Simon DOLBY

Myself and my girlfriend have three weeks (max), in which to travel from
Cairns to Sydney - August 2005.

I have never been to OZ before, and would really welcome some ideas and some
"local" travel tips (Lonely Planet book exhausted!!).

Our aim is to travel down the coast, taking in the Reef, Whitsunday Islands,
Fraser Islands etc etc.

We have a number of questions, that we would be very grateful for feedback
on;

What is the best way to travel?
Would it be more economical to hire, say a camper van?
How reliable is public transport?
Where are the best places to stay & chill out?
Does accommodation need booking in advance - or is it really low season?
Would the weather be sufficiently warm for swimming in the sea (south of
Gladstone)?

Any help would be really appreciated.

Cheers,



Simon Dolby (UK)

Downunder

"Simon DOLBY" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Myself and my girlfriend have three weeks (max), in which to travel from
    > Cairns to Sydney - August 2005.
    > I have never been to OZ before, and would really welcome some ideas and
some
    > "local" travel tips (Lonely Planet book exhausted!!).
    > Our aim is to travel down the coast, taking in the Reef, Whitsunday
Islands,
    > Fraser Islands etc etc.
    > We have a number of questions, that we would be very grateful for feedback
    > on;
    > What is the best way to travel?
    > Would it be more economical to hire, say a camper van?
Camper ok, depending on your budget, if not hire car and either tent or stay
in insite cabins at caravan parks. If you are travelling outside school
holidays these should be available on a drive in and grab one basis.
    > How reliable is public transport?
Hire a car
    > Where are the best places to stay & chill out?
Cairns, Magnetic Isald, Airlie Beach, Fraser island, Noosa Byron bay (so far
are all the typical places), Any on the small coastal places along the way -
lots in NSW (smaller than 10,000 people I mean) and even in Q;ld coast there
are some really interesting small places (like Clearview north of Rocky -
honest! Not much there, but certainly different and not the usual touriost
trap)
    > Does accommodation need booking in advance - or is it really low season?
See above, even if school hols, should be OK(sorry I don't have a school
holidays chart handy)
    > Would the weather be sufficiently warm for swimming in the sea (south of
    > Gladstone)?
From the UKmaybe - depends on how acclimatised you are! if not, probably
not.
    > Any help would be really appreciated.
    > Cheers,
    > Simon Dolby (UK)

Maurice ON4BAM

On Sun, 24 Oct 2004 13:55:32 +0100, "Simon DOLBY"
<[email protected]> wrote:

    >Myself and my girlfriend have three weeks (max), in which to travel from
    >Cairns to Sydney - August 2005.
    >I have never been to OZ before, and would really welcome some ideas and some
    >"local" travel tips (Lonely Planet book exhausted!!).
    >Our aim is to travel down the coast, taking in the Reef, Whitsunday Islands,
    >Fraser Islands etc etc.
    >We have a number of questions, that we would be very grateful for feedback
    >on;
    >What is the best way to travel?
    >Would it be more economical to hire, say a camper van?
    >How reliable is public transport?
    >Where are the best places to stay & chill out?
    >Does accommodation need booking in advance - or is it really low season?
    >Would the weather be sufficiently warm for swimming in the sea (south of
    >Gladstone)?

We did the trip in the opposite direction. We figured that arriving in
Sydney in July would get us temperatures around 15° C and that it
would get warmer as we moved north... That was more enjoyable than
going in the other direction. For a general idea of what we did take a
look at my website. We used a rental car and stayed in hotels/motels
that were pre-booked. As far as we know and saw I guess we could have
gotten away with finding a hotel as we moved along the way.
Enjoy your trip, we did! (I want to go back!!)



