Australia 2022

[Budmiester]

Originally Posted by Poppycat

If you are in Sydney for a few days definately try to get out to the Blue Mountains, they are stunning. Hunter Valley is another great day trip, just don't offer to be designated driver for the day

Brisbane - Surfers paradise in the Gold Coast and Byron Bay just down the coast are in easy reach. Gold Coast is about a 4 hour drive south. Both ok, but we preferred the more natural beaches up North. Loved Port Macquarie, but may be too far for you to drive South from Brissy or North from Sydney.

Airlie Beach is a great stop off for the whitsundays and at the Southern tip of the barrier reef, lots of islands to explore..

Cairns - I'd personally stay here over Brisbane if you are short on time. Cape Tribulation rainforest is lovely, make sure you get out to Daintree and a trip up to Kuranda is well worth while. Personally opt for the cable car over the train as the latter takes ages and we needed a taxi to get back to town. Port Douglas preferred over Cairns for accommodation, just more relaxed vibe. Got to spend a very happy Rugby World Cup match night here with jugs of VB

If you are into aquatic a trip out to Green Island for some snorkelling is good. Sad to see a lot of coral had died off last time we went out though. If you get the opportunity, getting a PADI qualification before you go will give you the option to dive on the reef as a qualified diver rather than a shallower buddy dive. Lots of daily dive boats leave from both Cairns and Port Douglas. You should be out of Box jellyfish season (I think) so you won't have to don the very sexy blue jelly fish suits!

Aus is an amazing place to visit and experience.

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Poppycat, are you a mind reader?, I've just spent the last few hours on the "tinterweb" looking at those very things