To all Australian board members....

The Crazy Collector · 11-08-2009, 02:33 AM

I'm planning a trip to Australia sometime next March or April. I'll probably have a week or two to visit, sooooo....

Any tips on good places to stay or fun/interesting sites to visit? What kind of public transportation is available? Trains? Buses? How easy is it for the average Joe to get from city to city without a car? Does one need a visa to enter the country (or any other kind of special paperwork)? If you were going to recommend one place to see or visit, or one cultural experience unique to Australia to try, what would it be?

I don't know much about the land down under, but I know I want to go, and I want to have a good time! Thanks in advance for any tips or advice!

JetRaid · 11-08-2009, 02:49 AM

Walk the Sydney harbor bridge, see all the big things (Giant Prawn, Giant Banana, Giant Marino) Opera house, Great barrier Reef. And if your into culture go to see some aboriginal stuff, its amazing. That's all I can think of right now but I'm sure SydneyY and other Australian TFWers will help.

And it is very easy to get around Australia. And their are lots of buses in Sydney. And yes you need a Visa to enter the country.

http://www.australia.com/index.aspx

Treadshot A1 · 11-08-2009, 03:05 AM

Let's see... Considering you're asking about going between cities, you're going to the east coast of Australia, right? In that case, i can't help you much, since i'm stuck in Perth, and there's really nothing to do here.

red4 · 11-08-2009, 03:11 AM

I'd tame the outback.

JetRaid · 11-08-2009, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treadshot A1

Let's see... Considering you're asking about going between cities, you're going to the east coast of Australia, right? In that case, i can't help you much, since i'm stuck in Perth, and there's really nothing to do here.

You don't know boredom until you have lived in Canberra.

red4 · 11-08-2009, 03:16 AM

I've got a couple of Aussie friends who entertain the idea of tossing deadly snakes (read: regular Australian snakes) into their neighbor's yard to silence their dogs.

JetRaid · 11-08-2009, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red4

I've got a couple of Aussie friends who entertain the idea of tossing deadly snakes (read: regular Australian snakes) into their neighbor's yard to silence their dogs.

The snake would probably kill the person before they threw them. And that never happens :\

llamatron · 11-08-2009, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Crazy Collector

I'm planning a trip to Australia sometime next March or April. I'll probably have a week or two to visit, sooooo....

Any tips on good places to stay or fun/interesting sites to visit? What kind of public transportation is available? Trains? Buses? How easy is it for the average Joe to get from city to city without a car? Does one need a visa to enter the country (or any other kind of special paperwork)? If you were going to recommend one place to see or visit, or one cultural experience unique to Australia to try, what would it be?

I don't know much about the land down under, but I know I want to go, and I want to have a good time! Thanks in advance for any tips or advice!

If you're coming from the USA you'll most likely touch down in Melbourne and frankly that's probably the best city in the country. Within cities there is plenty of public transport - buses, trains, trams, ferries etc (depending on the city). Traveling from city to city is sometimes possible by train but often planes are far easier, quicker and not really any more expensive.

Visas - I believe there is some kind of visa waiver agreement with the USA so you won't need to seek special permission to enter the country - just get on the plane and fill out the entry card once you arrive. However keep in mind that if you have any criminal record you may be refused entry.

There are plenty of things to do on the East Coast. Melbourne's got all the "culture" (what little there is) and is far nicer than Sydney. Queensland has lots of tropical fun and decent beach areas. If the outback (desert) is your thing then you'll want to visit the Northern Territory (warning: it's a shithole) or Western Australia (less of a shithole).

I'll see if I can think up some good places to visit. Not entirely sure at the moment.

JetRaid · 11-08-2009, 04:02 AM

Yeah the gold coast is awesome!

And I agree, most people say that Sydney is the best city in Australia but Melbourne is. I live in the hole called Canberra

And the Victorian markets have cheap Transformers!

SydneyY · 11-08-2009, 09:40 AM

As always you can't go wrong following llamatron's advice

Quote:

Originally Posted by JetRaid

Walk the Sydney harbor bridge, see all the big things (Giant Prawn, Giant Banana, Giant Marino) Opera house, Great barrier Reef. And if your into culture go to see some aboriginal stuff, its amazing. That's all I can think of right now but I'm sure SydneyY and other Australian TFWers will help.

Actually I suggested TCC to post a thread, since I've never really been to anywhere and can't be much of help. Been to ACT twice though!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Treadshot A1

Let's see... Considering you're asking about going between cities, you're going to the east coast of Australia, right? In that case, i can't help you much, since i'm stuck in Perth, and there's really nothing to do here.

But Australia sells Perth as "the most beautiful city in the world" to Japanese tourists

If I google in Japanese Perth comes up first. I'd love to go one day. I guess it's hard to go there though, especially if visitors' time is limited.