Expert: Ian Smith - 11/1/2008

Question
Hello Ian,

I am visiting Australia at the end of November with a friend.  We are flying into Sydney, renting a camper-van and driving up to Brisbane.  From here we fly to Alice Springs for several days before heading up to Cairns.  Besides the obvious destinations of Uluru, Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef, are there any lesser places we should go to get the full Australian experience?  Thank you so much for your time, it is appreciated.

-Cindy P.

Answer
I get frustrated when I get asked this question.  It's somewhat sad to me that people don't contact me before they make their plans.
In two weeks you are going to spend so much of your time travelling and, though you will undoubtedly love and have a great time, I could have given you a fortnight's schedule in any state that would have done the same and you would have seen more because you would be spending less time travelling.
I call your tour the golden triangle because it's what most tourists want to do and the travel agents encourage them
I'll just get off my soapbox now and answer your question.  Once your at Alice Springs, Uluru and the Barrier Reef you'll undoubtedly be doing what the tour operators have planned for you so I'll concentrate on the north coast of N.S.W.
Do call in at the following - Hunter Valley wineries, Port Stephens, then go north via Gloucester and Wingham to Taree.
Turn off at Camden Haven to Laurieton and go to Port Macquarie that way.
Detour into South West Rocks when you're in the Kempsey area and then call in at Mullaway and Arrawarra Headland north of Coffs.
When you get to Ballina follow the coast road via Lennox Head to Byron Bay.
That's the most scenic route but, if you want to see some rainforest then probably your best option is Dorrigo as Comboyne requires local knowledge.
Hope this helps a little, shame you have so little time.
Never mind, enjoy and, if you want more help, don't be afraid to ask.
Cheers, Ian