Advice for Trip to Australia
May 17th, 2024, 04:14 PM
#1
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Advice for Trip to Australia
Considering a trip to Australia.
I'm deciding between Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane
I don't believe I can do a long trip(2-3 weeks) but I do think 7 days I can do. Hopefully 7 Days is enough time for one of those areas.
Not sure which would be cheaper between the 3.
Time I am thinking of going is September
I do have a passport.
I know the visa costs like $20AUD
So what has me a little confused is I will check expedia for packages, and that will show packages for $1200-$1400 for flight+hotel. Not sure if those are great deals or not.
As far as things to do
Trains looked interesting ( but I don't think those are in those cities)
Go to beaches
Go to museums and galleries
Eat lots of food.
I'm deciding between Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane
I don't believe I can do a long trip(2-3 weeks) but I do think 7 days I can do. Hopefully 7 Days is enough time for one of those areas.
Not sure which would be cheaper between the 3.
Time I am thinking of going is September
I do have a passport.
I know the visa costs like $20AUD
So what has me a little confused is I will check expedia for packages, and that will show packages for $1200-$1400 for flight+hotel. Not sure if those are great deals or not.
As far as things to do
Trains looked interesting ( but I don't think those are in those cities)
Go to beaches
Go to museums and galleries
Eat lots of food.
May 18th, 2024, 12:52 AM
#2
Australia is bigger than most people think.
Australia – size map: https://www.virtualoceania.net/austr...ustralia.shtml
This is a good link to start with:
Australia - Tourism: https://www.australia.com/en
I see from a previous post that you are from the US. You are correct, all visitors to Australia require a Visa. (Except New Zealand citizens). The nationality of your passport will determine which Visa/s you are eligible for. Don't leave it until the last minute to apply for your Visa and don't book anything you can't cancel until it's approved.
Visa Finder: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...sa/visa-finder
These links may be useful.
Sydney map: https://goo.gl/maps/PFmeA45BAKXruh4F8
Visit Sydney: https://www.sydney.com/
Blue Mountains: https://tinyurl.com/yc28vadd
Visit Melbourne: https://www.visitmelbourne.com/
Melbourne map: https://goo.gl/maps/3iDQCJqzVdjtVGXL6
Brisbane map: https://tinyurl.com/496kd2ed
With only 7 days (hopefully excluding arrival and departure days), you could easily and justifiably spend the entire time in and around any of the 3 cities you've nominated - or have a few days in two of them. It really depends on your interests; what specifically you want to see & do and where those things are in relation to each other.
Do be aware though, that Australia is not a cheap holiday destination, although you have a big advantage with the current FX exchange rate being heavily in USD favour.
To give you an idea of prices, you might have a look at www.booking.com for accommodation for your specific dates in each of the cities. We generally suggest visitors consider a self catering apartment /apartment hotel rather than traditional hotels when they are staying more than a night. More space, laundry & kitchen facilities and rates comparable and often better than hotels.
You mention food. There is no shortage of excellent, fresh food in Australia. The latest Australian Good Food Guide awards will give you an idea of some of what is available. Of course, there are also many great small restaurants/cafes/bistros that also serve wonderful food at very reasonable prices. https://www.agfg.com.au/
September is Spring in Australia and a great time to be here.
Hope this has been useful. Come back when you have a rough Itinerary and we will be glad to help you refine it. And/or - hop onto the Australian Forum at Trip Advisor Forums, which is much more active than this one.
I would be very careful about booking anything through third parties/consolidators like Expedia. They may look like great deals (and they may be), but I would want to confirm direct with the airlines/accommodation providers etc., And, if you book through a 3rd party and something goes wrong, the providers will only deal with the 3rd party who did the booking, not with you. That's just me. I travel a good deal and always do my own bookings direct.
Australia – size map: https://www.virtualoceania.net/austr...ustralia.shtml
This is a good link to start with:
Australia - Tourism: https://www.australia.com/en
I see from a previous post that you are from the US. You are correct, all visitors to Australia require a Visa. (Except New Zealand citizens). The nationality of your passport will determine which Visa/s you are eligible for. Don't leave it until the last minute to apply for your Visa and don't book anything you can't cancel until it's approved.
Visa Finder: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...sa/visa-finder
These links may be useful.
