Ever traveled from the USA to Australia?

Question

I would like to travel to Australia in the next year or two. I have always had an interest in Australia. Has anyone ever done this and how was your experience. What airline did you use, how was the flight, where did you stay, how long did you stay? What would you have done differently? How welcoming is the Aussie culture to Americans. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

As my wife is Australian, I've made the trip numerous times. We've always flown Qantas. Go non-stop as it is a long enough flight (about 14 hours from LA) without the additional time for a stop. There are direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (The Brisbane non-stops were started about 4 years ago). Almost all the flights leave LAX between 10PM and Midnight so that you're likely to sleep for a portion of it. Their 747s all have seatback video now and quite a few movies to keep you occupied. You arrive in the morning, Australian time.

Aussies and Americans get along very well. We've always stayed with friends or family except on road trips. Where you go is dependent on what you want to do. You'll probably spend most of your time on the east coast. Anything more than 100 miles inland gets very hot. North of Brisbane gets pretty hot and humid in the summer.

Driving is pretty easy but you have to keep the brain engaged. Until I got used to it, I would consciously think things through such as when coming to a roundabout.

Answer 2

I've done this several times, but as an Aussie traveling to USA.

The flight is long. Take a book, cross words and a mp3 player loaded with songs. Drink lots of water and get up and move around often.

I've flown Qantas, Phillipine Airlines, Air NZ and United. All were good.

Aussies love Americans. Just remember to be respectful, you are a visitor and as much as we love you, the USA is not the center of the universe.

We can't wait to see you! Come on down!

Answer 3

I traveled to Australia in 5th grade (which was 4 years ago, so the memories are a bit faded) with my family and it was the most amazing vacation I have ever gone on! First of all, I suggest traveling during December, because that is their summer. Their seasons are the opposite of ours. After connecting in LAX from our home city, we took Qantas, which is specially designed for trips to and from Australia. I had never been on such a long flight in my life, but it wasn't bad at all! We each got our own TV on the back of the seat in front of us. It featured many channels, games, and movies that were still in theaters. I did not sleep on the playing going there nor coming back because it kept me so busy. It was a fabulous flight. Our first stop was Sydney. There is a lot of site-seeing to do there including the Sydney Opera House and countless other places, as well. Sydney is a city-like place, kind of like Chicago, i guess? We also went on a ferry ride exploring Sydney and it was just breath-taking. Make sure to visit Bondi Beach. It is rated one of the top beaches in the world and it truly is. The sand is so soft and it's just so much fun. We took a bottle of sand home and still have it haha. Next we went to Brisbane, home of the Great Barrier Reef. You have to at least go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. The ocean is so blue and there are beautiful fish among other things as well. If possible, I would suggest getting your scuba diving license. It is absolutely gorgeous and you will never see anything like it. Try getting an underwater camera to capture all the amazing things you see. You will never see anything so great, ever again! After that, we went to the Hamilton Islands, which are also situated in the Great Barrier Reef. This was probably my favorite place. There were kangaroos crossing the street at any given time and it was not too big of an area. You could basically get anywhere by foot or on a golfcart. We traveled to a few other cities that I can't remember, but it was the greatest trip ever. I'm not sure where we did these things, but I would suggest going to the zoo. They have so many different animals that you could never see in American zoos, such as koalas, kangaroos, emus, etc. It was so fun. Also, we went on a tour, where we explored the jungle and saw cool things that you would never see in America, i.e: green ants. There is so much to do in Australia! You are going to love it!! Good Luck!

Answer 4

I traveled to Australia in 2000. I live in Chicago and I went out of O'Hare to LAX which took about 3-4 hours. From LA, I took Quantas to Sydney. It was about a 20 hour flight.

I loved flying Quantas. The plane was HUGE with a second story. We had the freedom to get up and walk around. The food was actually good and they showed good movies that weren't even on video yet.

Flying TO Australia wasn't that bad. The Jet Lag didn't really bother me. Flying home was another story. When I came back I slept for a whole day. I also was able to re-live Wednesday twice because of the time difference.

When I was in Australia I went to Sydney, Perth, Busselton, and Melbourne. I think you should go to Sydney because there is a lot to do. But I also suggest going to Busselton. I stayed at the Abbey Beach Resort which is GORGEOUS!!! The rooms are so huge. It was 2 bedrooms, laundry room, kitchen, family room, and screened in porch overlooking the water. The Hotel is right on the ocean. It is on the western most part of Australia so it is like the country. There are a ton of stars and everyone is very nice.

The Aussies were so nice. I was walking down the street with some of my friends and they heard us talk and this group said "Oh you're from America?" and we talked for a long time. They are very interested in learning about American culture and are willing to talk about theirs.

I stayed for 10 days and I would have loved to stay more. I hope to go back soon.

Good luck. Hope I helped!!

Answer 5

I've been to Australia many times and go there at least twice a year' I used to live there but have moved to USA, my children and grandchildren are still there.
I buy air ticket a month or so before my intented departure, I look for the best deal online. I have favorite airlines namely United, Singapore, and Qantas. United simply because I want to catch my flight from San Francisco to Hawaii, stay there for three days then Hawaii to Sydney, my children live in Brisbane so I catch another flight after a day or two with friends in Sydney.
Singapore is a nice flight also because I can catch the flight from LA to Singapore, stay there for two days then fly straight to Brisbane where my kids live. When I am in a hurry I fly Qantas because I can catch it from San Francisco and fly me direct to Sydney non-stop.
Try and avoid the Dec to Feb because this is the school summer holiday. Winter in Australia starts in June ends in September, it is the cheapest time to go there but dont be alarm because Australian winter is not so cold especially Brisbane but Sydney and Melbourne get very chilly.
The Australian people are very friendly, very polite. Australia itself is a beautiful country, very low in crime and therefore safe to visit. It is clean, and no need for buying water in a bottle.
My husband is an American, he said going to Australia is very special as there is no language barrier, Australian love American especially their accent. You will be treated very well and once you visit Australia, it will not be your last, you will be back. G'day

Answer 6

I have traveled several times to Oz now, and vow each time I'll stay when I get there (oh, if the work permits for Yanks over 30 were that easy!), I love the place and can't wait to go again.

