Hi All,
My Wife and I are visiting Australia next year (January!). We'll be in Cairns, Uluru/Ayers Rock, Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
We'll be swimming on/near the Great Barrier Reef and we've booked to walk over the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Anything else I HAVE to do while we're there?
Where's the best place to go cycling? Cairns? Blue Mountains? Sydney?
Broken Hill, go down the mine and go on a night safari and visit Silverton.
Lol you know it's the middle of summer.....
Bikes? NZ or Tassie 😉
or look here
http://flowmountainbike.com/flow-nation/
Top of my lists
Wine tours in SA
Tassie Exploring in the outdoors and the best modern art gallery (with attached brewery and vinyard) and arts festival
Blue Mountains was on fire last January 🙂
Melbourne for a city
It will be HOT, as in really hot Hats, factor 50 and proper sunnies needed.
Frasier Island was probably the high-point of my trip - but I guess it will depend on how long you've got, it's nowhere near any of your stopping points (I think, it's been a while).
Great Ocean Road if you can get down south.
Canberra for, erm, for, well, to say that you've been there and you agree with the common opinion of it 😉
Canberra for, erm, for, well, to say that you've been there and you agree with the common opinion of it
Some of the best riding to be had when it's a bit cooler, interesting little city really on the edge of the snoweys and the rest! Just baking hot and Stromlo has no shade. I'm escaping to the piss wet UK for most of Jan
How long you going for?
I'll be there for three weeks - and Yes I am expecting it to be hot.
But not too hot for a bit of pootling around - shirley?
what do you call hot?
Alice will be 35-40c
I was in Brisbane a couple of Jan's ago and 38c with 90% humidity that got worse after the thunder storm, not sure about Cairns
Sydney probably 30's
Depends what you are used to, I can feel it at 30 and body really objects at 35c.
3 Weeks in the country or 3 weeks with flights (2 1/2 weeks) budget 1/2 - 1 day for interstate internal flights with getting in and out of the airport. Airport train in Sydney is much easier than Taxi.
Just got back from a month in Australia a few weeks ago (and did six months there ten years ago as well). Going in January will mean it will be far too hot to do anything meaningful in the north and the middle of the country. Uluru will be face-melting, Cairns too probably. The Red Centre is worth seeing though - it's not like anywhere else. A lot of the south-east coastal area is not wildly different from a very sunny version of the UK.
The cities are alright, usually a nice enough centre surrounded by miles and miles of dull suburbs. For Sydney - stick to the harbour area (Balmain is a nice suburb very close to the city centre) and the beaches (Manly, Coogee, Bondi of course). Melbourne sprawls for miles and miles - again stick to the middle - visit the MCG, which has a great sports museum covering most things (with an obvious emphasis on cricket). Spectacular view from the Eureka tower. Watch out for their transport system though - they've got a sort-of Oyster card equivalent but no way to get single paper tickets, so the minimum purchase is a plastic card and then a top-up charge for it. You're best off getting a tourist pack which includes the cards plus a load of discounts - ask at the tourist information centre in Federation Square right in the centre.
Outside Melbourne there's a really good zoo at Healesville with all the Aussie wildlife including platypus, koalas, wombats etc. [url= http://www.zoo.org.au/healesville ]Healesville Sanctuary[/url].
I'd also highly recommend the Loch Brewery - the son of a friend runs it and it's great craft beer in a lovely setting. Not open every day though: [url=
+1 for Tasmania - an interesting place and good for great-outdoorsing. I loved the Overland Track (5 day hike) and Freycinet is pretty special too. Blue Mountains are a great if you get out into them and don't just go to Katoomba to look out. Some excellent hiking down into the valleys.
Enjoy!
My personal favourite was walking and swimming in Kakadu national park. It's a bit out of the way though. Swimming holes at the top and bottom of amazing waterfalls it was absolutely beautiful. Watch out for the crocs and use a guide. Fraser island is great too.
Personally I wouldn't go hiking in any forested valleys in January... unless I was damn sure about the fire risk. The Blue Mountains will be sweltering - I'd spend the time in a NSW beach town chilling out. Byron Bay is the obvious one.
Since you seem to be basing yourselves in QLD and NSW, I probably wouldn't add further travelling to your itinerary (unless you really want to see as much as you can and then recover later). Apparently there's good riding in rainforest around Cairns (Atherton Tablelands etc) but prepare to perspire. Not been up there but it's on my list (as is seeing a cassowary).
The heat is an issue but it can be helpful. We toured in Dec/Jan and it was mostly very hot. It did mean all the tourists kept away. We went to one national park where the guide book said get there early as it is one in/one out, queue up on the road at first light and you might get lucky. We drove straight in and only sew a few other cars in 3 days. We regularly had camp sites to ourselves where ever we went. Nothing spoils a wilderness experience like other people so I was happy, even it did only dip down to 28 degrees in the middle of the night.