Sydney map: https://goo.gl/maps/PFmeA45BAKXruh4F8
Visit Sydney: https://www.sydney.com/
Blue Mountains: https://tinyurl.com/yc28vadd
Visit Melbourne: https://www.visitmelbourne.com/
Melbourne map: https://goo.gl/maps/3iDQCJqzVdjtVGXL6
Brisbane map: https://tinyurl.com/496kd2ed
With only 7 days (hopefully excluding arrival and departure days), you could easily and justifiably spend the entire time in and around any of the 3 cities you've nominated - or have a few days in two of them. It really depends on your interests; what specifically you want to see & do and where those things are in relation to each other.
Do be aware though, that Australia is not a cheap holiday destination, although you have a big advantage with the current FX exchange rate being heavily in USD favour.
To give you an idea of prices, you might have a look at www.booking.com for accommodation for your specific dates in each of the cities. We generally suggest visitors consider a self catering apartment /apartment hotel rather than traditional hotels when they are staying more than a night. More space, laundry & kitchen facilities and rates comparable and often better than hotels.
You mention food. There is no shortage of excellent, fresh food in Australia. The latest Australian Good Food Guide awards will give you an idea of some of what is available. Of course, there are also many great small restaurants/cafes/bistros that also serve wonderful food at very reasonable prices. https://www.agfg.com.au/
September is Spring in Australia and a great time to be here.
Hope this has been useful. Come back when you have a rough Itinerary and we will be glad to help you refine it. And/or - hop onto the Australian Forum at Trip Advisor Forums, which is much more active than this one.
I would be very careful about booking anything through third parties/consolidators like Expedia. They may look like great deals (and they may be), but I would want to confirm direct with the airlines/accommodation providers etc., And, if you book through a 3rd party and something goes wrong, the providers will only deal with the 3rd party who did the booking, not with you. That's just me. I travel a good deal and always do my own bookings direct.
Last edited by Bokhara2; May 18th, 2024 at 12:56 AM.
May 18th, 2024, 05:22 AM
#3
$1200-$1400 for flight+hotel
If coming from the US, that's an awesome price for return flight and hotel. Coach tickets to Europe from my state in the US have been running around $1,200 return for months, and that's without hotel.
I've only used Expedia a few times...once it worked out great as everything went to plan. The other times, not-so-much as there was a big problem (COVID) and it was an ordeal. Just know that if issues arise, you're setting yourself up for a fight.
We found Australia rather expensive when we lived there, but post-COVID inflation has made the US an expensive destination too. I have no idea how Australia has fared inflation-wise.
The food and wine is fantastic...you're in for a treat.
September was one of my favorite months in Australia - wildflower season - and cool!
If coming from the US, that's an awesome price for return flight and hotel. Coach tickets to Europe from my state in the US have been running around $1,200 return for months, and that's without hotel.
I've only used Expedia a few times...once it worked out great as everything went to plan. The other times, not-so-much as there was a big problem (COVID) and it was an ordeal. Just know that if issues arise, you're setting yourself up for a fight.
We found Australia rather expensive when we lived there, but post-COVID inflation has made the US an expensive destination too. I have no idea how Australia has fared inflation-wise.
The food and wine is fantastic...you're in for a treat.
September was one of my favorite months in Australia - wildflower season - and cool!
May 18th, 2024, 08:15 PM
#4
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Australia is bigger than most people think.
Australia – size map: https://www.virtualoceania.net/austr...ustralia.shtml
This is a good link to start with:
Australia - Tourism: https://www.australia.com/en
I see from a previous post that you are from the US. You are correct, all visitors to Australia require a Visa. (Except New Zealand citizens). The nationality of your passport will determine which Visa/s you are eligible for. Don't leave it until the last minute to apply for your Visa and don't book anything you can't cancel until it's approved.
Visa Finder: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...sa/visa-finder
These links may be useful.
Sydney map: https://goo.gl/maps/PFmeA45BAKXruh4F8
Visit Sydney: https://www.sydney.com/
Blue Mountains: https://tinyurl.com/yc28vadd
Visit Melbourne: https://www.visitmelbourne.com/
Melbourne map: https://goo.gl/maps/3iDQCJqzVdjtVGXL6
Brisbane map: https://tinyurl.com/496kd2ed
With only 7 days (hopefully excluding arrival and departure days), you could easily and justifiably spend the entire time in and around any of the 3 cities you've nominated - or have a few days in two of them. It really depends on your interests; what specifically you want to see & do and where those things are in relation to each other.