Qantas is your best bet, and they partner with American and British Airlines and many others so you can get there from practically anywhere. Depending on when you go, you can actually get an Aussie Air Pass (the international leg and two domestic flights as well) from $1099 USD, and that pass plus some accommodations starting at $1699 USD (off peak, which would be our summer, and also depends on your regions). Look for information at: www.australia.com . Your best route, in my opinion, is going through LA or, if you want to and can afford the stop over, the flight through Honolulu. It's *imperative* though that you book early, especially if you're going over the summer time for them (November-February) or around our major summer hoildays, when Aussie ex-pats may be going home to visit. If you're just going as a visitor and will not be working and will be staying less than 3 months and you're a US citizen, you must get an ETA visit (free of charge from your airline when they book you). Check with them about what you can/cannot bring in with you with you go, however, because the list of 'nots' is long and you can get pay hefty fines/refused entry if you bring them in and get discovered...especially food and nut items.

The flight can be long...16 hours...but it is definitely worth it. The crew is good to excellent, the food and beer/wine selection is certainly above US standard, the movies are very current. If you talk to the flight attendant prior to takeoff, they can probably advise you where some empty seats may be available. If they are, ask to see if you can move after takeoff...I've never been refused this if seats were there, and it made all the difference as I could sleep in coach flat, just like those in first class, but just across a row of empty seats. If you can't do that, you're still quite able to sleep, but get up every 5-6 hours and do a thorough walk around so as to move circulation in your legs.

I've stayed anywhere from 2 days to 5 weeks, and in different cities. I cannot recommend Sydney, especially to the first time Oz traveler, enough. Melbourne is quite nice, too, but can almost feel 'shut down' over the Christmas to New Year's period. Brisbane is wonderful, and very laid back as you're close to the whole surfing avenue along the Gold Coast. If I had to 'compare' them in attitude to those of the US, Sydney would be NYC (highly diverse ethnically, lots of professional jobs, high rises), Melbourne is like San Francisco (lots of cultural and artistic outlets, cable cars, and very fluctuating temperatures), and Brisbane is like Miami (easy to navigate after a bit, 'swim' atmosphere everywhere, lots of tourism to the water and Reef connections).

The biggest issue I have found is simply trying to do too much and underestimating the country's size and distances between cities. I've done the Pacific Coast (from Sydney up north); I've done the Great Ocean Road (outside of Melbourne along the ocean and the 12 Apostles); I've done many others and have only scratched the surface. The Aussies are a very friendly bunch and pretty eager to meet 'real' Americans, so there's a good chance you may get invited out for a barbie, to go to a pub, or go eat with the locals. Additionally, there are so many things there that do not exist here...it makes it difficult to make a 'set' schedule and actually stay with it, the choices can be endless. Check with local city tourism bureaus and transport for visitor passes that can save $$$...The Sydney Pass is a city-wide tour bus, AND a city-wide beaches tour bus (all 19 major ones) AND the pass includes some ferry, train, and additional bus transportation, for example, and it's a GREAT value. (http://www.sydneypass.info/ )

It's important to start small, with only one or two cities at most if you're there for only a short time (2 weeks or less), allow a good amount of time for 'unexpected' events, and if you *MUST* plan you itinerary, plan the minimum and then actually *know* you'll only be able to see about 50-60% maximum of what you planned. If at all possible, if you have to go to more than two cities, check your distances and time allowance thoroughly...many times flying is the better option.

I also have had great success with some family-type hostels and bed and breakfasts versus major hotel chains. Not only cheaper, but have learned so much from the proprietors and other guests, too. Homestays are also a viable option worth checking out.

I highly recommend Sydney, the Central Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane, The Great Ocean Road, the Hunter Valley wine region, the Great Barrier Reef (although plan well ahead to save $$), and damn near anywhere on the Pacific Coast Highway (which is a great drive if you rent outside the major cities).

Answer 7

For most of the Americans.... Its QANTAS not QUANTAS!
Its an acronym. Its stands for Queensland And NorthernTerritory Aerial Service. Here endith the lesson. Ok, my wife is from the US and heres a couple of ways we have travelled. LAX direct to Brisbane or Sydney. San Fran direct Sydney. Chicago via Japan to Brisbane or Sydney. San Fran via Taipei(taiwan) to Brisbane. More options try www cheaptickets.com have fun!

Answer 8

I did too...

19 hours from L.A. to Sydney on Quantas Airlines... 17 hours coming back.

We stayed at the Westin in downtown Sidney.... it is so beautiful there.

The culture is very welcoming... and there are so many things to do.

The worst part was the food... we didn't think the food was very good.

Answer 9

Yes.
The flight is awful it took so long.
But so worth it.
Australia was incredible. The people were so nice. I would have stayed longer, taken more pics, more souveniers. And I would definitely go back.

Answer 10

i did the setting was amazing i went to visit my moms friend and he son should me around thee place and all the people were really nice caring people over there i loved it and will never forget wat i experienced there but i would look on the internet for bargains on hotels oh and you definetly wanna look up some tours that show you around the place they are cool.