Qantas/Australia

Sheel

Barcode wrote:

Oh, we're staying at the Oasis resort which seems to have good reviews on tripadvisor.

That's where we stayed and it's very nice

A tour guide didn't know what kind of spider that was , but we couldn't believe how he kept prodding it :eek: Although i'm terrified of spiders , being in such close proximity to that one didn't unduly worry me surprisingly , was too busy enjoying the sunset (and champagne!).

Where are you staying at Ayers Rock and Sydney?

richardw

You might be able to choose your seats if you log in here http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/do/dyn/yourBooking

Sting_2

Your planned itinery sounds a lot like what I did when I visted Oz a year ago. But just to let you know what I did in Cairns, I went for a day trip on the Great Barrier Reef, we went with a company called Ocean Spirit (http://www.oceanspirit.com.au/) which was great. Once out there we had the opertunity to go scuba diving which was great fun. Can't remember the exact cost of that, I think it was about AU$65 extra and well worth it. We stopped at some beach on the reef and I spent about 1.5 hours snorkelling which was great. Just one word of warning (I am sure you are more intelligent than me and I don't really need to tell you this!) I put on loads of sun cream, but snorkelling in the sea for so long with my back sticking out of the water meant the sun cream got a bit washed off resulting in an uncomfortable night - so keep re-applying the sun cream!

If you don't mind getting up early (4AM) we went on a balloon trip, we were collected at 4AM, and the balloon ride started at sunrise. Cost was AU$250 for a 1 hour flight, AU$180 for 30 mins. This can be combined with other excursions.

Most hotels in Cairns have booking facilities for all these trips so no need to book in advance.

As for Singapore, depending on how long you are staying in the airport they do free sightseeing tour of Sinapore if you are stayin gfor longer than 5 hours (http://www.changiairport.com.sg/changi/en/airport_guide/exp_changi/rest_n_relax/free_sgtour.html)

Unfortunately couldn't take advantage of this, but sounds good.

Flew out with Quantas which was fine. Flew back with BA which was crap.

Enjoy your stay!

Sting_2

Barcode wrote:

Oh, we're looking into the various passes for the Daintree Rainforest (thinking it's a good idea to go on the Skyrail one way and on the train another way, with a trip into Rainforestation when we get there?).

I think you might be talking about the Karunder Rainforest here, not the Daintree. Just outside Cairns (short taxi ride) is the base station where we got the Skyrail up which was well worth it, and then we came down by train. Definetely the best way of doing it. When we went it was AU$50 return, or AU$35 single so total was AU$70 (1 x sky rail single + 1 x train single).

Best to do this on your own, rather than a trip since people I spoke to had to get on the skyrail and go straight to the top and were not able to stop off at the stopping points en route with the Sky rail.

The Train also drops you off in the centre of Cairns, not where the Skyrail starts.

The Skyrail is constantly going so you can just hop on, but there are set times when the train leaves, try to catch the last one back (I think it was about 4:30pm) and go up on the skyrail in the morning.

Barcode

Hi again,

Really appreciate people taking the time to give advice.

In Uluru, we're at the Outback Pioneer lodge - believe it or not, the Emu Walk where we wanted to stay was booked up, as was everywhere else; but we're only there for one night. We're arriving about midday (Qantas domestic) and plan on doing the Sounds of Silence dinner in the evening, and a sunrise tour before our flight to the Reef the following day. As let's face it, there isn't THAT much to do around a big rock.

Yes I do mean Karunda, sorry, I'm confused. We are planning on getting the skyrail there and the train back, with a trip to Rainforestation when we get there.

Is the balloon ride price per person? It might be worth it if we get one or two other things included.

In Sydney, we're at the Old Holiday Inn which is in 'the rocks', so within walking distance of a lot of things.

Is it worth doing the sky walk thing on top of the tower? Personally, I'm thinking it is overkill in addition to the bridge climb, and the bridge climb seems like much more fun.

Sheel

Pic taken on stop on the way up



On the way down on the Skyrail we were able to get off at both stops. Can't really see why it would be better to go up by Skyrail , but that's just my opinion

In Kuranda look out for the red ice cream kiosk , very yummy home made ice cream

We stayed at the Outback Pioneer too!

pjran

I've just got back from Sydney(3 days ago) and agree with other posts but would like to suggest a day at The Blue Mountains. Catch the train from Sydney Central after 9.30am for approx £6, walk down the main street to the Carrington Hotel for lunch. Either walk, bus or get a taxi to the various sites of interest. Its worth doing the cable car and funicular rail ride.

Have a great time.

balt

Agree with pjran, Katoomba in the Blue Mountains is worth a visit, get down to the valley and smell the eucalyptus, great. If you are going to Bondi take the walk to Coogee along the coast and bus back from there also Manly, via ferry, is one of the best beaches imo you can get a ticket to cover most ferries, trains and buses for A$16 for one day. Have a great time