The Blue Mountains are nice. Do the touristy bits first thing before the buses then head into the bush a bit (obviously being well prepared with maps and water etc). Might be worth renting a van in Sydney and driving out to the Blue Mountains for a few days. There are lots of pay camp sites and quite a few free semi wild sites.
Only the did the bottom bit of the reef so can't really help there but again try and get away from the crowds. Might be turtle season, that is well worth tracking down. An amazing experience. We didn't do Uluru either. We went to one of its little brothers, Walga Rock in WA. Camped at the base on our own, then walked to the top in the morning. From the top you couldn't see any signs of human life in any direction; no people, no cars, no houses.
DONT GO TO CAIRNS - mainly because you will melt .... chances are the temp will be north of 40 deg and humidity about 98% - it is hideous
Stay south, it is lovely ....
Taronga Zoo in Sydney
nickjb - Member
The heat is an issue but it can be helpful. We toured in Dec/Jan
That's actual summer. Not "the bank holiday weekend when we all go to the beer garden in shorts regardless of the ACTUAL temperature".
There is nothing helpful about 35c + temps and air-less woodland mountain bike trails. Unless you are looking for dehydration and possible organ failure or death by bushfire.
Taronga Zoo in Sydney
I was going to say that, mainly because it also means you can get a ferry there - spectacular views of Sydney from the water.
There is nothing helpful about 35c + temps and air-less woodland mountain bike trails. Unless you are looking for dehydration and possible organ failure or death by bushfire.
A bit of an exaggeration, that - I ride and run all through summer in central Spain, and the temperatures get above that. You do need to be careful with hydration, and I wouldn't want to get lost, but it's not [i]that[/i] bad.
I think it is that attitude that keeps the locals away. Personally I'd rather be a bit hot and have the place to myself than be comfortable but surrounded by tourists. For us it really made the outback experience going for miles without seeing anybody and camping without another soul in sight or earshot. Yes, it would have been nicer not to have to cling to a frozen water bottle to get to sleep but you can't have everything 🙂There is nothing helpful about 35c + temps and air-less woodland mountain bike trails. Unless you are looking for dehydration and possible organ failure or death by bushfire.
Has anyone been to watch the Bats flying the roost in Sydney?
Saw them in Melbourne and a couple of smaller towns up the coast from Sydney. Quite a sight. If you can do it in Sydney then definitely do it.Has anyone been to watch the Bats flying the roost in Sydney?
mogrim - MemberA bit of an exaggeration, that - I ride and run all through summer in central Spain, and the temperatures get above that. You do need to be careful with hydration, and I wouldn't want to get lost, but it's not that bad.
35c + is ok on the coast when you have the sea breeze but for me, mountain biking in that heat (t1 diabetic) with no-one around is pretty stupid. And a busy trail here is still dead compared to UK trails. Mid 30s is hot under the trees. If I wanted that level of discomfort I'd remove my saddle.
Somewhere in WA got to 49c in 2013. In direct sun that's ****in hot.
Port Douglas is much nicer and smaller than Cairns. Fraser Island is really good fun and I've been back to Byron Bay (surfing, snorkelling off Julian Rocks) a few times but in August when it is quieter and cooler. I love the Friendly Railway bar in BB. Sydney never pressed my buttons much, Melbourne is nicer. Car hire is cheap as is petrol and it's a great way to get around. MrsMC did the train from Cairns to Brisbane, a pretty epic journey. Don't forget to buy some Blundstone boots.
Watch out for bull shark or salty if you are swimming in the river ...
Thanks for all the ideas/advice.
I'll probably not bother with the Blundstone boots though 😯
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35c + is ok on the coast when you have the sea breeze but for me, mountain biking in that heat (t1 diabetic) with no-one around is pretty stupid. And a busy trail here is still dead compared to UK trails. Mid 30s is hot under the trees. If I wanted that level of discomfort I'd remove my saddle.
I was assuming the OP was going cycling with his wife, not on his own - if that's not the case then it's perhaps not such a good idea!
I wasn't going to take my Wife (she hates cycling) but I was going to contact a local Guiding company to hire a bike and join a group ride for a day or half day.
I was kinda relying on their expertise and this forums advice on best location to ride.
I'm thinking that the Blue Mountains will definitely be cooler - so I'll probably do it there 8)
I'm thinking that the Blue Mountains will definitely be cooler - so I'll probably do it there
I'm fairly sure there is no riding in the National Park (normal here) if you look at the link in my first post there is some stuff around Penrith on the way out and Lithgow if you go further.
Not sure about local guides, not really a thing out here but get in touch with a local club for some rides if you want.
Not trying to sound patronising but respect the heat and the conditions especially fire danger, it's probably one of the scariest things out here.
Also be aware of the cultural issues regarding Uluru
http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/climbing-ayers-rock-uluru.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-03/maher-please-don27t-climb-uluru/4728726
and that at that time it will be stupidly hot up there, there are some amazing canyons around that are worth seeing.