Bye Maurice
--
Hamradio: ON4BAM / M0CIL / 9H3Z http://www.on4bam.com/
Travelstories from Alaska, Scotland, South Africa,Iceland,
Faroe Isl., Australia, Norway, Svalbard and IOTA activations

Ross

School Term Dates are available at:

http://www.dest.gov.au/schools/dates.htm


Ross

"Simon DOLBY" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Myself and my girlfriend have three weeks (max), in which to travel from
    > Cairns to Sydney - August 2005.
    > I have never been to OZ before, and would really welcome some ideas and
    > some
    > "local" travel tips (Lonely Planet book exhausted!!).
    > Our aim is to travel down the coast, taking in the Reef, Whitsunday
    > Islands,
    > Fraser Islands etc etc.
    > We have a number of questions, that we would be very grateful for feedback
    > on;
    > What is the best way to travel?
    > Would it be more economical to hire, say a camper van?
    > How reliable is public transport?
    > Where are the best places to stay & chill out?
    > Does accommodation need booking in advance - or is it really low season?
    > Would the weather be sufficiently warm for swimming in the sea (south of
    > Gladstone)?
    > Any help would be really appreciated.
    > Cheers,
    > Simon Dolby (UK)
    >

Frank Slootweg

Simon DOLBY <[email protected]> wrote:
[deleted]
    > Would it be more economical to hire, say a camper van?
[deleted]

More economical than *what*?

We prefer a campervan for the freedom it gives. In general, a small
2WD campervan will probably give about the same total cost as a normal
2WD car with 'cheap' hotels/motels/appartments/cabins/<whatever>. We
mainly use the campervan and occasionally stay in cabins, etc. for the
extra luxury.

Also if you *can* then think about going in a different season. August
is the middle of 'winter', which is not best, but probably beats the UK
any day! :-)

Have a good one.

Simon DOLBY

Thanks - when you say winter, how "cold" does it get?

In the UK, summer gets to the high 70's (at best) - bearing in mind that
most of our time will be north of Gladstone, I was kinda hoping that we
would experience a similar climate to our Summer!!!!! Am I wishful thinking?

On the way home from Oz, we are going via the Cook Islands & Tahiti,
herefore we are hoping to catch a few rays then!

How easy is it to rent a campervan for 3 weeks, and are there lots of places
to park up an night (beach fronts???)

Any suggestions would be more than welcome.

Thanks again.

"Frank Slootweg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Simon DOLBY <[email protected]> wrote:
    > [deleted]
    > > Would it be more economical to hire, say a camper van?
    > [deleted]
    > More economical than *what*?
    > We prefer a campervan for the freedom it gives. In general, a small
    > 2WD campervan will probably give about the same total cost as a normal
    > 2WD car with 'cheap' hotels/motels/appartments/cabins/<whatever>. We
    > mainly use the campervan and occasionally stay in cabins, etc. for the
    > extra luxury.
    > Also if you *can* then think about going in a different season. August
    > is the middle of 'winter', which is not best, but probably beats the UK
    > any day! :-)
    > Have a good one.

Peter

In article <[email protected]>, Simon DOLBY says...
    > Thanks - when you say winter, how "cold" does it get?
    >
    > In the UK, summer gets to the high 70's (at best) - bearing in mind that
    > most of our time will be north of Gladstone, I was kinda hoping that we
    > would experience a similar climate to our Summer!!!!! Am I wishful thinking?

Too bloody right. You'll be lucky to see any days over 40.

Pete

Simon DOLBY

No way! Are you teasing me?

My travel guide suggest that Brisbane's average temp is approx 68 , with
cairns being in the high 70's (August)

In all honestly, what weather are we likely to receive north of the Tropic
of Capricorn (late August)? I'm getting worried!!!!


"Peter" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected] T...
    > In article <[email protected]>, Simon DOLBY says...
    > > Thanks - when you say winter, how "cold" does it get?
    > >
    > > In the UK, summer gets to the high 70's (at best) - bearing in mind that
    > > most of our time will be north of Gladstone, I was kinda hoping that we
    > > would experience a similar climate to our Summer!!!!! Am I wishful
thinking?
    > Too bloody right. You'll be lucky to see any days over 40.
    > Pete

Peter

In article <[email protected]>, Simon DOLBY says...
    > No way! Are you teasing me?
    >
    > My travel guide suggest that Brisbane's average temp is approx 68 , with
    > cairns being in the high 70's (August)

No way. Either he's pulling your leg or using some outmoded system of
measurement. http://www.atn.com.au/qld.htm has a range of temps, with an
average August maximum of 22.

