Australia/New Zealand Itinerary?

[Jimgotkp]

Hi all,

I'm thinking about doing a 1.5-2 week trip to Australia and New Zealand in August/September. I understand this is still the off-season for you guys?

Any sample itineraries or things I should do while I'm there? I know this is a really broad request but I'm open to an itinerary that covers all of the "must-dos". Considering Australia/New Zealand is far away from the US, I'd like to see as much as possible during the 1.5-2 weeks I'm there.

I appreciate hotel recommendations based on areas too. I have Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Gold, A|Club Platinum, and SPG Gold status... depending on rates I'm willing to go with a Virtuoso or FHR property.

Thanks!

 

[AdMEL]

It would be helpful if you provided details of your age and interests, as these will influence itinerary.

Aug/Sep are low season in Southern Australia (including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Tasmania, Perth) and New Zealand, but they are peak season for Central Australia (Alice Springs/Ayers Rock/Uluru) and Northern Australia (Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin).

Australia is roughly the same size as the US, so trying to see everything in 1.5-2 weeks is not possible, let alone NZ.

 

[Jimgotkp]

Sorry about that! I'm in my mid-20's but will be traveling with my mom. Our interests are food (nothing fancy though), beautiful scenery, and light outdoor activities.

Is Central Australia worth seeing? I don't hear much about that area versus Northern Australia, specifically Cairns and the GBR.

Yeah, I figured but I'd hate to not visit NZ while I'm in the S. Pacific.

 

[ashleyn]

Sorry about that! I'm in my mid-20's but will be traveling with my mom. Our interests are food (nothing fancy though), beautiful scenery, and light outdoor activities.

Is Central Australia worth seeing? I don't hear much about that area versus Northern Australia, specifically Cairns and the GBR.

Yeah, I figured but I'd hate to not visit NZ while I'm in the S. Pacific.

As AdMEL says, you can not possibly do justice to most regions in Australia in that time, let alone NZ as well. Imagine trying to do the West coast of the US taking in all the big ticket items, then getting to the East and doing the same in 2 weeks ? My first suggestion would be the extend the trip if you can. If you can't, pick a region you like the sound of and focus on that. You could do Cairns, GBR, Daintree, etc and also spend a few days in the big cities of Sydney and Melbourne if that is your thing. Forget trying to fit in the Northern Territory, WA, SA, Tas or NZ if you choose the QLD option.

 

[AdMEL]

If you want to see the highlights of Australia and NZ, you will need to a lot of travelling and it will be expensive. Alternatively, for the time you are talking about, if you want to reduce travelling and cost, you should concentrate on a few locations.

Central Australia, more specifically Uluru, is one of Australia's top destinations. It's worth a visit, but so are many other places. Cairns isn't particularly interesting, but is the gateway to the GBR and the Daintree.

Can you clarify your interests? They are quite general. Also, anything you particularly want to see/visit? Do you like cities, or would prefer natural features?

 

[suze2000]

I agree with everyone else. If you only want to glance at Sydney Harbour before running off the airport to fly to Uluru, spend a day there, before flying off to Cairns (and no, you can't fly direct), etc etc you can "see" Australia in a fortnight. But if you want to experience the country, given you are coming such a distance, I would echo the comments of others and urge you to add more time to your trip. With three weeks you might be able to squeeze in a decent amount without feeling like you are on a bus tour.

 

[OzEire]

When I enticed Mrs OzEire to come and live in Australia (from Ireland) we did a 'quick' sight seeing tour of Australia to get her acquainted with the big ticket items. It took 6 weeks and was rushed.

As others have said, pick a region or two and do them justice. If you have a number 1 sight that you must see then try tying your entry or exit to that attraction (unless its Uluru which might be difficult).

Re. Sydney Harbour (above) it is worth spending about 4 hours getting the classic Sydney Harbour bridge and Opera House photo - don't pay for an expensive harbour tour just get a ferry to anywhere and you will have an amazing view of both as you depart Circular Quay.

South Western Australia (Margaret River and the wine/food regions around there) is amazing but it is sooooo far from the East cost (PER plus the drive down). Tasmania is a good bite-size tour, 3 days in a car and you can hit all of the main sights (quickly) and it has amazing food/wine options if that is something you are after (google Nant Whiskey if you are a fan of such things - world class drop).

Good luck, don't forget to do a trip report after!

OzEire

 

[Jimgotkp]

Thanks for all of the input! Will see if I can get more vacations days, I doubt it but worth a shot!

If not, I will start searching areas that I want to visit. Once, I finalize an itinerary I will let you guys know!