Any tips on Australia?

Question

Im going to Australia next year anyone have any tips?

Answer 1

Depends on how long you're staying...

DON'T get stuck in sydneys Kings cross... all people do there is go to the crap local bars and clubs, get pissed and stoned... they dont even go to other bars down the hill... sad.

In sydney:

Do the Botanical gardens tour and see the cockatoos in the park, go to the zoo and inside the kangaroo enclosure. U could climb the bridge but expensive.

Scubadive with grey nurse sharks in Manley Aquarium

Sod Kings Cross the life bar wise is Jelly wrestle night wednessday at the Oxford Tavern/Rita in the suberb Petersham.. (purple line few stops from central), petersham station, up bridge stairs right end of bridege left, up hill to main road, right, 100m up the road to cross roads... get there for 930 check train times as far apart. When fin get out quick or taxi.

Very lively, silly funny and crazy.

Bonbi beach aint all that the northern beaches are better, far better.

If in season see the harbour Whales. Note the harbour while trendy looking has lots of muggings, dont make pals there with guys wgho want to take you round the corner as they shared their drink with you.

************

Leave on Andos Outback Tours...

http://www.outbacktours.com.au/

http://www.oztravelbugs.com/prod.asp?iid=A206973FC42C436C88B6757E3DA440ED

Sydney to Byron bay heading north via the outback meeting outback folk... this is a real road trip adventure and you see the real aussie land out of the cities... Must do ***!!!

Byron bay stay at
Arts factory for a bit
http://www.artsfactory.com.au/

And try and book some nights in the tee pee.

Bryon bay is on the edge of the hippie area of Australia and is a surfer town. Arts factory is a bit kookie that way but also spend time in the other hostels with free surf boards and stuff. Note Black dog surf does in deed have a surfing dog who comes on lessons and dolphins in the bay.

do the Sunday trip to Cahnnon market to see the hippie hills and the ton of Nimbin... The only place where dope is legal... yes Im talking dope cafes and hash cookies. (keep a few for surfers paradise infintity)

Coach to Gold coast/surfers paradise.

Here Sleeping in is a good place to stay. Movie sceen in the pool, limo pick up, walking distance to coach station and dorms have a lounger (ask for the big one in the annex down the road).

Tourist city, very built up, mad part times during Indy week with street racing or schoolies (end of high school debauchery)

Note here is the place to do the snorkle with tame sharks or the ONLY place you could get away with scuba diving with sharks

http://www.seaworld.com.au/entertainment/animal_adventures.cfm?event_id=13

Not sissy ones either but a tiger and bull shark which are not nice like grey nurse sharks. Think you are in some sort of acrylic cage.

http://www.seaworld.com.au/entertainment/animal_adventures.cfm?event_id=13

Theme park land here. And go to Draculas for a meal and horror show.

You can find work here but careful some rip off backpackers and don't pay.

(especailly avoid anyone who moves cars around)

Lots of other things to do.

BUT DO NOT NOT NOT DANGLE ANYTHING IN THE CANALS OR GET IN THEM, THEY ARE FULL OF HUMAN EATING BULL SHARKS... THATS NOT A JOKE.

On to Brisbane... Place to work with some clubs. Go to nearby Morton Island to hand feed wild dolphins.

On to Noosa... Note red triangles signs mean stand still, realise you are in deep **** and walked where you should not. phone for help, or back track your steps very very carefully. Red trianlge signs are for land mines and unexploded bombs... NOT A JOKE. was used to WW2 target practice and some areas aint been cleared..


But you can kite surf and closest place to go to Steve irwin, Croc Hunters zoo.


Next stop Harvey bay... naff all to do but go whale spotting bar its the Gate way town for lovely Fraser island... National park with wild dingos and other wild life you can explore with a 4wd land drover (go with palace or others who have a hard toped vehical as the island has backpack theves who know the camping spots. or with a tour.

Top place to see.!!!!!!!!!!!


Town of 1770... for dive tirps to a ship reck or a snorkle trip to the poster island for the barrier reef and start of it, a coral island of birds.

If with Oz experience coachs you may then stop at DINGO cattle ranch... if you do
TAKE THE HELICOPTER RIDE
TAKE THE HELP COPTER RIDE

CHOPPER RIDE!!!!


