Expert: Patrick Cummings - 8/13/2008

Question
My husband and I (from U.S.) have always wanted to visit Australia.  I'm beginning to plan a 2 week trip but have no idea where to start. What time of year to go, where to stay, etc.  We love beaches/tropical environments, he's an avid off-road motorcyclist and would like to do some of that, not into the "touristy" places but would rather see the "real" Australia.  Might try to use our AMEX points for some of it which offers Hayman Island Resort, Lanham Hotel in Melbourne or Blue Sydney A Taj. Are any of these places a good choice?  Lengthy, I know, but I could really use some guidance!  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Paige -

If you are planning a visit, I'd suggest going during Australia's summer, which is roughly from November to March.  As far as beaches go, I'd recommend Whitsundays in Queensland - great resort town and some of the best beaches in all of Australia, if not the world.  More info can be found at: http://www.whitsundaytourism.com/

I'd recommend flying in to Brisbane and checking out Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.  Queensland is the only place in all of Australia where you can hold a Koala.  More info at: http://www.koala.net/

The only off-road type of activity I did was down around Newcastle, NSW.  Sand Safari Adventure Tours - QUADs on Australia's largest Sand Dune.  I'd recommend doing the last time of the day, as it ends with you driving down the beach during sunset.  Their site seems to be down, but their number is 02-4965 0215.

If it was my trip, I'd fly in to Brisbane, then take a flight up to Whitsundays, then back to Brisbane, and drive down the coast of Australia.  Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, and Newcastle are all along this drive until finally ending in Sydney.

The resorts you mentioned I cannot speak for as I never stayed there, but I'm sure you can find some reviews on the internet for them.

Hope you have an awesome trip!

Cheers,
Patrick