    > In all honestly, what weather are we likely to receive north of the Tropic
    > of Capricorn (late August)? I'm getting worried!!!!

Very pleasant weather with maximum temperatures between 25 and 30. Low
humidity. You'll love it.

http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/cairns/climate.shtml

Pete

Alan

On Mon, 25 Oct 2004 12:40:04 +0100, "Simon DOLBY"
<[email protected]> wrote:

    >No way! Are you teasing me?
    >My travel guide suggest that Brisbane's average temp is approx 68 , with
    >cairns being in the high 70's (August)
    >In all honestly, what weather are we likely to receive north of the Tropic
    >of Capricorn (late August)? I'm getting worried!!!!
    >"Peter" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    >news:[email protected] ET...
    >> In article <[email protected]>, Simon DOLBY says...
    >> > Thanks - when you say winter, how "cold" does it get?
    >> >
    >> > In the UK, summer gets to the high 70's (at best) - bearing in mind that
    >> > most of our time will be north of Gladstone, I was kinda hoping that we
    >> > would experience a similar climate to our Summer!!!!! Am I wishful
    >thinking?
    >> Too bloody right. You'll be lucky to see any days over 40.
    >> Pete
Hi Simon

You're talking F
Peter's talking C

70 F = 21 C

Anywhere north of Coffs Harbour will be like a pleasant (or even hot)
English Summer in August; even Sydney will seem like Spring.

I live just south of the NSW/Qld border. North of here will be warmer,
south cooler. To get some idea, here is what happened in August this
year in our area:
Coolangatta
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/20...6.200408.shtml
and in Townsville:
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/20...8.200408.shtml
and in Sydney:
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/20...4.200408.shtml

Temp Conversion:
C F
10 50
11 52
12 54
13 56
14 57
15 59
16 61
17 63
18 64
19 66
20 68
21 70
22 72
23 73
24 75
25 77
26 79
27 81
28 82
29 84
30 86


Cheers, Alan
--

Simon DOLBY

Thanks Alan, feel much better now!!!!


"Alan" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > On Mon, 25 Oct 2004 12:40:04 +0100, "Simon DOLBY"
    > <[email protected]> wrote:
    > >No way! Are you teasing me?
    > >
    > >My travel guide suggest that Brisbane's average temp is approx 68 , with
    > >cairns being in the high 70's (August)
    > >
    > >In all honestly, what weather are we likely to receive north of the
Tropic
    > >of Capricorn (late August)? I'm getting worried!!!!
    > >
    > >
    > >"Peter" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    > >news:[email protected] ET...
    > >> In article <[email protected]>, Simon DOLBY says...
    > >> > Thanks - when you say winter, how "cold" does it get?
    > >> >
    > >> > In the UK, summer gets to the high 70's (at best) - bearing in mind
that
    > >> > most of our time will be north of Gladstone, I was kinda hoping that
we
    > >> > would experience a similar climate to our Summer!!!!! Am I wishful
    > >thinking?
    > >>
    > >> Too bloody right. You'll be lucky to see any days over 40.
    > >>
    > >> Pete
    > >
    > Hi Simon
    > You're talking F
    > Peter's talking C
    > 70 F = 21 C
    > Anywhere north of Coffs Harbour will be like a pleasant (or even hot)
    > English Summer in August; even Sydney will seem like Spring.
    > I live just south of the NSW/Qld border. North of here will be warmer,
    > south cooler. To get some idea, here is what happened in August this
    > year in our area:
    > Coolangatta
    > http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/20...6.200408.shtml
    > and in Townsville:
    > http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/20...8.200408.shtml
    > and in Sydney:
    > http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/20...4.200408.shtml
    > Temp Conversion:
    > C F
    > 10 50
    > 11 52
    > 12 54
    > 13 56
    > 14 57
    > 15 59
    > 16 61
    > 17 63
    > 18 64
    > 19 66
    > 20 68
    > 21 70
    > 22 72
    > 23 73
    > 24 75
    > 25 77
    > 26 79
    > 27 81
    > 28 82
    > 29 84
    > 30 86
    > Cheers, Alan
    > --

