If you could go to Australia...

[spottedslug]

Where would you go?

I have an opportunity to travel there in November... I am just starting to do research. For those of you who live there or a visited. Where would you stay (what city?)given that you had a week or two. And what would you say we should see? It would be me, my husband, and our two kids (ages 5 and 8).

[pony_magick]

Ditch Oz and come to New Zealand!! Nice place if it wasn't so full of the Aussie. Other than that I've only been a few times ages ago so I can't help.

[kaoskat]

I....... I don't know..... The beach? Yeah! The beach!

[CadePony]

I wouldn't know where I would want to go if I were to travel to Australia. I think I would rather go to New Zealand instead, or Tahiti... whichever comes first. xD

[Princess Lala]

Um...doesnt matter, as long as where you go has a store with  Tim Tams DUH! 

For real, I would like to visit! Only downside is (from the American's view) that everything there will kill you! xD At least thats what my husband says! I would really have to convince him. I understand the snakes, box jellies, kickboxing roos, giant spiders, etc etc but I would still go down unda'! Hes not as...brave as me.

Queensland. I HAVE to go to the beeeaaaccchhhh there! Its on my bucket list!!! I actually saw a movie (i think it was mermaid movie!?) back in early highschool and it was shot at that beach. Oh. My. Gosh! I would soooooo love a weekend on that sand with some spf 100+! Hey, im whiter as milk lol I need my skin protectant! After a good day of relaxation, photographing the sealife, and shell collecting I would just visit a grocery store and buy 10 packs of tim tams and chow down on them in a hotel! I would even ship more back over to my house!

 Oh my jeeeeze i need to eat some right now. I have Arnotts! *runs into kitchen*

[melodys_angel]

I haven't been, but I would try to find somewhere that wont have a spike in temperatures--since it will be summer there when you do go.

Hopefully a local can tell you a bit more

[ashes]

My dad lived there for two years when he was in his 20s, and he loved it.  He's always wanted to go back.

Right now my SIL's current boyfriend is Australian, and they've spend a lot of time traveling back and forth between the US and Oz.  I'll have to ask them what are good places to visit.

[Sebby6]

We really enjoyed the arena around Philip Island; the caves, the penguin parade, the wildlife place where you could feed kangaroos. Lots of cool stuff down there.
Sidney is nice, but a little overrun with back packers

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Anywhere I can gorge myself with Tim Tams and let the dingoes come to eat me because I can't waddle away fast enough...

[Skeen]

We have family in South Australia so when we go that's where we travel to.  The Barossa Valley is lovely and full of wineries and wildlife preserves, and isn't as overrun with tourists as the more traditional vacation spots.  One of my favorite places is the Gorge Wildlife Park, but Adelaide is also a nice city, and you can travel out to Kangaroo Island or head south to Second Valley (the beach). 

[Loa]

I'd probably recommend Sydney if you want a full "Australian" experience of zoo's, opera house and Aussies.
Melbourne is more cultured, but Victoria (the state) is amazing scenically.

Queensland (Gold Coast and Brisbane) is hotter, but the Gold Coast has theme parks the girls might enjoy.

(Honestly, if I know Ember even a little, she'll enjoy Sydney and Melbourne for the museums and books!)

Most Aussie Zoo's give you the Koala experience, and you can see most animals up close.
I'd recommend downloading or buying Bill Bryson's book on Australia, as its a very funny book with some nice ideas.

[Galactica]

Oooh- I've always wanted to visit Australia - and New Zealand!

My boss just went to Sydney- he said it was an amazing city, really one of the most amazing city's in the world (and he travels a lot).

I've always wanted to go diving along the Great Barrier Reef...

[kiwimlp]

We went to the Gold Coast a few years back and had a blast.  It's definitely a pretty touristy destination (if you know what I mean) and has a great night life if you want to party. Otherwise you can visit the theme parks and walk along the beach, or through the gardens. 

[dashesndots]

I've only been to Perth and the surrounding Swan River Valley myself, cause that's where my husband is from, but it's very nice over there too!  Not nearly as touristy, and the city is much smaller and quieter, but there's still plenty to see and do - Rottnest Island being the big one, especially if you like to bike!

[Loa]

I have to warn you - the place is FULL of Australians.