Book an evening with [url= http://www.reefteach.com.au/ ]THESE[/url] guys before you head out to the reef. Was great & really learnt a lot. Got a lot more out of it. Look for a reef boat firm that have a pontoon, if your queezy on a boat. The day I spent snorkelling was one of the best of my life. 30 miles out, water like a bathtub.Amazing. It will be stifling hot in Cairns, but take the cable car up to the Atherton Tablelands & it's "naturally air conditioned" they reckoned.
We went in July, & it was -8c the morning we got up early to watch the sunrise at Uluru. 🙂
Sydney was ok, not a massive fan if I'm honest.
Brisbane was perfect.
The Gold Coast was crass, just skyscrapers on the beach.
Best bit of Oz was by far the Sunshine Coast, up towards Noosa.
Absolutely lovely.
I loved Oz, but wouldn't go in Jan. The schools are all off (I think).
One of my best mates emigrated earlier this year, to Sydney.
Lucky bugger.
If you're only here for 3 weeks, my advice is: don't try to do too much.
If you have already booked your walk up the harbour bridge, i would suggest that you don't need to spend any more time in Circular Quay. It (along with Darling harbour) is the equivalent of Leicester Square.
If you are in Sydney for a week ish (?) my tips would be:
1. A day doing your bridge climb/opera house. Go to the botanical gardens (next door) for a picnic, and finish off with a swim in the ABC outdoor pool.
2. Get the ferry to Cremorne point, and walk from Cremorne to Balmoral (then bus back). It's a brilliant walk with really great harbour views, and going via lots of hidden beaches.
3. Tarronga zoo (as has been mentioned). The live bird show sounds sh*te, but is actually totes amaze
4. bus to Bondi beach, then walk from Bondi (Lunch at Bronte) to Coogee.
5. Spit-bridge to Manley Walk - great views.
6. Take the bus to palm beach (where home and away is filmed) - really beautiful.
7. Have a surfing lesson on Bondi or Manley beach
You will notice that walking features quite heavily! Sydney (and the surrounding area) is best enjoyed on foot - bring trainers!
If you are in Sydney for a week ish (?) my tips would be:
Depending on who you ask some would just say go to Melbourne 😉
Hit the ferries for transport, nice way to get around.
http://www.cricket.com.au/series/kfc-t20-big-bash-league-04/nB4gUgJcSkCcUSPW51iExA
Big Bash 20/20 games can be fun too
Depending on who you ask some would just say go to Melbourne
Those people..... are just wrong 🙂
If you want to go and listen to an African thumb-drumming band, or watch some mad person do some performance art in a premier-inn: then Melbourne is for you. Otherwise, Sydney is just betterer.
Said in jest of course. Melbourne also have some scratty looking penguins which are worth the airfair alone.
oh and riding...
Tassie
Mt Buller Vic
Otherwise, Sydney is just bettered.
Sydney is the Shane Warne of cities.
still better than BrisVegas....
Sydney is the Shane Warne of cities.
Compared to what?!?!?!
Have you been to..... hmmm..... anywhere else in Australia? 🙂
All in jest of course (bantz obvs), thoroughly enjoyed Melbourne and am planning a trip to Tassie!
well there are 3 of us down here I think.
If you wait till after Feb some of the new trails in the NE will be open. Also more developments happening in the West.
http://www.ridetassie.com/
Otherwise come over for one of the events
http://www.hellfirecup.com/
http://wildsidemtb.com/
Hellfire is logistically easier.
Yeah, we are thinking of doing one of those multi-day trek things. Although I will try to sneak in some biking too.
I also really want to go to MOMA.
MONA is awesome, did Hellfire and Wildside this year, tough but awesome. Planning hellfire next year solo again for maximum pain.
There was also a beer wagon and Taco van 🙂
Plan an afternoon at the 4Pines brewery pub in Manly, its right across from the ferry and the kolsch is rather nice. I'm over on the other side in WA and dont know the Eastern States that well but I liked Sydney. Its a bit to big for my taste but the whole Botanic gardens, opera house, bridge thing is stunning. Also the Rocks area is nice (The lord nelson pub is nice).
Also Harrys cafe de wheels does a ruddy tasty meat pie.
They are predicting a seriously toasty summer I believe so just be aware, the heats one thing but the UV will turn you into a lobster in minutes!
Where in WA are ya WH2009? I've lost track of who's over here! Reckon 40c in Perth next week but a mild 35 on Chrissy day.
And you're not wrong with the UV either. 20 mins in the sun even with decent slop on and you'll start to toast. As I previously mentioned.... riding in the level of heat is just stupid.
When in Cairns go to the Atherton tablelands crater lakes, incredible swimming in beautiful locations loads of waterfalls to hunt out also.
I'm Perth based, up near Mt Lawley when i'm not being banished to the crispy red north for work (Though thats not looking so good these days!). I seruiosly need to buy some lights and try out night rides this summer otherwise I end up mostly on the road cos its too bloody hot in the bush!
I must give you guys a shout next time I'm back in Perth (with notice) off to the cold wet UK for a month or though - any ideas what I should expect?