Expert: Ian Smith - 3/12/2011

Question
Ian, my wife and I will celebrate out 25th anniversary in December. I'd like to surprise her with a trip to Australia (4-7 days). I don't even know where to start. I'm on a slim budget, so I can't go wild, but I'd like to show her a good time. How do I get the ball rolling? Should I consider package deals? Where are the best places to visit? Is it obvious I'm not the one who usually does the planning in our family? Thanks for your time.

Answer
If you're planning then 7 days would be my absolute minimum.
If you fly east-west (I assume that's how you'd be coming) then at least you won't be jet-lagged over here, only when you get home.
You need to look up a site called tripadvisor for your accommodation, it's so far ahead of everyone else in that regard.  I'm sure you'll find something within your budget.
As for package deals that's a personal choice.  If, as you suggest, you're not used to planning holidays, then that might be a good option for you.
If it were me, I would avoid them, but that's the way I do holidays.  I find I see more stuff and get more time at places than with bus tours etc.
Don't make the mistake of trying to see everything all at once, you'll only get frustrated.  Base yourself in one town for the week; obviously Sydney would be the number one choice but Melbourne is equally good.
If you stay in Sydney for a week, then consider (you heven't mentioned what you're interested in) a day trip to the Blue Mountains; a day trip to the vineyards, a day trip to Newcastle (I can show you around here for nothing).  Plus, there's so much to see and do in Sydney you could spend a fortnight there (or in Melbourne) and not see it all.
Hope this has been of some initial help.
You might also check out a site called virtualtourist.com.  If you look up Australia you'll come across one of my many sites under iandsmith and that may give you ideas.  Also check out my Sydney site as I offer things people don't normally consider.
Cheers from down under