Regarding the hotel in Uluru, we also booked Desert Gardens since it was a bit cheaper (and all the activities there are EXTREMELY expensive). I read reviews of the higher end hotel, Sails in the Desert, and the feedback was equally bad. Since we're planning only one night there, I thought I'd save money and book Desert Gardens and spend my money on camel rides, etc.
Cousin Orville - thank you so much for writing this trip report! I really appreciate all the detail and tips you've included. We're planning to go to Australia this December on our own since we'd like to add a week of New Zealand (and do some LOTR tours), and just couldn't swing the time or expense of doing the ABD and then tacking on another week of NZ. But I would have loved to do both!
I have a couple of questions for you as I'm finalizing our planning:
1. Did you think Daintree/Mossman Gorge was a must do, or would you have liked an additional day of snorkeling/boat tour?
2. We're planning on staying in Palm Cove as well (Pepper's Beach Resort since the pools look AMAZING and the kids will love it), but do you think Port Douglas was equally nice? It seems like a more convenient base...
Regarding the hotel in Uluru, we also booked Desert Gardens since it was a bit cheaper (and all the activities there are EXTREMELY expensive). I read reviews of the higher end hotel, Sails in the Desert, and the feedback was equally bad. Since we're planning only one night there, I thought I'd save money and book Desert Gardens and spend my money on camel rides, etc.
thanks!
I wouldn't worry too much about the Desert Gardens. I wish ABD could stay at the Sails (maybe they don't allow large groups), but Desert Gardens is ok. It's probably just luck of the draw as far as rooms. Regardless, Uluru is worth it.
1. I think the way ABD plans their Cairns days is ideal for the number of days. They hit the highlights. If you have an extra day I'd do the Mossman Gorge. I was very satisfied snorkeling just the one day. However, I'm not into scuba or serious snorkeling. I suspect if you are, you might want more days in the Reef.
2. I thought Port Douglas was fine, butI preferred the quaintness of Palm Cove more. However, Port Douglas is closer to the GBR and Mossman Gorge. It's also further from the airport. Palm Cove is closer to the Aboriginal center, Kuranda and Hartley's Crocodile Adventures along with the Night Zoo which we didn't do but several other families did. For me I'd probably stay in Palm Cove.
thanks. I think one day of snorkeling will be enough for us. Given we'll be traveling for nearly 2 weeks before we arrive into Palm Cove, I think we'll like having one day just to chill at the pool!
I appreciate your input - I think we'll stick with Palm Cove. It seems like a nice town with lots of good (and expensive) restaurants.
It's less than 3 weeks until we leave for our Down Under Adventure. My friend and I were considering skipping the morning at Bondi Beach to spend more time in Sydney. We will not be doing the surfing but I have heard the walk is well worth it. Just wondering how you would rate the day's activities and the free time available. We are spending our post days in Melbourne so our only time in Sydney will be with ABD.
Tough question. Bondi is still a pretty beach to see and it's cool to learn about some of the surfing culture. However, there's a lot of other things to see in Sydney as well. I went surfing so I can't comment on the walk, but I would imagine it was beautiful. Are you bike riding the next day? What other things in Sydney were you thinking about doing?
Are you sure you don't want to climb the bridge that evening? That was really incredible.
The walk from Bondi along the coast is gorgeous. However we only did it 1 way and took the bus back to Sydney at the end. I'm not sure how I would feel about walking part of the way then turning around and heading back. The scenery varies the further you go from Bondi.
If you are certain that you won't be surfing, then I'd probably skip the morning at Bondi and visit the Botanical Gardens and the Maritime Museum (the latter was one of my favorite attractions in Sydney).
Remember that you are doing a ghost walk in Tasmania; not sure if you want to duplicate that type of experience or not.
Have a great trip!
Wait, the Sydney Bridge climb is included in the trip? I thought it wasn't.
What's the climb like? Do you need advance ressies?
Do you have any suggestions for the gratuities for the Adventure Guides? Australian dollars? US dollars? A prepaid Visa card? I'm at a loss on what to do.