Australia 2008 - how do I organise it?

tummy_tank

Just back from Oz, usual to book 10/11 months in advance to get good deal, so your're nearly there. We stopped in Singapore and Dubai (one each way) Dubai is good for some sunshine and chill out. Singapore has loads of shops, it's hard on your feet if you love to shop!I would try a few agents trailfinders, travelbag, austravel and see who gives best deal.I also booked internal separately, we had a ball. Don't forget to sign up for whoever you fly with's frequent flier miles as you'll get loads.

sad_gills_fan

We've just come back from our 2nd visit (bloomin cricket was rubbish!). I book everything independantly, flights, accommodations, excursions etc. Talking to friends, I spent alot less than them but they did say that they couldn't be bothered to do it themselves (all men!) so I suppose it depends on what you want to do yourself and what you want others to do.

The first time we went, we toured the whole country .. a favourite place was Port Douglas, 1 hr north of Cairns. All of the trips to the reef go from there and Cairns so you won't miss out. We stayed here .. https://www.portdouglascoralapartments.com.au ...Very nice, full laundry facilities in your apartment (with free detergent etc) which enabled us to travel light.
For the reef, we went on 2 trips .. to the Outer Reef we went with Habba (quite small, very good) and to the Inner (much nicer) we went with Sailaway III .. they both have websites. At the Inner Reef we swamm with turtles, Nemo's and reef sharks .. excellent.

Anyway, I'm waffling .. it's a fabulous country, sports mad, good weather and a very difficult immigration system!! (I know, we're trying for visas now).
Have fun.
p.s. Have flown with Malaysian and Cathay .. Malaysian edge it because it has more leg room (34") and great film entertainment. Virgin Blue great airline, book before you go and print ticket off.

Mortgage_&_debt_free

Been twice, used Travelbag, just tell them what you want and they'll do it - excellent service.

Both times I tried to beat their quote by getting independent prices but for the difference, literally a few pounds, it wouldn't have been worth the hassle & work.

johnjp

If you fly with one of the asian based airlines you should get free internal flights in their country which makes a great stopover. For example, if you fly with Malaysian you can take a stopover in Penang, Langkawi and even Borneo and only need to pay for hotels. We stayed in Langkawi at the Berjaya which was great value. I am Australian and feel that 2/3 weeks isn`t quite enough time in Oz as a stopover is almost compulsory with the very long flights each way. Try to take a month, one week transit and three full weeks in Oz. My favourite areas are North East NSW/SE QLD(Gold & Sunshine coasts and hinterland) or NE QLD - Cairns/Port Douglas/Cape Tribulation. But, of course, you`ll want to go inland too. If so you need to check the availability of flights to Ayers Rock from whatever city you`re in and it is VERY expensive compared to coastal city connections (and a bloody long way!) Have a great time!.

crazyhazel

Hi,

We did Oz in August last year, we were planing to travel from Sydney to Port Douglas ( we were there for four weeks). We flew BA from Gatwick but did leave it till quite close so the fare wasnt too bad, we had a stop over in Bangkok we stayed at the marriott resort hotel on the opposite side of the river to the town FANASTIC Sunday brunch is a must!!! Arrived in Sydney and stayed at the Avillion Hotel where the receptionist suggested we try www.wotif.com web site for last minute bookings. After Sydney nothing was pre booked we booked a day or so before at all times. From Sydney we travelled to the Hunter Valley which is a small wine region - stayed at a very nice small hotel - meant to stay there one night, which became two!! From there we went to Port Macquarie Fantastic sun rises!!! We stayed two or three nights in Brisbane at the Casino Hotel - that was really quite good coz they want you to spend loads of money in the Casino they offer the rooms really cheap. We finally ended up in Hervey Bay and didnt get any further north. It was whale season and the fishing was good and we took a light aircraft over to an island called Lady Elizabeth Island - FANTASTIC. Also we took a boat trip to another island called Fraser Island - it is a world hertiage site and that was awsome too. All of this was booked mainly a day or two before we needed to change hotels and in fact in Harvey Bay we stayed at the Outrigger. We checked on the internet to find the best price and went to reception to see about extending our stay, she quoted a higher price so all we did was go back to our room,make the booking on the internet and then ask if it was possible to have the same room. we flew from Hervey Bay to Sydney with Virgin Blue - part of the Virgin Empire and that was good too and not expensive. We had an absolute blast and are now looking to see when we can get back there to finish the tour!!! Have a great time x

:T

efrieze

johnjp wrote:

I am Australian and feel that 2/3 weeks isn`t quite enough time in Oz as a stopover is almost compulsory with the very long flights each way. Try to take a month, one week transit and three full weeks in Oz.

Problem is that we will be leaving our (then) 2-year-old daughter behind with my parents, and i am not sure I coudl do that for a whole month!!!! Thanks

kellyp

Do it all yourself! Just come back at end of last year. Expedia allow you to pick your multitrip flights - as long as you do all with the same airline or partner airlines you will get excellent prices (e.g., BA and qantas are parners). All use the internal Aussie flight companies as someone else suggested. All your trips are bookable at location and cheaper than doing it in advance. As for hotel - check out various websites - we used travelocity, expedia, travelbag, opodo and octopus to find out prices. Then check tripadvisor for hotel reviews, and I am sure you will get some great deals.

Have a fab time - its great!!

richardw

efrieze wrote:

Problem is that we will be leaving our (then) 2-year-old daughter behind with my parents, and i am not sure I coudl do that for a whole month!!!! Thanks

Perhaps wait until she's older and take her with you.

Counting_Pennies_2

Try looking at arriving in different parts of Oz if you plan to do a little trip around.

We paid about £500 each for air tickets, flew in late October 2004 and travelled the following:

Heathrow to Hong Kong (4 night stop)
Hong Kong to Cairns (trip to Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation 7 nights (fab))
Cairns to Sydney (10 night stay in Manly (again wonderful location)
Sydney to Fiji (stayed on Castaway Island)
Fiji to LA (couple of hours stay over)
LA to Heathrow - completely jetlagged but worth it (get someone to pick you up from the airport!)

We took our 6 month old with us and it was the best trip ever. PM if you want any further info on the trip. such as where we stayed and what we did if you are interested. I could go on for ever but don't want to needlessly bore you!

westcountry_saver

I went to Australia (Perth)twice last year and booked my ticket through ebookers, as I found them to be the cheapest. I also found this site http://www.zuji.com.au/web/content/au/index.html (part of Travelocity)
I used it to book my internal flights.