Australia Honeymoon (Sydney, Hamilton Island, Brisbane)

RoSean · 07-12-2008, 10:32 PM

We're honeymooning in Australia in late August for 2 weeks.
Any suggestions on activities, must see places, restaurants etc.?

Ava · 07-13-2008, 08:05 AM

I'm from Brisbane, I moved to Canada.

If you have any questions at all, ask me.

As far as a honeymoon goes, Hamilton Island is fantastic, and so is Airlie Beach (if you're really liking wanting to spend time on the Great Barrier Reef).

There are some gorgeous hotels on the Gold Coast near Brisbane too, but the Gold Coast is a huge tourist destination so it is a little busy.

RoSean · 07-13-2008, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ava

I'm from Brisbane, I moved to Canada.

If you have any questions at all, ask me.

As far as a honeymoon goes, Hamilton Island is fantastic, and so is Airlie Beach (if you're really liking wanting to spend time on the Great Barrier Reef).

There are some gorgeous hotels on the Gold Coast near Brisbane too, but the Gold Coast is a huge tourist destination so it is a little busy.

Cool!

We're spending a majority of our time in Sydney and Hamilton Island. We'll be in Brisbane for 2 days since we fly back to the US from that airport. Have you gone Zorbing? My husband really wants to try that. Also, where is the best place to cuddle a koala and see kangaroos? Have you been to Blue Mountain (nearby Sydney)? Is that worth seeing?

Thanks.

Ava · 07-13-2008, 10:15 AM

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane is the best place to cuddle a koala and feed roo's.

You cannot cuddle koalas in New South Wales (where Sydney is).

I have zorbed, but in the ones that strap you in. It is a lot of fun, but if you're queasy, it might get messy!

Keep in mind, Brisbane is a HUGE city, landwise, but there is public transport everywhere.

I haven't been to the Blue Mountains, but I have heard they're pretty impressive! HOWEVER - what we in Australia deem impressive as far as mountains go, my Canadian fiance calls "hills".

ccarmany23 · 08-07-2008, 10:33 AM

Honeymoon in Australia will be fantastic!!!!! I thought I was the only one crazy enough to consider marrying in Mexico and then traveling to Australia/New Zealand for the hm. Do you have any good info on how long flight is and any good tips for airlines that fly from mexico out there

jkcz0702 · 08-07-2008, 11:59 AM

I just got back from Sydney it is so much fun. You can see so much is a short amount of time. I really liked the featherdale park it is outside the city you take a train you can pet kangaroos and koalas, the opera house is great, shopping is really good, you will have a blast.

beckibee · 08-10-2008, 10:23 AM

My proposal was in Sydney! I agree with the Brisbane Animal Sanctuary. Awesome. The Taranga Zoo in Sydney is also a must. I in fact hate zoos and loved this one because it has amazing habitats and the animals just hop around you in large, enclosed areas. The ferry ride over from Cicular Quay is inexpensive, frequent, and fun.

I have been to Hamilton Island too and you must rent one of the golf carts to get around the island. You can walk too, but the golf cart is super fun.

RoSean · 08-17-2008, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ava

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane is the best place to cuddle a koala and feed roo's.

You cannot cuddle koalas in New South Wales (where Sydney is).

I have zorbed, but in the ones that strap you in. It is a lot of fun, but if you're queasy, it might get messy!

Keep in mind, Brisbane is a HUGE city, landwise, but there is public transport everywhere.

I haven't been to the Blue Mountains, but I have heard they're pretty impressive! HOWEVER - what we in Australia deem impressive as far as mountains go, my Canadian fiance calls "hills".

I've been checking the weather and it'll be in the 70's F.
Do you think the water will be warm enough to swim in? When you lived in Brisbane, did you go swimming in August?
I'm looking forward to snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, but I'm a little worried the water would be too cold.

I would be extremely disappointed if it is.

RoSean · 08-17-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkcz0702

I just got back from Sydney it is so much fun. You can see so much is a short amount of time. I really liked the featherdale park it is outside the city you take a train you can pet kangaroos and koalas, the opera house is great, shopping is really good, you will have a blast.

Oh cool! How was the weather in Sydney? Should I pack sweaters/jeans?

Did you go to featherdal park on your own or with a tour?
How much is the tour of the Opera House?

We're staying at the city center (Hyde Park area) and I'm unsure if I should get a CityPass. I think many attractons are nearby/walking distance.

What did you guys do for transportation?

I'm super excited now that it's just a week away...

RoSean · 08-17-2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccarmany23

Honeymoon in Australia will be fantastic!!!!! I thought I was the only one crazy enough to consider marrying in Mexico and then traveling to Australia/New Zealand for the hm. Do you have any good info on how long flight is and any good tips for airlines that fly from mexico out there

We're flying from New Jersey using Qantas airlines. They are definitely the cheapest airlines for us since we are visiting 3 cities. We bought it from their website.

I'm not looking forward to the flight since it's over a day. We leave at 6PM and arrive 2 days later at 7AM (factors in the time difference).

That's exhausting