Expert: Mick Maurer - 10/30/2007

Question
My husband and I are visiting Australia for the first time to celebrate our 25 Wedding Anniversary.  We arrive 12/4 and Depart 12/11/2007.  We'd like to take some day trips outside of Sydney.  Where do you suggest we visit and should we use tour companies or rent a car and drive ourselves.

Also we were considering an overnight trip to Brisbane or Gold Coast.  How long a drive are we talking if we were to rent a car?

Answer
Lori:
You should consider the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley Wine area.  Although many people prefer to "do it yourself" you get a lot more information and better guidance if you can find a small tour.  There is an excellent tour to the Blue Mountains via a 4wd vehicle that takes no more than 12 people.  If you do it yourself, consider Lillinfels Lodge if you want a bit of luxuary along with the beautiful scenery.
For the wine country, check into doing an overnight at a local winery.  There is one that gives you lodging, wine tour, carriage ride and outstanding food plus transportation to and from Sydney.
While in Sydney, spend half a day walking the Royal Botanical Gardens and take in a "backstage" tour of the Opera House.  As there are 5 venues in the Opera House, you should check out the schedule and see if you can find a production that suits your budget and interests.
As for a trip to Brisbane, with only 7 days in Australia, I would not consider a trip of 500 miles each way.  You are only going to average around 40mph and that makes a lot of time driving for a short stay.

Mick Maurer
Aussie Travel