ONLY PLACE YOU CAN GET AN AEROBATIC LOW LEVEL 10 FOOT OFF THE GROUND ZIG ZAG BETWEEN TREES CHASE COWS CHOPPER RIDE LIKE IN A DOGFIGHT.

then Airlie beach... best stay a while and book your yacht trip here... not with some package got in Sydney or gold coast or Brisbane as you can get ladt minte deals which are cheaper...


or if a girl in possession of boobs... there are lots of competitions of thew wet t shirt, pole dance (boys can enter this one) and jelly wrestle variety where you can win yacht rips...

DONT GO FOR THE CHEAP TANGALOMA BOATS THEY ARE CRAP...

AIM FOR $400 ISH FOR A TRIP ON A MAXI YACHT '80 FOOT RACING'OR IDEALLY THE AVATAR TRIMARAN

http://www.seedownunder.com.au/destination/queensland/whitsundays/whitsunday-sailing/adventure-sailing/avatar/index.html


Must do... yacht trip to the barrier reef and whitsuday amazing beach islands
Top stay , stay at koalas and party at magnums.

Next Townsville where you can stay at magnetic island and chill... Must stay at Base...

Its on the beach and coral reef... nice beach parties.

Then tully river for white water rafting then Cairnes... To go on barrier reef dive trips inc one with lots of sharks... the further out you go ie coral sea or cod hole the better.

Place to work mostly hotel maid service.

Do aborigonie activites and go see the rain forest in table lands or cape tribulation... You can hire a car.


then head inland for darwin, and ayres rock etc.


If you get to Melborne... good spot to stay, only alterntive club scene ... go see the penguins comming home to phillip island... great thing to do.
*************

Plus your stopover in thailand to get diving lessons, see naughty bars and go


www.tigertemple.co.uk

and look up temple of the tigers on the net... yup you get to play with sober, well treated friendly adult tigers who used to grow up running around the temple and playing witht he months... see out animal planet documentries... shows no drugging etc.

Right been to Thailand twice so here are tips to obey...

Before you go…important not so fun stuff.

1) Inoculations…

Sort this months before you go as some you have to leave weeks apart and some cost lots.

Rabies is good to have especially if you like stroking nice cute cats… You don’t just have to be bitten, licking will do it.

2) HOTELS

Do not book many days in hotels unless you will be on a tight schedule... Via the net most places are over 1000Bbhatt. I stayed in Kao San road for 150 Bhatt abet in a much smaller room without air con. But more spending money.

800bhatt will get you what you would deem first class hotel, a big cosy room, with double bead, shower, possible breakfast etc etc...and easy enough to find… hotels end to be near to each other.

The average for guest houses is 3-400 Bhatt. Though the cheaper hotels may not be keen on you bringing back ‘guests’ of the opposite sex. If they ask you not to be nice and don't.

If you are on a tight schedule you won't have time for the 2 night settle in and look round for somewhere cheaper and better routine... it takes a little time and not what you want to do whilst carting a big back pack around.

Note the Asoknana and Sukhumvit, Soi 23 area whilst good in terms of hotel quality, transport as near the monorail, private hospital and I think subway system…Therefore a good place to start

Is also the sort of red light minus the red light district areas in particular the Nana Hotel opposite Nana Plaza where the bar girls who ain’t pulled when the bars close go. Soi cowboy 23 and Nana Plaza being the Go go bar areas. Perfectly safe, people are friendly, the system works like bars you guaranteed to pull if a bloke … But you may want to think about that if going with teenagers, kids or on your honeymoon etc. As often they may not mention that in the brochure.

3) INSURANCE… Note medical treatment in Thailand, Australia and new Zealand seemed to add up to just under £40 = $100 or Bhatt 2800 often.

A weeks hostel in Aus or New Zealand $140, or nearly a week in decent accom in Bangkok… In Chang Mai got the same level of accommodation… bathroom, double bed, space, air con, breakfast etc etc for 150 Bhatt… = NEARLY 3 WEEKS ACCOM…

WHAT A CONINCIDENCE THAT THE ACCESS ON MEDICAL TRAVEL INSURANCE IS £40 EMMMN…..IE

PAY THE EXTRA £10 OR SO TO WEAIVE THE EXCESS OR YOU AINT COVERED FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT AND EACH TIME THAT’S ANOTHER £40 OUT OF YOUR SPENDING MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MAKE SURE IT ALSO COVERS EXPLICITLY ALL THOSE ACTIVITIES YOU WILL BE DOING AND WITH DIVING THAT INC DECOMPRESSION ETC.

