Questions about Perth Australia and Sydney Australia and New Zealand.?

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Phil

I can't help you with the Australia questions, as I haven't been there.

Most people don't really go to New Zealand for the cities. If that's definitely what you want to do, Wellington is my favourite, but it would be a shame to miss out on the stunning countryside in both islands. A week isn't long enough to do much, though, so you'd be best off doing some research and deciding where to focus your trip.

Murray H

I would suggest Dunedin New Zealand. Visit the Southern most albatross colony in the world, Larnach's Castle, the recently done up Railway Station and the Taeri Gorge Railway.
The station recently was nominated as a world wide wonder but weather it gets any where is still up for grabs

try nz.com or google earth

DakotaNZ

Take Ken E's advice about NZ. Don't go to the major cities you can do that in any country. You should really check out the beautiful smaller places. Ken E is bang on the nail with everything he said. I am originally from the North Island from Whakatane, and he has named some definite must sees. However I now live in the south island in Wanaka near Queenstown, and it will definitely be hopping in August. You really need to pick one island to visit, and they are both amazing. I think if you are coming in winter, you would find the South Island awesome, especially Central Otago with snow capped mountains and super clean lakes and rivers. check out this website to help you make up your mind www.tourism.net.nz

Aussie Hannah

1. things to do in perth:
I live in perth, and as much as i love it, there isnt a LOT to do in the city itself...there are some nice small towns within a 2-3 hour drive of Perth. There are nice things to see in the rest of the state of western australia but they are atleast a day drive away if not 2, and its not worth sacrificing 2-4 days to driving if you're only spending a week in the west, and flying is expensive, especially if you're coming to us from the USA where flights are cheap, we don't have that "cheap flight" luxury here in the west yet..

Also, don't get confused when people talk about Fremantle, despite how people talk about it, it is actually PART of Perth (even though it usually appears as a seperate dot on some world maps..) Fremantle is a port in Perth, quite a bit of history involved and over the weekend it is quite lively with street performers and stuff. its quite an "ARTY" suburb of Perth, a lot of "hippies" and stuff (i dont want to sound predjudice, its just how fremantle is known) (it was seen in one of the Amazing Race series) theres an old prison and churches and stuff you can look at, as well as markets that are open Friday - Sunday (nothing amazing, but worth a look) theres one main "strip" through fremantle (nicknamed the cappuccino strip...due to the number of cafes on it) it has a lot of good coffee stops. You could probably cover Fremantle in a day (on a Friday- Sunday...mid week could be a little quiet and boring)

theres also a little island off the coast of perth, called Rottnest, it used to be a "prison" island for Aboriginal Prisoners. its pretty cool, theres little animals on the island called Quokkas, (they kind of look like a cross between a rat and a small kangaroo, and are about the size of a cat..) and its the only place in the world you can see them in the wild...its a sweet island, great beaches and minimal development. theres strict regulations on it, so when you go there you feel like you've gone back in time...theres no cars allowed on the island (except for a few vehicles that service the island (like ambulances and things) ) so you have to walk around, or use the key transport of bicycles (which you can hire there..) you catch a ferry from fremantle to get there, costs about 40$AUD for a return day trip.. you can rent chalets if you choose to stay over night

as for the rest of Perth, the CBD itself isnt THAT interesting, a bit of shopping, just outsid of the CBD theres a large park (Kings Park) which is quite nice, botanic Gardens and all (august might be a touch early for the wildflowers though) theres some beaches on the on the coast that are nice in the northern suburbs of perth, not much to see in the southern suburbs of perth. theres also a nature reserve/wildlife park called Whiteman Park, where you can see/feed native australian animals. you could do the rest of perth (CBD/kings park/beaches) in 2 days max, unless you want to be really in depth

so in general, to get a glimpse of Perth, theres

- Fremantle,
- Rottnest
- rest of the city..

