AboutFrank Denison Expertise I have lived in Brisbane all my life (51 years). I am very proud of our city and the Sunshine State of Queensland. I am happy to help in any way possible. Queensland is a very humid and hot place in Summer, which makes it great for outdoor fun.
Experience I have a great love and knowledge of Brisbane and the surrounding areas. I holiday on the Sunshine Coast every year, and visit the Gold Coast numerous times during the year for work. We love to dine out, and can recommend many places to try in Brisbane and the Coasts.
Question Hi! First off, I'm so excited to have found this site! Yay! :)
Ok, two friends and I are very eager to visit Australia early next year and we're trying to get plans started. Unfortunately, due to our careers, two weeks is probably the maximum we can get for a vacation. From the research I've done, I know two weeks will feel like two minutes with all there is to do there (so we'll just have to go back in the future!). Could you please suggest an itinerary for three young women who love to relax but be adventurous? We would like to do all the cliche stuff: snorkel, scuba dive, hold a koala, pet a kangaroo/ wallaby, swim with dolphins if that's an option anywhere. If travel distance is long between two places you suggest, we'd prefer to fly if there are airports available in both areas. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much!
Answer G'day Jennifer,
You are right, two weeks will feel like two minutes with all there is to do, but you will still have fun.
There are 2 options - fly direct into Cairns (not sure where you are coming from) or direct into Sydney. If your airline does not fly into Cairns, just reverse the order of my itenary
Option 1 - Fly direct to Cairns. You have a few options at Cairns to see the Great Barrier reef and snorkel etc. Green Island is the closest, and has a few companies that can take you there. While in Cairns you can go up the Kuranda range on the train and come back on the Chairlift.
The Whitsundays and Airlie Beach is the other option to see the reef and snorkel. You would have to fly from Cairns to Townsville, then a 3 hour drive to Airlie Beach (hire a car or bus). Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands which has some of the most scenic beaches in the world.
If you go to Airlie Beach, make sure you go to Whitehave Beach, simply stunning. Airlie beach has more options, and is a more "younger crowd" than Cairns, with at least 3 nightclubs open to all hours. The downside is fly/drive from Cairns. You will also need to check if you can drop your rental car off at Proserpine, if you hire one. You could easily spend 4 days at Airlie Beach.
You can then fly Proserpine to Brisbane (Proserpine is 35 mins drive from Airlie Beach). When you arrive in Brisbane head to Lone Pine where you can hold a koala, pet a kangaroo/wallaby. The next day you catch a ferry to Tangalooma on Moreton Island and swim with the dolphins. See link for options. http://www.tangalooma.com/info/day_cruises/
You also have GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) and the Museum walking distance from Southbank and the city.
An hours drive north of Brisbane (or train) lands you at Australia Zoo, which is a great day out. Spend at least 4 days in Sydney.
Then Fly Brisbane to Sydney. the options in Sydney are endless. Depending on time / budget I would climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visit the Opera House, spend some time in "The Rocks". Head to Darling Harbour, Manly Harbour, Taronga Park Zoo, etc etc. Darling Harbour has great bars and restaurants, plus a science centre and powerhouse museum. You can do a loop of the city on the momorail, and get on and off as many times as you like if you buy a "Daily" ticket.
With travel and sightseeing that would take up about 14 days. If you have more time, your next step would be fly Sydney to Melbourne, Melbourne is vibrant, fantastic restaurants, and lot and lots of good shopping. If you decide to go there, I can suggest more attractions there. Just contact me again.
When in Australia try www.wotif.com.au for the cheapest accommodation
