Expert: Frank Denison - 1/27/2008

Question
hi frank,
steve here from england, i along with my wife and daughter of 15 are making our first trip to Australia arriving in Brisbane March the 14th 2008, we will be hiring a car and visiting family in Karana Downs Queensland for 2 to 3 days. we would like your advice on places we must see as we travel down the coast to Sydney where we will be staying with family until we depart on the 4th of April 2008. also will we be able to find accommodation easily for 1 night stop overs enroute to Sydney.any advice will be greatfully received
many thanks
steve

Answer
Hi Steve,
        I know you will enjoy your trip to Australia. Arriving in March will see you here during the busy Easter period. Easter Friday is 21st March and Easter Monday is the 24th. A lot of poeple go away for short breaks, so accommodation may be a problem for those 4 days. It may be best to book something for those days. This link shows all the holidays http://www.atn.com.au/info/holidays.html

The first place to stop on the way to Sydney is of course the Gold Coast. Lots of beaches to choose from. The 3 theme parks (Dreamworld, Seaworld and Movieworld) are all worth a visit. If time is tight, and you can only see 1 theme park, I would choose Movieworld.  Some other stops on the way would be Byron Bay (most easterly point in Australia), Coffs Harbour, Port Mcquarie, Hawkesbury and Gosford.  This link will help with a lot of travel information - The menu down the left side is very good. http://www.atn.com.au/maps/sydbne1_3.html

Accommodation is easy to book on line using http://www.wotif.com/

If you need more help, please contact me again.

Regards,
Frank