2. No idea about sydney, but i've been 3 or 4 time (5 ish days each) and still havent seen it all...

3. FLY from perth to sydney, its something like a 4 or 5 day drive, and you see the same thing pretty much the whole way...desert/bush/desert/bush =) drive for (less than) and hour out of perth and you can see the same thing if you want to see bush and desert, because it gets boring after about, oh and hour..

4. I havent been to New Zealand (outside of an airport) but Auckland Airport is great...i had a 14 hour stop over there...very nice airport...so im sure the city is nice too...

- Hope you have a GREAT time in Aus/NZ.!

tentofield

Perth to Sydney is about 4000km, it will take you a while to drive it. If you don't want to fly - which is obviously the quickest - take the Indian Pacific, the train that crosses the continent. Go either first or second class with a sleeper, you really don't want to sit up for three days. First Class is very comfortable. There is much to see in Perth and much more in Sydney. I suggest you read Bill Bryson's book "Down Under" before you decide, it will give you lots of good ideas.

Dino

Yes, Australia is a very beautiful place for tour and you can enjoy lots there. for more information about australia hotel booking and other information you can find at http://www.roomseeker.com.au/

Ranisha

I can't help you with the Australian questions but I can with the New Zealand ones.

*After Sydney we want to fly to New Zealand. We donâ€™t know too much about New Zealand so I think we should just go to the capital (Wellington)?
Wellington is a good place to have a holiday but you can get lost with its big buildings, you can visit:The Wellington Museum (and its free), beehive(where NZ do their politicians), beaches and I think that's it, they don't have many places to visit.

*But what other city suggestion do you make on where to go in New Zealand? (Rather than going to Wellington)?
Auckland city it is very beautiful but when you go inside the city you can get lost, places to visit:casinos(in city) sky tower ( it is NZ's tallest building) malls (heaps and heaps) and other enjoyable things to visit check on guides that you can find in flight centres about NZ (New Zealand).

-â™¥-Awake and Unafraid-â™¥-

perth is not a big city, there is not much to see, but a trip to kings park is a must, very beautiful at twilight, fremantle is always good for markets, shopping and seeing the boats.

if your the adventurous sort, try parasailng etc on the swan river.

the actual city is good for general entertainment but just ok for shopping.

and the beaches are really really nice in summer. try trigg for big waves and sorrento for relaxing. And you cannot leave without eatng some fish & chips.

**rottnest for snorkling and cycling**

cookiedough

I don't know much about Perth but my boyfriend is working there and I don't think there is that much to do.

I was in Sydney for a week a couple year back and we went to visit the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the famous Blue Mountains and we also did some quad biking in some desert that I don't remember the name. But it was heaps of fun.

OK NOW FOR NEW ZEALAND! I was there for like 6 months during an exchange and if you want to know more you can check out my blog and photos which is strictly about my stay there at yixianinkiwiland.blogspot.com

Wellington has nothing much honestly. It's just the main city. There is the museum Te papa and then the government houses.. but generally it's just another CBD area and nothing that interesting for me in particular.

Auckland is also yet another city area but it's cool to go up to the Sky Tower to take a look down below at the view! :) Can also ferry across to Devonport.

Coromandel Area is REALLY nice.. if you get good weather that is. And it's easier if you drive to get to the places you want to see like Cathedral Cove and the Hot Water Beach as they do not have a convenient and efficient transport area for that region.. so a car is def. recommended. It's pretty easy and straight forward to drive anyway. Tons of beaches and spectacular views!

Waitomo has nothing much and 1 day is enough just to see the glow worm caves. Can give it a pass though unless you have extra time.

Rotorua is good to visit geothermal areas (wai-o-tapu and Hell's Gate.. Wai-o-tapu is better though) and do activities like zorbing (where you go into this huge ball and they douse you with warm water and down the hill you go! Looks silly but it's actually REALLY fun!) They also have canyon swing, skydiving... but for skydiving I recommend next stop.. which is..

TAUPO!!! Lake Taupo is the size of Singapore, where I am from. YOU HAVE TO SKYDIVE IF YOU COME HERE! The view is spectular and the rates are one of the cheaper ones. It's really beautiful too. If you are fit, do the Tongariro Crossing which is a walk that takes up to a day but is really famous for the geothermal views it has. We wanted to but bad weather forced it to be closed.