Do be aware though, that Australia is not a cheap holiday destination, although you have a big advantage with the current FX exchange rate being heavily in USD favour.
To give you an idea of prices, you might have a look at www.booking.com for accommodation for your specific dates in each of the cities. We generally suggest visitors consider a self catering apartment /apartment hotel rather than traditional hotels when they are staying more than a night. More space, laundry & kitchen facilities and rates comparable and often better than hotels.
You mention food. There is no shortage of excellent, fresh food in Australia. The latest Australian Good Food Guide awards will give you an idea of some of what is available. Of course, there are also many great small restaurants/cafes/bistros that also serve wonderful food at very reasonable prices. https://www.agfg.com.au/
September is Spring in Australia and a great time to be here.
Hope this has been useful. Come back when you have a rough Itinerary and we will be glad to help you refine it. And/or - hop onto the Australian Forum at Trip Advisor Forums, which is much more active than this one.
I would be very careful about booking anything through third parties/consolidators like Expedia. They may look like great deals (and they may be), but I would want to confirm direct with the airlines/accommodation providers etc., And, if you book through a 3rd party and something goes wrong, the providers will only deal with the 3rd party who did the booking, not with you. That's just me. I travel a good deal and always do my own bookings direct.
Australia – size map: https://www.virtualoceania.net/austr...ustralia.shtml
This is a good link to start with:
Australia - Tourism: https://www.australia.com/en
I see from a previous post that you are from the US. You are correct, all visitors to Australia require a Visa. (Except New Zealand citizens). The nationality of your passport will determine which Visa/s you are eligible for. Don't leave it until the last minute to apply for your Visa and don't book anything you can't cancel until it's approved.
Visa Finder: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visa...sa/visa-finder
These links may be useful.
Sydney map: https://goo.gl/maps/PFmeA45BAKXruh4F8
Visit Sydney: https://www.sydney.com/
Blue Mountains: https://tinyurl.com/yc28vadd
Visit Melbourne: https://www.visitmelbourne.com/
Melbourne map: https://goo.gl/maps/3iDQCJqzVdjtVGXL6
Brisbane map: https://tinyurl.com/496kd2ed
With only 7 days (hopefully excluding arrival and departure days), you could easily and justifiably spend the entire time in and around any of the 3 cities you've nominated - or have a few days in two of them. It really depends on your interests; what specifically you want to see & do and where those things are in relation to each other.
Do be aware though, that Australia is not a cheap holiday destination, although you have a big advantage with the current FX exchange rate being heavily in USD favour.
To give you an idea of prices, you might have a look at www.booking.com for accommodation for your specific dates in each of the cities. We generally suggest visitors consider a self catering apartment /apartment hotel rather than traditional hotels when they are staying more than a night. More space, laundry & kitchen facilities and rates comparable and often better than hotels.
You mention food. There is no shortage of excellent, fresh food in Australia. The latest Australian Good Food Guide awards will give you an idea of some of what is available. Of course, there are also many great small restaurants/cafes/bistros that also serve wonderful food at very reasonable prices. https://www.agfg.com.au/
September is Spring in Australia and a great time to be here.
Hope this has been useful. Come back when you have a rough Itinerary and we will be glad to help you refine it. And/or - hop onto the Australian Forum at Trip Advisor Forums, which is much more active than this one.
I would be very careful about booking anything through third parties/consolidators like Expedia. They may look like great deals (and they may be), but I would want to confirm direct with the airlines/accommodation providers etc., And, if you book through a 3rd party and something goes wrong, the providers will only deal with the 3rd party who did the booking, not with you. That's just me. I travel a good deal and always do my own bookings direct.
May 18th, 2024, 08:56 PM
#5
I'm Australian. Know all of those areas well. We are an Island, Country & Continent. There is no shortage of beaches here. Of the three cities you have nominated, Sydney has the most accessible beaches. Have a look at the map I posted.
Truly, you do not need a Travel Agent. Generally speaking, they will send you to places that garner the most commission for them, by the routes & manner that garner the most commission for them.
If you are only coming for a week - 10 days, it's hardly going to be a complicated Itinerary or exercise.
1)Get a Visa.
2) Decide where you want to go, what you want to do and how long that will take.
