| B Stephenson |
04 September 2002 |
Stayed at Half Moon Bay Resort - Cairns Beaches, Australia.
|
Nearby shops and banking facilities are convenient, as is the fully-equipped kitchen. The golf course across the road is quite short, but it is good fun to run around by yourself early in the morning.
|
| L Cheng |
03 February 2002 |
Stayed at Quest on William - Melbourne, Australia.
|
We explored the place with a rented car from Ascot situated on Elizabeth St in the CBD. After making a few comparisons, we chose them for their value for money rental packages and approachable staff, in particular Dean who make an effort to understand our needs and showed us the way to get around, and all these with a smile.
Drove along the Great Ocean Road. Though it was long and rather difficult the coastal line and country side were spectacular. Stopped at Lorne and Apollo Bay for tea and lunch. They were pretty good but can't recall the name of the eateries. Sorry..
Didn't get the chance to visit the Grampians due to bad weather. It was highly recommended by the locals and pictures in brochures were breathe-taking. Next time perhaps.
For parents with young children, don't miss the Puffing Billy, a train fueled by coal celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. While you are there, do drive through the Sherbrooke Forest.
Love to shop in Melbourne. Other than Daimuru, Myers and David Jones in CBD, Chadstone along Dandenong Rd is not to be missed by "shopperholics". The complex is so huge that we almost lost each other there. Went to Swan St and Bridge Rd in Richmond for factory outlets and some local labels. While you are there, try authentic Vietnamese food at Victoria St.
If you are in Melbourne on a Sunday, take a stroll along the esplanade at St. Kilda beach. There is a stretch of stalls selling interesting souvenirs and art pieces. Tried some delightful pastries and coffee along Acland St. Colourful and rich cakes and puffs were displayed at the windows. They reminded me of the "Hansel and Gretal" fairy tale.
Lots of places to visit in Melbourne. I used day tour brochures to help plan my itinerary for the free and easy trip. Hope you will enjoy yours too. Good Luck!
|
| A Shibata |
02 January 2002 |
Stayed at Ibis World Square Sydney - Sydney, Australia.
|
Close to city central, world squire center station, walkable distance from parks and view points. We walked to almost everywhere in Sydney from the hotel.
|
| S Newatia |
01 December 2001 |
Stayed at Ibis World Square Sydney - Sydney, Australia.
|
Sydney is one of the "must" destinations for business or for a holiday. Though I was on business I thoroughly enjoyed the city. The cheapest and fastest way to getting around is the train. Ferries are also an enjoyable way of trasportation. Taking a "Sundowner" cruise on the Sydney harbour can be a very romantic experience.
|
| J Parrish |
15 November 2001 |
Stayed at Sullivans Hotel Sydney - Sydney, Australia.
|
Hotel was at a very good location for walking either to the Central Business District or out Oxford for shopping and dining.
|
| J Jansen |
31 May 2001 |
Stayed at Mercure Hotel Brisbane - Brisbane, Australia.
|
Our trip was a short one so we stayed in Brisbane CBD - the Casino was nice and we won!
|
| S Tobin |
28 May 2001 |
Stayed at Ibis World Square Sydney - Sydney, Australia.
|
If you like to walk the this place in the center of Sydney Business Center. It only take me 5 min to walk to China Town and 15 min to Harbour.
|
| J Buckley |
06 April 2001 |
Stayed at Radisson Sydney - Sydney, Australia.
|
Used Sydney Explorer one day. Tours of Harbour and Opera House very good.
Exchange rate makes Australia great for the tourists.
|
| M Heazle |
21 March 2001 |
Stayed at Mercure Sydney - Sydney, Australia.
|
Lots to do and see in Sydney but it is mega-expensive compared to other destinations and certainly not the best part of Australia to visit.
|
| L Lyons |
22 January 2001 |
Stayed at Quest Fairfax House - Melbourne, Australia.
|
Although we picked the week of the Australian Open to visit, Melbourne was a friendly city which never felt crowded. The tourist information centre on Swanston Street was excellent, with a comprehensive range of free information.
Day tickets to the tennis were only AU$20 and could be bought from most newsagents, not just at the arena. These allowed us access to all the outside courts and the Vodafone Arena, but not the Rod Laver Arena (where the "top" matches were played).
There was also a 1-day cricket international played at MCG while we were there, however as this was only publicised in the papers, not at the ground, we missed out .. Check the Press!
Taxis are expensive with drivers ranging from offensively xenophobic to hilariously inept .. we ended up doing the map-reading for one journey. Trams are cheaper, much more fun and give better views of the city. Car hire (RHD) was relatively cheap and ideal for forays further afield (Yarra Valley, Ocean Road etc.)
Australia now runs a tax-back scheme for tourists leaving the country - you can claim GST back on items purchased, but ONLY if you are carrying them on your person. There is also a minimum expenditure of AU$300 required per retail outlet but this can consist of several items as long as they appear on the same receipt. Worth knowing about!
|