Tauranga is not really a visitor spot but its beautiful here. The houses look like those from Wisteria Lane in Desperate Housewives and they have really nice cafes and beaches to just chill.

Palmerston North is a student city so nothing much of interest here.

Wellington like I said, mostly CBD area unless you are really into the musuem and looking at the government buildings.. but I rather look at nature ..!

Take a ferry and come down to South Island which many people agree is the more beautiful island!

Christchurch where I stayed for a few months is beautiful -- garden city indeed. Go to Cathedral Square, take a tram. Go paragliding at Sumner Beach. Can visit New Brighton Beach which I find beautiful too. Nearby up north I think is Hamner Springs and Akaroa! Hamner Springs is really nice too.

I didn't go Dunedin but its another student city.. but you see cute penguins and the buildings and architecture of Otago Uni is really nice. That's where cadbury is too if I am not wrong.

Take the Tranzscenic Train http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/ wher it was voted as one of the top 10 scenic rides in the world too!

Queenstown is the action packed area where most tourist would go. It's abit overpriced at times but totally exciting. Do the AJ Hackett bungy jump at 134m. I was too chicken and paid just to follow my friends up and watch them jump. I didn't dare to jump myself. Haha! Also have skydiving, rafting, jetboat skiing, the works!

One thing I really recommend if possible is to catch a flight over south island and grab a window seat. The view is breathtaking and you get to see all the formations of the mountains and ridges and lakes etc. Go to airnewzealand.com and check their "Grab a seat" promotion as they have new updates daily! I got my flight between Christchurch and Queenstown for NZ$39. No extra charges! Totally worth it.

I hope I haven't bored you but New Zealand is really SO SO BEAUTIFUL! I hope you spend MORE time there than perth or sydney actually. Haha.

Hope I helped!!!!

Snowman1234

You've asked a huge and very subjective set of questions, which will be confusing to communicate and answer. So my best attempt is to make you aware of the very good National Tourism Site of Australia and the State and Territory websites.

These are well researched and understand the things that make the visits most special.

Australia:http://www.tourismrankings.com
NSW:http://www.tourismrankings.com/Australia/States-Cities/New-South-Wales/
QLD:http://www.tourismrankings.com/Australia/States-Cities/Queensland/
TAS:http://www.tourismrankings.com/Australia/States-Cities/Tasmania/
Western Aus:http://www.tourismrankings.com/Australia/States-Cities/Western-Australia/
Victoria:http://www.tourismrankings.com/Australia/States-Cities/Victoria/
South Australia:http://www.tourismrankings.com/Australia/States-Cities/South-Australia/
NT:http://www.tourismrankings.com/Australia/States-Cities/Northern-Territory/
ACT:http://www.tourismrankings.com/Australia/States-Cities/Australian-Capital-Territory/

New Zealand:http://www.tourismrankings.com/New-Zealand/

Your most important vacation assets are time, so choose journey's between places if they offer you value in he experience, otherwise fly.

For accommodation in the big places use Cheaperthanhotels - Australia and New Zealand - there are others but these are very useful for booking places outside of the last minute period and also inside it:

Australia:http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com.au/Australia/
Sydney:http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com.au/Australia/Sydney/
Melbourne:http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com.au/Australia/Melbourne/
Perth:http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com.au/Australia/Perth/

NZ:http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com.au/New-Zealand/
Wellington:http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com.au/New-Zealand/Wellington/

You can sort the results by location, price, star rating and last minute or year round. Locating close to the attractions you want to see will save you a lot of time.

Ken E

From Perth the Margaret River area and the Pinnacles, which is a day trip from Perth. Perth to Sydney is like Los Angeles to Washington, it is a LONG way and half the trip is over desert. Use a plane. Sydney - obvious things -Opera House, Harbour Bridge - you can walk over it and even climb to the top on a guided tour. Hyde Park and the Domain are worth a casual stroll. Try Luna Park, also the Darling Harbour museums -there is a 200 year old working steam engine and another over 150 years old, just for a start. Take the Manly Ferry. Get a tour out to Blackheath and Katoomba for some mountain scenery, check out the (false but romantic) story of Govett's Leap. Go to Jenolan Caves.

