It's worth spending a few days in Sydney to check out the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, which you can now climb on a guided tour if you want. (Well worth it) Take a cruise on Sydney Harbour as well. If you are looking to save some money on the cruise however, do not go with one of the many cruise companies on the harbour, just wander down to Circular Quay and jump on a ferry which is much cheeper, and just as spectacular. Contrary to what's said, getting around Sydney is still very easy, especially in the inner city areas, where it's all linked by the City Circle railway line.
If you are looking for some laid back beach relaxation, head north from Sydney to one of the small resort towns in Northern NSW. I highly recomend Port Macquarie or Byron Bay. Intercity buses stop at both of these places, and they are ideal for lazing around on pristine beaches for a few days. Just avoid school holiday times or weekends when you wont be able to get accomodation.
The Great Barrier Reef is something everyone should visit at least once. You can access it from Cairns & Townsville in northern QLD (several thousand Km's from Sydney & Brisbane, but you've got plenty of time). The best way of getting out there is to book a tour with one of the operators in these towns. If you can dive, it's easy, however, if you cant dive you can still book trips out to giant pontoons out at sea, which you can sunbathe, snorkel and even take a ride on a glass bottom boat. It's spectacular and not to be missed.
Canberra can be pretty boring, but if you're interested in Australian history or life here, it's worth spending a couple of days there. The war memorial has some moving exhibits to our fallen, and there are a few other museums. The main reason to visit Canberra, however, is because it's the easiest way of getting to the Southern Highlands. During our winter it snows, and skiing is possible, though it doesnt compare to what's available in other parts of the world, however the scenery in the mountains is spectacular all year round.
If you are spending a year in Australia, the one thing you cant miss is "the outback". It's often portrayed overseas as being located somewhere within a few hours drive of the major coastal cities, but that isnt the case. It often takes several days of travel to reach an area that could be honestly called "the outback", but it's still well worth it. Uluru (aka Ayers Rock) is located near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory outback, and is best reached from Darwin. It's still several days drive from Darwin, and even quite a long drive from Alice, but it's worth it. Probably the best option is to take a bus trip from Alice out to the rock, but remember to pre-book accomodation if you want to stay. It books out all year round.
Anyway, these are just some ideas of what you can see. There is A LOT more places to see and do in Australia, but this might get you started.
2006-08-22 12:02:42
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answer #1
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answered by azza 4
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I travelled around parts Australia last year for a month or so and i absolutely loved it. In Cairns, there is so much to do with the reef and the rainforest. If you are into adventure sports eg skydiving, bungy jumping it is a great place to go. The weather is great and warm all year round. I also like Alice Springs and Ayres Rock.
I didn't think much of Brisbane but the lone pine koala sanctuary was good and you can also hold the koalas as in other parks/zoos we were not allowed to.
2006-08-22 11:41:34
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answer #2
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answered by kasey 5
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i live in melbourne, and its great. we have the aquarium and beaches, and crown casino, zoo and good public transport system if your not driving, its set out quite well. i would avoid sydney i went there and as a tourist its liek wow. the city was just like build with no planning, its so hard to get anywhere, its all a big mess. queensland is nice to, cairns and surfers paradice are great whether its warm or cold, and theres the great barrier reef nearby. canberra is boring, and tasmania has some things to do, the ghost tour is great but theres not much else. hope that helps!
2006-08-22 11:34:51
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answer #3
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answered by sara m 2
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I spent 5 weeks in Sydney and I loved it. A must is the Rocks and Darling Harbour.
2006-08-22 18:26:02
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answer #4
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answered by catwoman1316 4
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I'm going next year and have got my eye on a couple of places in Queensland
2006-08-22 21:56:38
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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The great Ocean road is a must,It's in Victoria
2006-08-23 00:17:15
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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