Australia is such a large country that, unless you have unlimited time, it will be necessary to determine exactly what it is you want to see and then decide how you want to do it before you plan anything else.
I took a tour for my first trip to Australia. Not realizing the true immensity of the country, I realize now that for me, it was a good way to travel. To make seeing this vast country easier, we took three flights within Australia, (Melbourne to Alice springs, Ayers Rock to Cairns and from Cairns to Sydney), and bussed between Alice Springs and Ayers Rock. To get a better idea of the distance between places, each flight took us an average of three hours. Translated into driving, this would be a lot of time spent in a car.
Friends of mine took six months to travel around Australia in a camper van. Without flying to various areas as we did, a long visit was necessary. They set themselves an itinerary relating to time spent in each place and a list of what they actually wanted to see. Having already spent about eight weeks in the Down Under on a previous trip, they knew exactly where they wanted to go. Although my trip was only three weeks, I felt we did see a lot in the time allotted us. However, it was rushed and if I decided to go back, I would definitely opt for a longer period of time. You can't possibly see a country that size in a short period of time and properly do it justice.
I may choose the tour option again but specifically pick a tour that went to the places I particularly want to see and do my own add-ons, if necessary. My real preference would be the travel van option so as to be in control of my own destinations.
After having been to Australia, I would definitely choose to go to Cairns and Sydney again and see more of what those cities offered. And I'd like to go to Brisbane which we didn't get to at all. In Brisbane there is the Alma Park Zoo with Australian and exotic animals located on forty acres, South Park Parklands on the banks of the Brisbane River, Queensland Conservatorium and the Botanic garden.
Also on my list would be Tasmania. Separated from the mainland of Australia by the Bass Strait, it is 364 km long and 306 km wide. It has rare rock formations, beautiful waterfalls, a rainforest and with magnificent views and scenery, it would definitely be a must-see. There are also five convict heritage sites and an opportunity to see the tasmanian devil, as well as native Australian animals in nature and up close.
Fraser Island would also be one of my destination spots. At 122 km long, it is a sand island with long stretches of white beaches, specifically Seventy-Five Mile Beach; sparkling lakes, especially Lake McKenzie, a fresh water lake; ancient rainforests, sand cliffs, wetlands, Maheno Wreck and Sandy Cape Lighthouse. It is reportedly the world's largest sand island.
Also, the Gold Coast would be included with its beaches, rainforest, Lamington National Park, Surfer's paradise, Mt. Warning National Park, Sea World and the rainforest hinterland. It is a gateway to whale watching and island hopping and is only 94 km south of Brisbane.
Whitsunday Islands would also be on the list. It includes 74 tropical islands, of various sizes, many of which are deserted. The islands are the tips of mountains fringed with coral and they are approximately 900 km north of Brisbane. A visit there would offer a sailing cruise, a crocodile safari or one could take a ferry and explore the islands by hopping on and off.
And, last but not least, is Port Douglas in Queensland about 70 km north of Cairns where I'd make a visit to Cape Tribulation. It is near the Great Barrier Reef (which I have already visited but would do so again), and the Daintree Rainforest.
Establish where you would like to go for your next trip, then plan how you will travel and how long you would need for a trip of this type. After establishing where and how, next determine if, i.e.: a tour would take you to places of your choice and if not, how else would you travel? What would be the cost? Is it within budget and time constraints? And after that, just count the days until you go.
No comments:
Post a Comment