3)Book a flight from wherever you live* to Sydney. If you are going to visit another city, look at an "open jaw" flight. Into one city, out of another.
4) Book accommodation.
Done!
Don't over complicate what is really a very simple thing.
* It would assist those responding if you indicate what city & State you live in.
If you would like help with pricing/accommodation - give us a range/night in AUD.
Truly, you do not need a Travel Agent. Generally speaking, they will send you to places that garner the most commission for them, by the routes & manner that garner the most commission for them.
If you are only coming for a week - 10 days, it's hardly going to be a complicated Itinerary or exercise.
1)Get a Visa.
2) Decide where you want to go, what you want to do and how long that will take.
3)Book a flight from wherever you live* to Sydney. If you are going to visit another city, look at an "open jaw" flight. Into one city, out of another.
4) Book accommodation.
Done!
Don't over complicate what is really a very simple thing.
* It would assist those responding if you indicate what city & State you live in.
If you would like help with pricing/accommodation - give us a range/night in AUD.
Last edited by Bokhara2; May 18th, 2024 at 08:59 PM.
May 19th, 2024, 10:44 AM
#6
None of the cities you mention will be cheap but you can find accommodation that is on the budget side if you book ahead. Brisbane will likely have the best weather as its the furthest north, Melbourne will be cooler but you may have sunny days.
From Brisbane you could see the Gold Coast which has beautiful beaches but a lot of high rise concrete hotels. There is a train from Brisbane airport to the Gold Coast and then trams or buses once you're there. You could also fly into/out of Gold Coast airport. Check the airtrain website if you might do this as there is major construction work at present and sometimes cancellations on certain lines.
I think Sydney might suit you best, easy to access beaches, museums, galleries, ferry rides, it's a popular tourist destination for a reason.
From Brisbane you could see the Gold Coast which has beautiful beaches but a lot of high rise concrete hotels. There is a train from Brisbane airport to the Gold Coast and then trams or buses once you're there. You could also fly into/out of Gold Coast airport. Check the airtrain website if you might do this as there is major construction work at present and sometimes cancellations on certain lines.
I think Sydney might suit you best, easy to access beaches, museums, galleries, ferry rides, it's a popular tourist destination for a reason.
May 19th, 2024, 02:09 PM
#7
I agree, KayF. For such a short visit, Sydney ticks all of the OP's boxes, particularly if they are proposing only to use public transport.
Brisbane is lovely but as you say, it's a train (or car) trip to the Gold Coast for beaches and those reached most easily by a combination of train & GLine tram (Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach) do have high rise hotels & apartments just across the road from them. The Sunshine Coast (Noosa etc.) is gorgeous, but not very convenient to reach by public transport. If the OP was willing to rent & drive a car, that would be a good option, too. Queensland will be warmer than Sydney.
Brisbane is lovely but as you say, it's a train (or car) trip to the Gold Coast for beaches and those reached most easily by a combination of train & GLine tram (Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach) do have high rise hotels & apartments just across the road from them. The Sunshine Coast (Noosa etc.) is gorgeous, but not very convenient to reach by public transport. If the OP was willing to rent & drive a car, that would be a good option, too. Queensland will be warmer than Sydney.
May 31st, 2024, 03:25 PM
#8
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Believe Bokhara
I can’t stress enough what good advice Bokhara gives about booking direct with airlines, hotels etc. you will usually get a better price because third parties have to pay a commission (unless they buy bulk and have to sell back empty seats/rooms) and, indeed, if there is any problem the hosts won’t help you.
Also, we never use travel agents. Many of them, unless they specialize in niche areas and charge for it, have never been to the places they are selling and they will steer you to high commission places that are not necessarily optimum.
Do your research online by looking at travel forums and reading LOTS of reviews. And read up on your destination beforehand, something many people don’t bother with.
Also, we never use travel agents. Many of them, unless they specialize in niche areas and charge for it, have never been to the places they are selling and they will steer you to high commission places that are not necessarily optimum.
Do your research online by looking at travel forums and reading LOTS of reviews. And read up on your destination beforehand, something many people don’t bother with.
Jun 1st, 2024, 07:06 PM
#9
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If you mention beaches, to include swimming, September is too cool (for me) to swim, in Sydney, certainly in Melbourne, and marginally (for me) on the Gold Coast. September is the beginning of spring, a great time to be in Sydney (where I live), but swimming - no, thanks
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