but everything is far away. For a quick idea google western exposure they do trips up there. Basically west coast is known for unspolit and not many international tourists ,more Aussies touring around. I loved it.

The east coast was good however I thought overrated. Saying that great barrier reef on the clipper boat for 3 nights and 4 days was out of this world. On top of all that if you go to Oz you have to see the bridge etc etc in Sydney.

I loved Darwin where I spent 7 months there. But im the first one to admit there is not much there for the tourist!

Basically depends what your into but rememmber August is going to be cold in Oz in unless you go north of Brissie and then your into Cyclone seasons.

Safe to say though you will have a fantasic time. If you need to know anything else just let me know , I should be able to hel pwith most things if your struggling.

Sorry about bad grammer I'm at work and busy but just couldn't help posting some info on Oz :-)