I am planning a honeymoon to Australia next summer. I have never been there before. I think we have decided we want to stay near Cairns because its near a rain forest and the great barrier reef. I live in the US and there is a 14 hour time difference between here and there. Is there anything I need to know about Australia before I go? Any suggestions for us to get to enjoy the utmost of the Australian experience while we are there? Is a week long enough to really enjoy it?
2007-05-19 04:25:30 · 8 answers · asked by Crys 2 in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Other - Australia
Whats the weather like in June? Beach weather?
2007-05-19 04:30:10 · update #1
Hi Crys
Wow – so much to see and do and you are only allowing a WEEK.? You need more time !!!
Well, if you can’t afford the time off so be it.
OK living in Cairns and done all the tourist things I would recommend the following:
One day trip - Skyrail Rainforest Gateway - a must see ! http://www.skyrail.com.au go up on the skyrail to the rainforest village of Kuranda and come back down via the Kuranda Scenic Railway http://www.ksr.qr.com.au You can also spend time in the village in between at http://www.kuranda.org
A trip to the Aboriginal Culture Park http://www.tjapukai.com.au
(they are in the same car park as the Skyrail)
One day trip - A trip out on the reef to Green Island - http://www.greatadventures.com.au or http://www.greenisland.com.au
About Green Island here - http://www.greenislandresort.com.au
You can snorkel out on the reef, take a glass bottom boat, do the scoobdo - http://www.scubadoocairns.com or seawalker http://www.seawalker.com.au - all great experiences there is half day trips or full day.
Spend time in Cairns City at the Esplanade swimming and sunbaking by the lagoon Cairns Esplanade http://www.cairnsesplanade.com you are spoilt for choice of restaurants on the main strip there also. Cairns Central Mall is a 10 min walk from the Esplanade for shopping in the air condition – believe me, you’ll need it.
There is a small Tropical Zoo here – worth going to see ALL Australian animals. - http://www.wildworld-aus.com.au - Have your photo taken cuddling a Koala!
Port Douglas is about a 50 min drive from Cairns city – worth it for the scenery.
http://www.portdouglaseguide.com, or http://www.vcentres.com.au/port-douglas
For more great sites on what to do in Cairns
Cairns Visitor Centre
http://www.cairnsvisitorcentre.com
About the Wet Tropics and World Heritage North Qld
http://wettropics.gov.au
Things to do and See in Cairns
http://www.tropicalaustralia.com.au/things_to_do_and_see
The Daintree Discovery Centre is awesome and well worth the day trip, it's an easy 2 hour drive north of Cairns.
http://www.daintree-rec.com.au There is a small river you have to cross on the way - I'm sure it's around the $20 mark for the ferry crossing.
Don't foregt your aeroguard (bug repellant) in the rainforest!
The weather in Cairns - no problems... Instead of four seasons, Cairns has a wet season and dry season. Cairns averages at about 24 ° to 28 ° C dry season and in the summer (wet season) Dec – Feb 30 ° to 35 ° C
More on Cairns weather - http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/
Enjoy your honeymoon and married life!
2007-05-19 16:07:30 · answer #1 · answered by • Koala • uʍop ɹǝpun 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A week is not long enough, but if it's all you have, what can you do. One week is plenty if it is just Cairns and the reef you want to do. Subtract roughly 1/5 from the $AUD to get $USD. A lot of tours wont sail out to the reef if it is too windy, so consider not booking your reef tour until you arrive in Cairns, or book on a big boat that wont be so affected by the weather. It is peak season, but there are many tour operators, it is unlikely you will miss out. Don't forget you have to pay departure tax when you leave Australia - probably already included in your tickets. Sunscreen is essential, and a hat and sunglasses, but obviously you can get these here. There is a 10% GST (goods and services) tax on most things, but it is always already included in the price(though often listed separately on the bill), don't let them charge you twice eg in a taxi. Tipping is not customary, but always appreciated. Not in cafes or shops, and only if the service is good in restaurants (no more than $10-15, even for an expensive meal, say $150 meal). No one will think anything much if you don't tip. I usually just give an extra $5, or round up to the nearest $5 if it's far off. Never know what to do for the hotel porter, last time I had to take my own luggage up ! $5 total should be fine. People don't rely on tips to make a living here like they do in the States.
2007-05-22 07:29:39 · answer #2 · answered by =42 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
June is cool, don't be fooled. Nobody has mentioned the stingers in the ocean yet, probably because they're usually not around in winter, but you should be aware of them anyway. The area around Cairns is lovely, make sure you do see the rainforests. Aussies will give you the 'wink' when you say you're on your honeymoon, or they'll say 'awwwww, nice' - they're a bit soft on the newlyweds. Don't miss the boat when you're exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
2007-05-21 02:38:52 · answer #3 · answered by Sunny 1st 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
June is winter here but the tropics are a perfect place to visit during winter! Nice and warm instead of HOT! It will be beautiful for your honeymoon. I am from Western Australia and don't know much about Queensland except that it is absolutely gorgeous! The rain forest meets the sea in some spots...how great would that be?
There isn't much you need to know apart from what one person already told you...that we have seatbelt laws and drive on the left hand side of the road. We are pretty casual easy going people, love our beer and are a friendly bunch in general. Have a GREAT honeymoon!
2007-05-19 18:21:47 · answer #4 · answered by West Aussie Chick 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
All you need to do is go to Cairns. Fly into Sydney, two days at the most. Fly to Cairns. Visit Great Barrier Reef two days, skyway through the Daintree Forest, Aboriginal tour, relax on the beautiful beaches.
2007-05-19 11:34:11 · answer #5 · answered by russ m 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
June is a great time to visit the tropics. It is certainly beach weather. You will have a great time.
If you are going to drive, remember that we drive on the left side of the road and that seatbelt wearing is compulsory and enforced.
2007-05-19 16:08:18 · answer #6 · answered by tentofield 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Many of the beaches are topless or nude, bring sunglasses for the new hubby :)
2007-05-19 11:35:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
I am GREEN with envy! Congratulations. I would LOVE to be going to Australia on a trip! My only advice (having never been there) is just don't go SWIMMING! Have fun!
2007-05-19 11:36:41 · answer #8 · answered by Sabrina 6 · 0⤊ 6⤋