2) TRANSPORT ONE
LEARN THIS PHRASE WITH BANGKOK TAXIS.... METER!!!!
AND NOTE DURING THE DAY THERE IS A BUS.

All Thais and those who are not
stupid tourists off the plane
know that any 'agreed price' with taxis that sounds cheap is several times over the 'meter' price on taxis. This is common in hotels where you see prices to go places.

If the taxi driver won't accept it will tough titty on him... 85% of the cars I could saw in Bangkok with Toyota Corrolla Blue and red taxis... just walk down the street, pref. away from tourist sites and hotels and flag down a taxi and give a wai (see below) and politely ask meter? when they agree then get in and say where you want to go. Maps help... Pictures do when you have not the words.

But no meter or conveniently broken (yeah right heard that one before) forget it or you will be paying at least twice.

3) Other transport includes motorcycle taxis which you have to negotiate with. I had to cough up at least 70Bhatt but they were good at zipping through traffic and often Bangkok is grid locked. Taxi meters still go up when stuck but much slower.

Busses are 7 Bhatt (ie 10 pence) compared to say 250 Bhatt by taxi, but busses are not air conned and can’t re route. Ie buss = mega cheap and genuine Thai travel. Just make sure you know the route and have a map. Remember you can point to where you want to go.

The monorail and subway/underground trains in Bangkok are above the standard of the docklands light railway and jubilee extension and spotless and impressive… they make us look bad. Again very cheap… 20-30 B that’s about 30pence.

Outside Bangkok is often Bhatt busses or I think its pronounced sawngthaew (song-tau?), http://www.travelblog.org/Photos/428492.html
decorated pickup trucks with a cover you can sit in the back.

These work by you flagging them down. If you get an empty one and there is nobody in it and you pay extra its like a taxi taking you straight there. If not you pay less and they pick up or drop off people along the way in an indirect route. (try and find out going rates but note … it beats paying extra as a richer tourist who can afford it then walking… So balance up between what Thais consider a you are richer so can afford to subsidise poorer Thais which is fair and someone taking the micky which is not.

3). Transport 2:
DO NOT , NOT, NOT, GO WITH PRIVATE BUS COMPANIES RUNNING OUT OF KAO SAN ROAD OR OTHER TOURIST SPOTS. OFTEN ILLEGAL, RIPPING YOU OFF AS YOU BOOK A NICE VIP BUS. INSTEAD OFTEN PICKED UP BY SMALL CRAPPY BUS THEN TRANSFERRED (IE NO CHOICE) ONTO OLD **** CRAMPED COACH WITH AIR CON THAT RESEMBLES A WATERFALL ON SOAKED SEATS HAVING TO PAY FOR YOUR OWN FOOD, AND MAYBE STUFF NICKED (ORGANISED) WHIST YOU SLEEP. Not getting dropped off at your Agreed destination. But say near by (got dropped off 10 min walk away) where planned taxis charge you a fortune to take a scenic route to a place that’s round the corner… Or worse.

Didn’t get done from Bangkok but by the official bus service from Phi Phi island

It appears cheaper for a reason!!!!!!!!!!

The worst services are between Bangkok Kao San and Chang Mai or Koh Phanyang, Samui on backpacker routes or with Krabi etc.

Instead you are in Thailand… so go do what Thais do. GO TO THE OFFICAIL THAI BUS/COACH terminals… Far better busses, efficient service and the VIP bus/coaches are really that…

Sleeper coaches that recline all the way, only 3 seats across, pillows, blanket, free food, stewardess, videos, headphones, comfy, free meal breaks, nice loos etc etc…

Thais ain’t stupid tourists.

Its also more of an adventure to make own travel plans…

And also go with sleeper trains. Again second class was very comfy, friendly, nice trip, safe etc.

TATs are tourist travel agents… most in Bangkok are dodgy… The Big not little one IN NOT OUTSIDE the main Train station upstairs( near china town towards south) is legit, did me ok with a chang mai jungle trip and accommodation whist the one next door was much more.

And avoid Tuk Tuks. They are for Thais… Tourists get taken not where they want to go but via all the dodgy jewel shops or TATs where they get petrol commission vouchers on route and make their real money.