New Zealand -North Island, I'd recommend the Bay of Islands and Rotorua, take a look at Lake Taupo and the central volcanoes down the "Desert Road". Napier on the east coast for the art deco buildings. Whakatane on the bay of Plenty is supposed to have been one of the original landing places of the Maori people. Waitomo Caves are worth looking at. South Island - Skiing will be on near Queenstown and the place will be jumping in August.

itchyfeet

What in particular do you want to see in Perth? It is only a small place, and while being pretty, the city isn't very exciting. The flight alone will take you a good four hours so I would suggest that being your best route.

Btw, Bill Bryson's book, while being entertaining isn't exactly the best resource on the country. Go and check out lonelyplanet.com or frommers.com for some more information.

nativeAZ

Can't help you with Oz but it would be Such a waste to go to NZ and only do the boring commonplace city of Wellington. The South Island is better than the North, more to do and see. I would recommend flying into Christchurch instead and renting a car to travel along the South for the week. If you really want, you can take the ferry across to the North for a day or two as well.

One of my favorite places is Kaikoura at the North end of the South island, nice little town with gorgeous mountains and sunsets. Lots to do including shark diving, seasonal whale watching, large seal colonies you can walk out to, horse back riding, and even fly a small plane yourself with the local flight club. The tourist centres in all NZ cities are top notch and should be your first stop for info.

I also highly recommend the Southern Scenic Drive between Dunedin & Queenstown, allow two days but can be done in one if you really want. Dunedin is a great town as well but not too much to do, some gorgeous old architecture and a great penguin sighting tour offered by Twilight Tours. Queenstown is a must see if you are into the adventure sports otherwise a beautiful pass through. The glaciers are just outside of that. If you are the outdoorsy type, you might want to devote some time to driving up the West Coast of the South Island and doing some hiking and kayaking.

Christchurch can be a nice day trip but not too much to do there. There used to be the bone carving studio where you could make your own necklace as a souvenir but I think it closed. The aquarium in the square is worth a look for the Kiwi bird exhibit and the Animal Preserve outside of town is also enjoyable.

If you do the North Island, I would recommend Rotorua for the hot pools, the geyser park, and the Maori Village and Shows. If you are not afraid of heights, the Waitomo Caves are amazing but you have to stretch out onto a trapeze type thing with no restraints looking straight down hundreds of feet BEFORE they can strap you in to repel into the cave. My legs nearly gave out and our guide said he had a pilot that couldn't even make it.

It depends a lot on what you like and want to do. There is Soooo much to do and see in NZ you will probably end up wanting to come back for another 2-weeks! I recommend going to your local library, getting a guidebook, and picking your favorites. But don't waste your trip on boring Wellington.

purplebuggy

I haven't spent much time in Perth but try checking out Freemantle. There's lots of shops around there and a couple of pubs too.

Sydney - there's heaps for tourists. You can climb the Harbour Bridge, visit Bondi Beach (Sundays they have a market too), you could also go outside of town and visit the Blue Mountains on a day trip - it's pretty nice there. I'd recommend taking a ferry from Circular Quay (near the Harbour Bridge and visiting Taronga Zoo. Not only will you get to see lots of Australian animals but it has a spectacular view of the harbour and the ferries are a major part of that (as much as it pains me to say it sometimes!!) Around Circular Quay there is The Rocks Precinct. You'll find lots of little shops around there and lots of bars too. (The Lowenbrau, although German style, is excellent for meals and some oompa oompa music as entertainment too. It gets booked out pretty early though)

I wouldn't recommend travelling from Perth to Sydney by bus - te plane flight alone is really long. (You'd be looking at constant driving for over 24hrs by bus) but that's just me, it depends on your budget if you want to do that or not.

Have fun!

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