Expert: Ian Smith - 10/10/2005

Question
My husband and I, along with our four month old (yes you read that right) will be traveling from Amsterdam (our home) to Australia for a vacation (and to see some friends get married). We want to see great places but also do not want to do "too much" or stretch ourselves too thin.

We are thinking of flying into Sydney, staying there for about 3-4 days, then renting a car and exploring near and around...possibly go to the wine region near there? Would you recommend that?

After that we will be heading up to Brisbane to eventually visit and stay in Noosa for some beach days (and for the wedding).

Would you recommend staying around Sydney? Is there "enough" to do and see? If so, would the wine region there be worth seeing...is it a nice drive, etc etc?

Any other tips would be grand.

Thanks so much,
Michelle

Answer
Sorry, am on holidays at the moment, will answer in three weeks.
Cheers, Ian

Just returned from England, hope it's not too late.
Now, Sydney could occupy you for the whole time but four days would be good.  I would recommend staying at Manly and commuting to the CBD or Darling Harbour.  That way you get to see the harbour on the ferry and you're staying near one of the best places in Sydney.
As for the vineyards, they're about 2 and half hours away at Pokolbin and definitely worth spending some time at but also consider Port Stephens (I'm assuming you're driving up north) which is one of Australia's most beautiful locations.
Other great spots on the way up north are Comboyne and Dorrigo for rainforest areas; Forster, South West Rocks, Yamba and Byron Bay for beaches.
The Blue Mountains are another area worth a look but you probably haven't the time this trip.
If you haven't already booked the beach at the back of Noosa (Sunshine) is really nice and accommodation much less than Noosa.  While up there don't miss a drive into the hinterland in the hills behind - Montville is my must-see spot on the Sunshine Coast.  (Say hello to my brother while you're up there!)
Hope that helps.  If you want more detail I have a site in virtualtourist.com.  If you go to destinations, click on the arrow and go to "members", then type in "iandsmith", all my sites with photos will come up.
Cheers, Ian