4. Ok good stuff… FOOD

YUM YUM YUM, STREET FOOD…

In England feeding a street vendor sausage to a dog should rightly get you sent up for cruelty to dogs they’re that bad.

In Thailand however practically all the food you will want to eat comes from street food vendors and that’s what the Thais do and the food is most yummy and healthy and pretty safe. Many don’t bother cooking the food is around 25-40 Bhatt for say noodle soup or curry. That’s less than 50 pence. Healthy and did I mention yummy?

Condiments inc: sugar, fish sauce (nice on most things not just fish, chillis in sauce, peanuts and dried chilli bits.. Everywhere you go you won’t be far from lots of street vendors with lots of choice.

Pad Thai is more common in tourist areas… peanut and egg noodles but not common elsewhere and more oily. Thais tend to go for noodle soup and everyone loves the roti pancakes with bananas and chocolate… very very yummy.

Fruit is common but you need to eat it fast, its very fresh but in the heat going off in a few hours. Likewise make sure meat is cooked in front of you.

And ONLY BOTTLED WATER. The Thais Don’t drink tap water..

Basically if Thais are eating it it should be ok.

5.) Tiger temple… see

http://www.tigertemple.co.uk/photos.htm

http://www.tigertemple.org/Eng/index.php

This is one of the best things I’ve done. Playing with, petting and cuddling adult tigers who were alert, and well cared for, and the cubs.

It’s a tiger orphanage where the tigers have been brought up by monks and yes you can mix with them

In Kanchanaburi.

Get a thai bus/coach to the town then share a sawngthaew or get a bus to the entrance (it’s a walk of a few km and walk or better still wait for a sawngthaew going past..

Go see a transvestite show… these are not kinky more a theatre show with singing etc .. and Bangkok is famous for them…


Chang Mai for the Temples and jungle treks, not a malaria area.

BUT ON TOP OF THE CASH YOU ARE TOLD TO BRING MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SOME CASH AND OR GIFTS FOR THE VILLAGE CHILDREN WHO WILL PUT ON A SHOW AND WE WERE NOT TOLD ABOUT IT, AND ONLY TOLD TO BRING A LITTLE CASH FOR SNACKS AND TRINKETS…

Felt real bad about that.

Also thai cooking courses and go see the show and dinner.

There are holiday islands not far from Bangkok where the Thais go so should be good but there is malaria there so make sure you have medicine.

Pattaya is really about gogo bars at night and not much during the day. If not goingt there for that don’t bother.

Koh toh is a chilled out peaceful island mainly for scuba diving, next door to the hippy koh Phanyang and the next stop the island of Koh Samui the opposite of Koh Tah. Very busy and touristy.

Also go to Phi Phi Island next to where they filmed the Beach and the Krabi area with all the rock formations coming out of the water. This area got wacked by the tsunamie and wants tourists back… If you have the time help out with some volunteer work helping them to rebuild.

6) Naughty Thailand

Yes the go go bars where guys go to pull (in Pattaya no being sexist there is an area which caters for gays and women often Japanese women with go go guys).

The gogo bars work with a stage with girls in bikinis, topless or often skirts no underwear and some have a first floor with a class ceiling.

The girls are free to choose, and there willingly if they want to go with you so respect that and treat it as if you were going out on the pull or a date. Ie clean up, shave, be nice. If someone is not comfortable with you let them be (plenty of others)

The deal is you pay the bar a bar fine ie less girls in bar to attract guys in. Ave 500 bhatt then go home to your hotel for short (ie bonk and bye) or long time (the night) 1500-2500 bhatt usually.

Again treat the girls as you would others ie be nice.

You are safe in these areas if you avoid the Pat Pong upstairs (ie golf ball shooting from areas of the body not designed for that at all) Those are ‘clip joints’. Like in other countries traps. You would go in, no prices shown, someone sits down with you then when you want to leave a massive bill is demands or you don’t get out with the way blocked by Thai boxers and the door locked from the outside… Get the idea?

This does not happen in regular go go bars. In Thailand you usually get conned if trying to be cheap it a git thinking you are getting one over on Thais.

Pat Pong has a market there, Nana Plaza is a circula 3 story block with a courtyard in the middle, Soi Cowboi is a mall in Bangkok and other areas have similar beer bar areas… ie no dancer stage. If that’s your thing.

As said you should not get hastle except to by drinks as soon as you enter, or danger unless you ask for it. Ie push or hurt a girl… the thai bouncers will work you over so hard your mum wont recognise you if you can still walk. And the police would probably be on their side as you hurt a girl.

