Travel

SharonClark

(10,421 posts)

10. Good plan but a lot of driving if you only have a few weeks

Thu Jun 22, 2017, 07:50 PM

Jun 2017

Suggestion: Fly into Sydney, visit niece. Fly to Gold Coast (1.5 hours flying vs 9 hours driving), rent a car and tour around the Gold Coast and a little south to the Tweed Valley. Drive or take train to Brisbane and spend a few days there. Fly from Brisbane to Cairns (> 19 hours driving vs 2.5 hours flying) for reef and rainforest. Fly back to Sydney (27 hours driving vs 3 hours flying) and then fly (3 hours) to Auckland (North Island), Wellington (North Island), Christchurch (South Island) or Queensland (South Island) depending on your interests.

I've spent quite a bit of time in both countries and have never been to Cairns (too hot for me).

Hope this helps.

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Planning a trip to Australia and maybe New Zealand. Advice? [View all] Lisa0825 Jun 2017 OP

Don't come back. Doreen Jun 2017 #1

My niece said I should buy a 1-way ticket because i won't want to leave! LOL Lisa0825 Jun 2017 #3

I agree with her. Doreen Jun 2017 #5

I second that motion. Kleveland Jun 2017 #8

Byron Bay is a great place south of Brisbane KeepItReal Jun 2017 #2

Thanks! I will check it out! :-) Lisa0825 Jun 2017 #4

agreed.... dhill926 Jun 2017 #12

fun!!!! we planned the same trip about 10 years ago then we saw.... samnsara Jun 2017 #6

WOW! That sounds exciting! I didn't know that kind of tour existed! nt Lisa0825 Jun 2017 #7

Watch out for the creepy crawlies in Australia. Laffy Kat Jun 2017 #9

Yes! My niece has told me about those too. Lisa0825 Jun 2017 #16

Good plan but a lot of driving if you only have a few weeks SharonClark Jun 2017 #10

Thanks a bunch! Lisa0825 Jun 2017 #13

Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on. rickford66 Jun 2017 #11

I have plenty of vacation time saved, but I don't think I can realistically Lisa0825 Jun 2017 #14

Keep this in mind. rickford66 Jun 2017 #15

Great tips! Thanks! Lisa0825 Jun 2017 #17