Expert: Ian Smith - 1/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am Canadian planning a 4 week vacation in Australia.I have a Garmin GPS with maps for Australia. What is the standard voltage and polarity for cars in Australia ? Are most equipped with power jacks (Cigarette Lighters)? North American is 12 volt neg ground.I tested maps system in my driveway (Sydney airport to Coffs Harbour) and works fine.If I can plug into rental car great, If not I will need an adapter . Where will I be able to get one ? Many thanks.

ANSWER: You will have no problem, the cigarette lighter plugs are the same.
Just a word of warning though, some of the National Parks aren't covered all that well by many of the models.  I was going to buy one but am hanging off until they include one of my favourite places, Mount Kaputar.
Hope this helps and have a great time.  If you're in Newcastle feel free to contact me if I'm around.
Cheers, Ian

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks much for GPS info.If it works in the city that's great as in cities is where I get lost. We are recently retired and additional trips not out of question. Slowly learning geography and currently planning all in NSW - not to spread too thin. Have booked resorts 1 week each Pokolbin, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie starting Feb18.Our daughter who is presently spending 3 mths in Broome will be joining us for 1 week.If my geography is correct your profile indicates you were a tourist officer in this area. On this schedule what are the "must see" sites you would recommend. We are more outdoors than city oriented and hiking is one of our top activities - National parks sounds great..Many thanks. Lee.

Answer
Personally speaking, I probably wouldn't stay in Pokolbin during one of the hottest months in the year but, that's your choice!
There's heaps of wineries and things to see.  One day trip I'd recommend is to go to Morpeth, a nice little historical village on the river.  Another day you could spend on the western side of Lake Macquarie around Toronto and Rathmines.  For hiking the best areas are around Dungog but you're on the wrong side of the Hunter Valley.
I wish you'd contacted me beforehand because, if you like hiking, I'd have sent you just about anywhere but Coffs.  However, since you're there you MUST go to Bellingen and Dorrigo, the latter has some excellent walks.
You might also so to Woolgoolga one day and walk along the beaches to Arrawarra Headland and back.  That'll keep you busy for a couple of hours.
Port has access to some of the finest bushwalks in Australia.  A couple you can look forward to are Boorgana Nature Reserve and Ellenborough Falls out through Comboyne.  You should also get directions from the tourist information centre on Wilsons River Primitive Reserve.  If you make it to the waterfall there, move to the left hand side and you will come across a zig-zag track that will take you up the side of the cliff to the next fall, truly a special place.
There's also a lovely walk along the cliffs and beaches at Port itself, well worth a stroll.
I have a site on virtualtourist.com.  If you join (costs nothing) go to "destinations" and scroll the arrow down till it says "members", then type in "iandsmith" and my site will come up.  There you can see more details on the areas I have mentioned.
I'm leaving on the 20th but if you give me a call on the 19th I'll be available.  My number is 0448 532371.
Hope this helps you some.
Cheers, Ian