7.) Ordinary Thailand… go explore off the beaten track ie mix with the locals. And note they have nice shopping malls where kids break dance outside so if you have good moves you may fit in.

Thai transport. Thai street food etc…

Answer 2

Most people don't tip at all. However some round the bill up a bit to the nearest $5 or $10, or a few people add around 10%. It is certainly not necessary - the norm in Australia is not to tip. The staff are paid well, an adult will receieve at least $15-$20/hr. You also don't need to tip anyone else such as taxi drivers, in fact taxi drivers will sometimes round the bill down a little. I hope tipping doesn't creep into Australia, I think a system where the price is upfront and fair fo all staff is a much better system.

Answer 3

Use sunscreen all the time. Have a great time. Eat well. Contrary to all who would caution you about the snakes, they are more afraid of you than you are of them. Contrary to those who would tell you to visit A, B, or C, I would advise you that no matter where you go, you will have a wonderful trip. There is more to see and do in Australia than anyone can do in a lifetime. Take in the Australia Zoo, if you have a chance, or do the beaches or the outback. No matter what you do, meet the locals and you will never want to return home. Aussies are the best!

Answer 4

yes above all have a fabulous time and try and cram as much as possible into your trip. Australia is such a beautiful country with many different things to see and do.
Make sure you see the go to the barrier reef and take a trip to the outer reef in which you can snorkel and see the fabulous sea life and beauty of the reef.
Go to Ayers Rock (Uluru) and watch sunrise and sunset. Do the sounds of silence dinner in which you literally dine under the stars whilst viewing sunset at Ayers Rock. Also view the Olga's and do the Valley of the winds walk. It is amazing.
Go to Sydney and do the bridge climb...fabulous views and photo opportunities. Take a trip to the blue mountains and see the famous 3 sister's rock formation. Amazing views.
Go to Brisbane and visit the late Steve Irwin's zoo. It is the best cleanest and well loved zoo I have ever had the privilege to see.

I felt safe in Australia. take plenty of money as there are bargains to be had in the malls and plenty of souvenirs to be bought.

The water all over australia from taps in hotels, motels and houses is safe to drink.
The Aussie wine is also great.

Answer 5

You must, must, must go to the Barrier Reef - absolutely amazing.

My mum and dad live just north of Syndey which was really good but the highlight for me was snorkling on the reef. True, travelling from Sydney to the Barrier reef (Cairns) is the same as London to Egypt but you must go there.

In Sydney there is a place called Darling Harbour. Great place to eat and chill out - great at night. There is also a huge tower with a couple of restaurants that rotate at the top. Choose a clear day, go to the buffet place (good value) and take in the views while enjoying a bit of Kangaroo, Shark or even camel - camel is just the best red meat!

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

last year spent a week in Perth, which is very isolated, very beautiful but a bit American - lots of suburbs etc. Then went to Port Douglas which is lovely, lots of people go there and never move on! Can do the GBR from there. Then went to Hamilton Island, a small one, where there are only a few hotels, no cars and golf buggies everywhere. Went out to the GBR from there - magnificent. Then down to Sydney for my second visit. Just fantastic! Would go again tomo if I could afford it! Have a great time.

Answer 7

Been to Australia a few times in military career. Beautiful place. Go and check out the coral reefs, the amphitheater( dont know if i spelled that right) great place. Definately want to go back.

Answer 8

As far as tips are concerned, remember Australians are paid a living wage wherever they work - including waiters and taxi drivers. It is not necessary to tip but you can if you want to. The American system of tipping everyone does not apply here. You certainly don't tip bar staff although they won't tell you not to.

Answer 9

All cities have their own 'drawing card'. Just depends on what your interesting in seeing. Queensland has the beaches and coast. NSW has the sydney harbour bridge. Try not to stick to the coast all the time, but go more inland. We have beautiful natural rainforests, NT is interesting... You'll love it

Answer 10

Like what?
If you are a tourist, stay away from the citys and head inland, its cheaper and more bloody interesting!
If you have specific Questions feel free to email me from my Q&A page.I would be happy to help!

Answer 11

Dont bring any of those spiders back in the uk from ur suitcase. U could take the soap neighbours tour and tell them to stop getting rid of acters and not to change the set and music in neighbours.