Bill

Peter <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected] ET>...
    > In article <[email protected]>, Simon DOLBY says...
    > > No way! Are you teasing me?
    > >
    > > My travel guide suggest that Brisbane's average temp is approx 68 , with
    > > cairns being in the high 70's (August)
    >
    > No way. Either he's pulling your leg or using some outmoded system of
    > measurement. http://www.atn.com.au/qld.htm has a range of temps, with an
    > average August maximum of 22.
    >
    > > In all honestly, what weather are we likely to receive north of the Tropic
    > > of Capricorn (late August)? I'm getting worried!!!!
    >
    > Very pleasant weather with maximum temperatures between 25 and 30. Low
    > humidity. You'll love it.
    >
    > http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/cairns/climate.shtml
    >
    > Pete

T-shirt, shorts and thongs (for your feet) weather for QLD.

The locals may start rugging up if it drops below 25ºC! ;-)

Cheers
Bill

Frank Slootweg

Simon DOLBY <[email protected]> wrote:
[Already covered stuff deleted.]
    > How easy is it to rent a campervan for 3 weeks, and are there lots of places
    > to park up an night (beach fronts???)

Should be no problem (if you book in advance). There are many rental
companies, both nation-wide and local ones. Searching this group with
Google Groups on "campervan" should give some pointers.

We mostly camp in "caravan parks" (except sometimes in the bush/
Outback). They are 'everywhwere'

Dj

Simon,

Hi there, just thought I'd put my two bob's worth in to your enquiry.

August is undoubtedly the best time to travel North to anywhere in
Australia.
You'll find that average Sydney Temps are around 18-21C Brisbane would be
around 20-22C average daytime temp with the mornings in both capitals
falling to about 5C. It doesn't get that much colder except in a few
occassions.
When you travel North of Brisbane up towards Cairns, you'll find the temps
climb to around 25-30C but the mornings can be crisp and very cool at around
3-5C but it soon warms up around 9am.
It's very comfortable without the usual high humidity and you'll find plenty
of swimming opportunities up North Queensland as you don't have the worry of
the box jellyfish at this time of the year. North of Mackay, you might be
aware of Crocodiles so it's not too wise to swim in enclosed waters like
rivers etc.
Hiring a vehicle is great as you can do what you please, it's generally not
too busy so pre booking is not really neccasary as there are lots of
hotel/motels along the highways and towns.
Maybe you could stay in some of Queensland big old pubs which have good
atmosphere.

Just be aware though, if you intend on hiring a motorcar or camper of the
insurance cover for the vehicle. People tend to just get the standard cover
but if they have a crash, they could be up for $5,000 access fee. which
means you have to pay the first $5,000 if you prang it, it is best to pay
extra waiver fee to cover this.Having said this, check your travel insurance
which might cover you for this access fee if the unfortunate might happen.

If you hire a camper, you have great freedom to just stop where you want and
the extra cost is not too bad as you don't have to worry about motel/ hotel
accommodation.They also supply maps and other travel help when you book.
Caravan parks in Australia are very good and are constantly upgrading to
attract the tourist dollar but some might be a little laid back for the
backpacker/camping set. cost varies but are very reasonable.

Hope this helps, I'll keep an eye on this thread and if i think of anything
else, i'll add it.


