We are Roger and Susan from Tacoma Washington (USA). We are still working, early 60's, and our dream of visiting AU is coming true as we will arrive in your wonderful country for 6 weeks in October and November. We have studied as much as we can, however we would love some input from our kind of people - that is fellow Rvers, or maybe you would say caravaners! We are very undecided over whether we should rent a caravan and camp, or use a rental car & hotels. We love the idea of camping as that is our normal, and we know we will meet many wonderful people. The downside with the caravan is having to use it for transport everywhere and can't just park for a few days. We have had to cut our plans down (saving NT & WA for another trip), and are basically focusing on the coasts rather than the center of each state. Of course enough money and time are always problems.
We land in Brisbane in mid-Oct, plan to take about a week driving to Port Douglas, and then stay there approximately a week. While in PD, Roger wants to scuba dive (Susan will snorkel) maybe spend a night or 2 on a boat, and of course see Daintree, and other sights too. From there we will fly to Adelaide, possibly go to Kangaroo Island, the start meandering through S.A. (we like wine & food!) visit Melbourne, roam Victoria, head to NSW, Sydney, then back to Brisbane. We would like to drive the whole route, but may have to fly if we have a time crunch. Does this seem at all reasonable and possible in our time frame? We realize this is a very long post, but will appreciate any and all advice, and ideas. We are willing to chat via private message rather than fill up the forum is that is better. Many thanks in advance!
Dougwe said
09:19 AM Aug 1, 2016
Welcome to the gang Roger and Susan, enjoy here and out in the playground (Australia).
From reading what you want to do maybe think of what we here call a motorhome. That way you can 'camp' in some great places then hand it back when flying then hire another one in that State/Area.
A caravan is towed by a suitable car/small truck/4x4, meaning you can unhook the caravan then set up 'camp' and use the tow vehicle to get around site seeing.
A motorhome is a stand alone vehicle you drive and the living area is on board with you. I think you might call them RV's.
Hope that is of some help and makes sense.
Rainshine said
09:44 AM Aug 1, 2016
Thank you! I indeed would say motorhome, however when looking at the rental sites, they would only refer to caravans or campers, so got us confused! I will check more into it. Do you think Adelaide-Brisbane is feasible in 4 weeks (with time to meander and sightsee)?
Dougwe said
10:14 AM Aug 1, 2016
Yes 4 weeks should be ok but don't hang around each spot too long. It all depends what way you choose to go as well. There are so many different ways you could go so just study your maps and choose well.
Most of all enjoy Australia when you get here.
OwenK said
01:54 PM Aug 1, 2016
Hi Roger & Susan.
Welcome to the forum. I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip to Oz. While in Port Douglas I would highly recommend a company called "Wavelenght Reef Cruises" for a trip out to "the great barrier reef". They take around 20 passengers at a time visit 3 reefs, snorkel at each, they had a Marine Biologist on board when we were on it. They are in my opinion far better than Quicksilver (300 passengers). Maybe check them out on the net. Enjoy your stay here.
Cheers Owen.
brickies said
09:48 AM Aug 2, 2016
I would think Motorhome would be the way to go , There are lots of options near brisbane airport just use Mr Google you can pick up an motorhome in Brisbane and drop off at Cairns when leaving North Queensland , Arlie Beach would be a place to drop into lots of Island off there and very popular with our oversea friends , You may of heard of Whitehaven beach off Hamilton island . Do your research google has got it all covered .
Rainshine said
02:31 PM Aug 2, 2016
Thank you Owen! I was just reading about them today. Wavelength definitely sounds the best for snorkeling, however I am still in search of a scuba dive boat. Any clues?
Susan
Rainshine said
02:36 PM Aug 2, 2016
Thanks! Yes, Google is my friend! Only trouble is I hear you can't believe everything you read on the internet! LOL!
Woody n Sue said
12:46 PM Aug 4, 2016
And it's welcome from us two 2 Susan and Roger motor home for sure
You will have a ball down here for sure just remember to take note of the distances you plan to travel and the speed limit over here in oz is in the main part only 100 kph that is 62 mph there are some but few roads where it is 110 kph .
But you probably won't want to be traveling at that pace all the time so make allowances for that
Woody
Hello!
We are Roger and Susan from Tacoma Washington (USA). We are still working, early 60's, and our dream of visiting AU is coming true as we will arrive in your wonderful country for 6 weeks in October and November. We have studied as much as we can, however we would love some input from our kind of people - that is fellow Rvers, or maybe you would say caravaners! We are very undecided over whether we should rent a caravan and camp, or use a rental car & hotels. We love the idea of camping as that is our normal, and we know we will meet many wonderful people. The downside with the caravan is having to use it for transport everywhere and can't just park for a few days. We have had to cut our plans down (saving NT & WA for another trip), and are basically focusing on the coasts rather than the center of each state. Of course enough money and time are always problems.
We land in Brisbane in mid-Oct, plan to take about a week driving to Port Douglas, and then stay there approximately a week. While in PD, Roger wants to scuba dive (Susan will snorkel) maybe spend a night or 2 on a boat, and of course see Daintree, and other sights too. From there we will fly to Adelaide, possibly go to Kangaroo Island, the start meandering through S.A. (we like wine & food!) visit Melbourne, roam Victoria, head to NSW, Sydney, then back to Brisbane. We would like to drive the whole route, but may have to fly if we have a time crunch. Does this seem at all reasonable and possible in our time frame? We realize this is a very long post, but will appreciate any and all advice, and ideas. We are willing to chat via private message rather than fill up the forum is that is better. Many thanks in advance!
From reading what you want to do maybe think of what we here call a motorhome. That way you can 'camp' in some great places then hand it back when flying then hire another one in that State/Area.
A caravan is towed by a suitable car/small truck/4x4, meaning you can unhook the caravan then set up 'camp' and use the tow vehicle to get around site seeing.
A motorhome is a stand alone vehicle you drive and the living area is on board with you. I think you might call them RV's.
Hope that is of some help and makes sense.
Thank you! I indeed would say motorhome, however when looking at the rental sites, they would only refer to caravans or campers, so got us confused! I will check more into it. Do you think Adelaide-Brisbane is feasible in 4 weeks (with time to meander and sightsee)?
Most of all enjoy Australia when you get here.
Hi Roger & Susan.
Welcome to the forum. I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip to Oz. While in Port Douglas I would highly recommend a company called "Wavelenght Reef Cruises" for a trip out to "the great barrier reef". They take around 20 passengers at a time visit 3 reefs, snorkel at each, they had a Marine Biologist on board when we were on it. They are in my opinion far better than Quicksilver (300 passengers). Maybe check them out on the net. Enjoy your stay here.
Cheers Owen.
Thank you Owen! I was just reading about them today. Wavelength definitely sounds the best for snorkeling, however I am still in search of a scuba dive boat. Any clues?
Susan
Thanks! Yes, Google is my friend! Only trouble is I hear you can't believe everything you read on the internet!
LOL!
You will have a ball down here for sure just remember to take note of the distances you plan to travel and the speed limit over here in oz is in the main part only 100 kph that is 62 mph there are some but few roads where it is 110 kph .
But you probably won't want to be traveling at that pace all the time so make allowances for that
Woody