25th Anniversary Australia trip - advice please

[Bruce K]

I know this is a double post but not everyone with expertise is available on both sides of the hall.....

My wife and I are planning a trip to Australia in honor of our 25th Anniversary in late July and/or early August.

I am looking for suggestions as to "must see" places to visit, places to avoid, places to stay (as in hotels & resorts - I am not looking for housing), etc. that will make this a fun trip.

My wife is a "Bike Widow" so cycling related stuff is going to have to be kept to a fair minimum but connecting with Salonistas for a drink, a meal, etc. will definitely be within the plan.

Thanks in advance,

BK

[robin3mj]

At the risk of pissing off the Aussies on this forum...If I only had 2-3 weeks I would go directly to New Zealand, reason being that it is a relatively compact country with a stunningly diverse series of climates, landforms, etc. As for itinerary, assuming you fly to Auckland, I would then hop a flight to Christchurch or Queenstown, , head to the West Coast of the South Island, maybe see Milford Sound (not sure about the weather then though) then up to one of the glaciers (Franz Joseph was better than Fox, but the town is a bit sleepier), Abel Tasman National Park if there’s time, (skip Wellington), across to Marlborough (wine region), hop to the North Island, check out Napier (rebuilt in the 1920’s art deco style after being flattened by a ‘quake), then Tongariro, up the Coromandel Peninsula where fat green mussels cost less than chicken nuggets, into Auckland, and home.

[Moke]

I would stop by the Daza joint and pick up a new frame. I think his wife has a nice garden and from pics seems to know her way around the kitchen. The people from Oz are really nice. Big D will probably drop what he is doing and put you at the top of the Q. Knock out a new frame on the spot. I have met him he is a really great guy.

Seriously, I would not try and do too much. I think I would rather just try and do a couple cities. Even though it may be a "once in a Life" trip OZ is huge. Sort of like "I am going to America so I guess I want to see NewYork, Boston, Chicago and San Francisco in a week and a half and go to Disney World."
Sounds like you are in for a great time with a wonderful person and it is summer there. I am guessing you will have a great time where ever you choose.

[bellman]

I was there in 01' for a month or so, I spent most of my time in Far North Queensland traveling up and down the coast. The area around Cairns and north of there looked to me like prime cycling area and would be worth a few days attention in my book. As far as lodging, etc goes, it seemed to me like they took thier 'stars' pretty serious. as in 5 star resort, 4 star resort, so If having to choose a place by that alone you probally wont get any suprises.
Wheras here in the U.S. the whole star thing is pretty much non existant because EVERYTHING is five stars.
Sounds like it will be a great trip regardless of where you go, have fun, soak it up.

[KGB]

You'd be hitting there in winter

Dreary down south

An incredible time to be up north in the tropics all across the top of the country.

Cairns - a great stepping off point to the great barrier reef

Darwin - a short drive to Kakadu national park

[Outlook]

I live in Melbourne, and at this time of the year it can be quite cool with early morning temperatures down to about 3 degrees Centigrade. I still ride every morning before breakfast though.

It will always depend on what you want to do on a holiday.... Australia is a large country (like your own) and it is just not possible to have a look across the whole country in a few weeks. It is also quite different from the South where I live (we are sporting mad, have a passion for food and coffee), to the tropical North where there are beaches, jungles, crocodiles, the Great barrier Reef etc.

Of course, if you are in Melbourne in October, you will here when the World Road Championships are being held, as well as having the opportunity to participate in Australia’s largest supported Ride (Around the Bay in a Day) which has 14000 riders cycling 225km in a day for charity.

So over to you.... work out what you want to do on a holiday, and that will determine what part of Australia you will want to visit!

Welcome, and have a very special and wonderful holiday.

Anthony