Travelling to Australia in January 2008...?

Question

We're 2 girls travelling to Australia this coming January. So far, we've decides we're going to do the east coast (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane/surfers paradise, Whitsunday Islands/Airlie Beach and Cairns.) we're undecided if we're going to get a train pass or just stick to the plane...any tips...are the trains there any good? Also, if anyone know of any good places/hostels to stay in - we're not looking for the quite type :P Any other tips/suggestions are more than welcome!!! Can't wait!!

Answer 1

I would take the train personally. You can buy a ticket for train ride Carins > Brisbane - get off as many times as you want and stay at other places, I think you have 3 months to use the ticket up. Called the Tilt train or The Sundlander
http://www.traveltrain.com.au/2/experience_traveltrain/queensland_trains/tilt_train/overview.asp (around $302.50 Tilt train and $206 Sundlander)

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort Cairns is the party place to be (right in town close to nightclubs etc)
http://www.gilligansbackpackers.com.au/welcome.html

Answer 2

There are plenty of backpacker hostels right up the east coast and many have websites including some chains of hostels. You will meet lots of young people in the hostels all out for a good time. They will also give you lots of tips about things to do and see.

Take the train. There are two trains a day to Brisbane from Sydney. Take the daytime train rather than the overnight. This goes as far as Casino in northern NSW and from there you get a bus. I would recommend you take the bus to Byron Bay and spend a day or so there before taking a bus to Surfers and Brisbane which are just up the coast. Byron is beautiful. It is the most easterly point of Australia with much to see and glorious beaches.

As I said travel from Byron to Brisbane by bus and then take the train to Cairns. You can get off the train anywhere you like on the trip north. Plan your trip but leave enough flexibility to make diversions or linger in favoured spots. You can do this easily using trains. If you fly, you will never know what is happening underneath you.

Answer 3

I did this trip, but used a plane. Had the all australia pass with 5 flights for $999 including RT to U.S.

I stayed in Ellis Beach bungalows which were awesome for Cairns/Port Douglas.

I used priceline and got $90 USD a night rooms at the Hyatt Sydney right on the Harbor so if you want a little splurge... however I did go off season so I could snowboard.

Have fun.

Answer 4

The distance between major capital cities and also the low price of discouted air fares make the train less attractive than those in Europe. In here train are used mainly by travellers to and from country destinations.