Expert: Frank Denison - 5/12/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi, we are a family of four from Buenos Aires, Argentina. We are visiting Australia from december 27th to January 15th 2012. We will stay in Sidney until January 4th and then we don't know what to do. There are so many places to visit! My kids are 7 and 9. One idea was to go to Surfers Paradise for 3 days ( go to some parks), then drive to Airlie Beach and visit the Whitsunday Islands for 5 days then take a plane to Merlbourne for the rest of the trip. The question is: is this a good idea? How long does it take to go from Surfer's Paradise to Airle (and we drive from the opposite side in Argentina) Is it rainy season in the Whitsundays?
Thanks a lot! I would like to organize this properly because this is a very expensive journey for us.
Regards,
Ana

ANSWER: Hi Ana,
      You trip sounds very good.
If you are flying back to Argentina from Sydney, it may be best to spend the last 4 or 5 days in Sydney.

This is what I suggest if you want to see  Melbourne, Surfers Paradise, Whitsundays, Sydney,
This is assuming you are leaving from Sydney to fly back to Argentina. Stay in Melbourne (4 days), Surfers Paradise (4 Days), Whitsundays (5 Days), Sydney (5 days).


Fly direct to Melbourne if you can. When you book your flights you should be able to get a direct flight to Melbourne. If not arrive Sydney, and the same day fly to Melbourne.

When in Melbourne I suggest you stay at Quest on Little Collins street. It has self contained apartments with kitchens. It is right in the centre of Melbourne and central to all attractions. I have stayed there many times and it is perfect. Buy a 3 day metro pass which lets you catch a bus train or tram as many times as you like. Trams are the best way to get around Melbourne.

Surfers Paradise in January will be school holidays, so it will be very busy. If you still decide to go, the 3 theme parks that would be great for the kids are Dreamworld, Sea World, and Movieworld. All are great. If you only had time to do 2 theme parks, Dreamworld would be the one to miss out.

Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays are beautiful. It is a 12 to 14 hour drive from Brisbane to Airlie Beach, depending on how many stops you make. I would suggest you fly from Brisbane to Proserpine (about 2 hours) or Gold Coast to Proserpine. Then you drive about 30 minutes to Airlie Beach. There is also a shuttle bus Proserpine to Airlie Beach.  Airline companies Jetsar, Virgin, and Qantas all fly to Proserpine.

The months of December, January and February have the higest rainfall for the year, but it is usally tropical showers that rain heavy for an hour then the sun comes out. A must see in Whitsundays is Whitehaven Beach, which is one of the prettiest beaches in the world. Base yourself at Airlie Beach and then you can do day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and other attractions.

Sydney is a great city and there is a lot to see. Make sure you take a ferry ride on Sydney Harbour. Taronga Park Zoo is a must see for the kids. Bondi and Manly beaches you should not miss. At Darling Harbour (near city centre) has a science centre and lots of attractions for the kids. You can catch a monorail to Darling Harbour from different parts of the city in Sydney.

One of the best websites to book accommodation is www.wotif.com

If you need anymore advice, please contact me again, I am happy to help with any of your concerns.

Regards,
Frank



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks a lot, Frank! Your advice is priceless! Maybe I should have said that we are planning to spend New Year's Eve in Sydney and that is why we are staying first there. We wanted to do a boat tour for that night to see the fireworks up front. Do you have a recommendation for NYEve?
I thought that the airport in Hamilton Island was nearer Arlie, so this isn't so? If we drive from the Gold Coast to Arlie, do you think we should spend the night on the road? And if so where?
Sorry if I make a lot of mistakes, my english is not so good. Thanks in advance!

Answer
Hi Ana,
      New Year's Eve in Sydney will be spectacular. I have never been on a boat to see it though. I would book early though, they are very popular. Try this website for your cruise on NYE - http://www.newyearsevesydney.net.au/

Hamilton Island to Airlie beach is closer.

Here are 2 websites which will help you decide.

http://www.fantasea.com.au/page/ferrytimetable/
http://www.destinationwhitsundays.com.au/get_here.htm

The drive Gold Coast to Airlie Beach will be at least 14 hours. I do not recommend it. If you decided you wanted to drive, I would stay overnight at Rockhampton. Rockhampton is a big city, and you will have plenty of options for places to stay.

Your English is fine Ana, don't worry. As I said before, if you need anymore advice, please contact me again, I am happy to help with any of your concerns. As it gets closer to your leaving date, contact me if I you need assistance.

Regards,
Frank