Cheers & welcome

Dave J.
"Simon DOLBY" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Myself and my girlfriend have three weeks (max), in which to travel from
    > Cairns to Sydney - August 2005.
    > I have never been to OZ before, and would really welcome some ideas and
    > some
    > "local" travel tips (Lonely Planet book exhausted!!).
    > Our aim is to travel down the coast, taking in the Reef, Whitsunday
    > Islands,
    > Fraser Islands etc etc.
    > We have a number of questions, that we would be very grateful for feedback
    > on;
    > What is the best way to travel?
    > Would it be more economical to hire, say a camper van?
    > How reliable is public transport?
    > Where are the best places to stay & chill out?
    > Does accommodation need booking in advance - or is it really low season?
    > Would the weather be sufficiently warm for swimming in the sea (south of
    > Gladstone)?
    > Any help would be really appreciated.
    > Cheers,
    > Simon Dolby (UK)
    >

Simon DOLBY

Thanks for this, really helpful.

We've decided just to hire a car, and stay in motels etc.

A good friend of mine has suggested (in the strongest possible terms), that
I can't miss out Kakadu National Park - for a taste of "real Australia".

We could easily catch the train from Alice to Katherine - would we need to
hire a car at this point, or could we join an organised tour?

If we did this, how would we get to Cairns?


"DJ" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > Simon,
    > Hi there, just thought I'd put my two bob's worth in to your enquiry.
    > August is undoubtedly the best time to travel North to anywhere in
    > Australia.
    > You'll find that average Sydney Temps are around 18-21C Brisbane would be
    > around 20-22C average daytime temp with the mornings in both capitals
    > falling to about 5C. It doesn't get that much colder except in a few
    > occassions.
    > When you travel North of Brisbane up towards Cairns, you'll find the temps
    > climb to around 25-30C but the mornings can be crisp and very cool at
around
    > 3-5C but it soon warms up around 9am.
    > It's very comfortable without the usual high humidity and you'll find
plenty
    > of swimming opportunities up North Queensland as you don't have the worry
of
    > the box jellyfish at this time of the year. North of Mackay, you might be
    > aware of Crocodiles so it's not too wise to swim in enclosed waters like
    > rivers etc.
    > Hiring a vehicle is great as you can do what you please, it's generally
not
    > too busy so pre booking is not really neccasary as there are lots of
    > hotel/motels along the highways and towns.
    > Maybe you could stay in some of Queensland big old pubs which have good
    > atmosphere.
    > Just be aware though, if you intend on hiring a motorcar or camper of the
    > insurance cover for the vehicle. People tend to just get the standard
cover
    > but if they have a crash, they could be up for $5,000 access fee. which
    > means you have to pay the first $5,000 if you prang it, it is best to pay
    > extra waiver fee to cover this.Having said this, check your travel
insurance
    > which might cover you for this access fee if the unfortunate might happen.
    > If you hire a camper, you have great freedom to just stop where you want
and
    > the extra cost is not too bad as you don't have to worry about motel/
hotel
    > accommodation.They also supply maps and other travel help when you book.
    > Caravan parks in Australia are very good and are constantly upgrading to
    > attract the tourist dollar but some might be a little laid back for the
    > backpacker/camping set. cost varies but are very reasonable.
    > Hope this helps, I'll keep an eye on this thread and if i think of
anything
    > else, i'll add it.
    > Cheers & welcome
    > Dave J.
    > "Simon DOLBY" <[email protected]> wrote in message
    > news:[email protected]...
    > > Myself and my girlfriend have three weeks (max), in which to travel from
    > > Cairns to Sydney - August 2005.
    > >
    > > I have never been to OZ before, and would really welcome some ideas and
    > > some
    > > "local" travel tips (Lonely Planet book exhausted!!).
    > >
    > > Our aim is to travel down the coast, taking in the Reef, Whitsunday
    > > Islands,
    > > Fraser Islands etc etc.
    > >
    > > We have a number of questions, that we would be very grateful for
feedback
    > > on;
    > >
    > > What is the best way to travel?
    > > Would it be more economical to hire, say a camper van?
    > > How reliable is public transport?
    > > Where are the best places to stay & chill out?
    > > Does accommodation need booking in advance - or is it really low season?
    > > Would the weather be sufficiently warm for swimming in the sea (south of
    > > Gladstone)?
    > >
    > > Any help would be really appreciated.
    > >
    > > Cheers,
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > Simon Dolby (UK)
    > >
    > >