AboutPatrick Cummings Expertise I am available to answer questions dealing with short term travel, studying in australia, and
entry and exit culture shock.
Experience I recently spent two years living, teaching, and studying in Brisbane, Australia, while obtaining my Post Graduate degree.
Education/Credentials I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Video from Columbia Chicago and a Masters of Arts in Film and Television Studies from Griffith University.
My husband and I are planning our first big trip and are planning to visit Australia and Fiji in May. We are on a tight budget and will be traveling from Canada. I was hoping you could make some suggestions about places we must see to help me plan our time better. Also, if you could reccomend hotels we could look into staying at that would also be helpful. I was also curious about the best means of travelling when we get there. I would like to spend most of out time in Australia and maybe 3 or 4 days in Fiji to relax before we head home.
Thank you!
ANSWER: I had several friends return from Australia with a few day stop in Fiji to lay on the beach, heard nothing but praise for that idea.
In Australia, it really depends on what type of person you are. I personally and not a big camper, so most of my time was spent doing the "city" attractions, compared to those that camp out at Ayers Rock (though their is a nice resort there)
You first need to decide what type of things you want to see. If you want to see the Great Barrier Reef and hold a Koala, then you need to go to Queensland, but depending on your budget, may not have time to go to Sydney.
Personally, I'm keen to starting in Queensland and driving down the coast to Sydney, and possibly Melbourne if you have the funds and time. There is lots of awesome little towns built for tourists along the drive, and lots of hotels. I found several places that had a 2 bed for $75 a night, or a Family room (fits 4-6 people) for $120 a night.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you so much!
We too are not big campers and your lay out sounds great. I would love to see the Great Barrier Reef and travel to Sydney then possibly go to Fiji and and head home from there. You mentioned driving down the coast do you know if this is possible with a canadian drivers licence? Also, do you know if this is feasible if we are not planning on returning to Queensland? Thanks again!
Answer You are able to drive in Australia on any valid English language license on a student or temporary travel visa (class 1 countries - of which Canada is).
As far as oneway car rentals - I'm sure it's possible though sometimes could end up costing you a little more. Search Http://www.google.com.au for car hire (make sure to select limit my results to Australia) and I'm sure you'll find your answer on the car rental.
