Expert: Ian Smith - 5/30/2008

Question
Dear Mr Smith,

I would really like to know as to when is the right time to visit Australia.  I do not like very hot weather, as I am from India and it is pretty much hot here. I am planning to visit Australia in October for about 20 days.  Is it the right time.  I am very much interested in wild life, beach etc.  I want to see as much as possible.  I am not interested in adventure sports, and I am not on any budget.  I would like to know the best way to commute in Australia as I have a child of 3 years, apart from the flights, which I will anyway be taking when I travel to distant places. Will I be able to see the Alps in October.
Please also give me a list of places to visit in Australia.

Thanking you,

Desima  

Answer
Sorry I haven't been around to answer your question but I have been in remote parts of Western Australia and have had no communication available to me.
Re the right time; I personally would recommend April/May/June but, since you're coming in October it can also be very pleasant with the added bonus of spring flowers.
If you are only here for 20 days I would strongly recommend that you only do two states.  Most people who come try to do far too much and spend too much time travelling that I feel would be better spent elsewhere.
For travel I would recommend you hire a car and stay in B&B's.
You can see the Alps anytime and there will still be snow there in October.
My recommendation would be to do N.S.W. (including Canberra) and Victoria.
I would suggest places such as the goldfields (Bendigo, Ballarat, Beechworth etc); Blue Mountains, Canberra (Floriade festival is on and many of your countrymen visit it); Southern Highlands (Bowral, Berrima, Moss Vale etc); Melbourne and Sydney.
That will easily take you three weeks and you will not be able to see all of those in that short time.
If you want any more detailed information please do not hesitate to contact me but, bear in mind I will be in and out of internet range over the next month.
I also have a site on virtualtourist.com under the name iandsmith where you can view pics and more detailed information on what I have suggested above.
Hope this helps, cheers, Ian Smith