MMDown Under

My girlfriend from NY drove, with two young boys, from Brisbane to Sydney stopping at attractions along the Coast. She loved it. The secret is to take your time. Anywhere you decide to go left of the highway will be beautiful. Do your research and pick places which appeal to you. I have stopped overnight at a lot of places, but my favourites are South West Rocks (Trial Bay Gaol) and Bellingen and Dorrigo Rainforest Centre (inland off the Coast). ( LOCALSAUCETOURS.COM.AU GIVES 10 PLACES TO STAY.) All the beach places in Northern NSW are beautiful but we don't stopover there because we are locals. Last time we drove straight through with a relaxing lunch at Nambucca Heads SLSC overlooking the spectacular ocean.

Depends on your interests what you choose to do. Hobart wharf has the greatest location for convenience. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is a great place near the wharf. You can catch a local bus or taxi to the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens not far from wharf. You can walk to the central business district. Further afield there are lots of special places to visit as have been recommended. Favourites of mine are Bruny Island, Ross, Franklin with the Wooden Boat Museum. (The Bi Annual Aust Wooden Boat Festival is on 10-13/23) i visit Geeveston, south of Franklin, for Masaaka's Sushi. (He used to attract big queues to his stall at the Hobart Markets prior to opening his own shop.)

I agree. The expression was widely understood to mean that in Qld.

On my cruise through the Sounds in summer, my memories are being wrapped in a warm blanket from the cabin, drinking hot chocolate. We were allowed on a front deck normally closed to passengers. The waterfalls were spectacular. Watching the people, who did an overnight excursion, return to the ship on a small boat was fascinating. We saw birds but I don't remember other wildlife. It was a highlight on the cruise.

Some of the best days I've ever spent, as a visiting tourist, were on the day I flew out home. The last was in Milan. I visit Sydney regularly and never tire of things to do and places to see. Just put your luggage in storage and continue your holiday would be my suggestion, depending on the weather of course.

When we cruised from Cairns to Darwin, the ship did in a hotel, prior to embarkation,

Julie, My favourite of three cafes where I had a fish meal was Dundees on the Waterfront, at Cairns Marina, not far along the waterfront from the Cairns port. This was an upmarket cafe, where I sat outside overlooking the river. The one in the back street on a corner was the most generous with two large pieces of fish, part of a fish meal.

Oops you're right so I get to go to Dwali Festival all over again today Sunday. And Saturday was a perfect sunny day.

Yes I agree it is a scenic train trip. I would get out at Leura and do a taxi tour of its beautiful homes and gardens. It is a pretty village with good shops and eating places. Cherry blossoms line the main street. Everglades Gardens, National Trust, is a beautiful garden to visit. . visitnsw.com.leura Katoomba is only 5 mins away from Leura. Go there before sunset to see the changing colours of the Blue Mountains at Echo point.

Yes I had a cardboard box once used for selling bananas confiscated at WA border.

Moreton Island, the third largest sand island, is spectacularly beautiful. It is much more than Tangalooma Resort where we flew for our honeymoon. In Primary school, I visited the still active whaling station, so it has history. For solitude, you can explore the sand hills or walk along the beautiful long sand beach. A lot of Brisbane people have holiday houses there. A tour of the island has a lot to offer in scenery. Swimming and snorkelling around the wrecks is popular. But watch out for the sharks! This is an excellent port for those who can tender.

If anyone wants to enjoy a good fish meal, I went to three fish shops on my overnight stay.

Good to see. Must be a relief for all the passengers. I love that port. I catch a local bus into Tauranga and do the best shopping in NZ. I also love walking around the little township and the mountain.

Nor people. I knew Germans who used to visit the Gold Coast annually. They couldn't believe they could do early morning walks along the Spit, Main Beach, without seeing a sole. We take the dogs there for a run on the Broadwater, at The Spit, and have the small beach to ourselves every time. You just need to know where to go to still find solitude on the GC.

Sounds like a perfect sunny day at sea. Im sure the Sanctuary pool will be just right as you continue north. Today, Sunday, is a rare perfect sunny day in Sydney! The sun was a perfect round ball at sunrise. Wishing you smooth sailing around Australia.

Plus the crew entertain you with their beautiful voices.

"Private Resort Perfect Day at Lelepa will delight cruisers seeking authentic adventures and genuine relaxation." Why do we follow the worst practices of private islands made for American cruisers by Royal Caribbean? Australia is blessed with a multitude of small coastal islands, as well as unspoilt natural South Pacific Islands. I've probably visited a dozen of them. One of the charms is mixing with the friendly locals, not fellow travellers. I can understand Americans being attracted to them, because many of them live inland. The majority of us live close to the Coast. My daughter was shocked that her flatmate in Toronto, Canada had never seen the ocean. I guess I'll return to flying to the South Pacific Islands unless a small ship cruises between them.

No comparison as there is so much to do in Melbourne and outskirts.

hobart

So sorry for your heartbreak. Was that a good age for a kelpie? I don't know how my daughters are going to handle their whippets dying as they are their first dogs. One daughter is already talking about getting another whippet to prepare.

No they are not offering earlier ones. Virgin up to May for specials. I missed my Feb opportunity Where to? My daughter almost didn't join me in Sydney because of the cost of air fares. She decided to work in the office in Sydney on the Tuesday, after the long weekend. and got a ticket after work to return home. I might look into using my ff points.

Yes I discovered that

Priceless. I saw a man, showing sheep during a sheep doll trial, keel over in front of me once at the Ekka. His dog wouldn't leave him for a second (against rules). His wife came in to the rink and sat on the bridge until the ambulance came. Such devotion and love towards his owner. I think we were all in tears.

I always stay longer than a day. However, I splurged at the luxury Jamisons Hotel, inc breakfast, near Circular Quay once. I agree It was wonderful to be able to see the ship.come in, then walk to the ship. BTW It is the only hotel where I was charged for alcohol I didn't drink. They reversed the charge without fuss so maybe not so unusual occurrence. I have visited people in some of the luxury hotels around Circular Quay, with spectacular views.

I don't see why not, seeing you are from overseas. My small ship tested all passengers (100) at wharf prior to boarding.