I'm going to Australia for two weeks and stopping in three cities across the continent.?

Question

I'm flying from San Francisco to Sydney, Sydney to Uluru for a weekend, Uluru to Perth, then home via Sydney within a two-week period. Advice?

Answer 1

Just remember to check out King's Park in Perth, it's really brilliant. You should drive around Western Australia a bit if your itinerary allows- try Margaret River, which is gorgeous & scenic with huge sprawling vineyards, Albany too because it's a more coastal area and you have to check out the natural rock formations and the Gap. I also suggest spending some time in Fremantle Market, great place. A few hours is enough.

I haven't been to Sydney before though, but it's definitely much busier and you'll enjoy yourself there, e.g. Sydney Opera House, etc.

Answer 2

Next time take a longer holiday,,,you need much more time too see all of this beautiful country !,   I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy your stay here,,,,cheers !

Answer 3

You could spend 2 weeks just in Sydney alone.  Things to make sure you do in Sydney:

1. DO Take a guided Tour of the Sydney Opera House (about $10) well worth money and a good way to see the whole place without paying a fortune in concert fees - and its a lot bigger on the inside than it looks).

2. DO Take a ferry to Taronga Park Zoo.  Australia has some of the most unique wildlife in the world - this is probably the only way you (and most Australians) will see it.

3. DON'T take your camera onto the beach at Manly or Bondi beaches.  Like Brazil, very little is left to the imagination and you will get a lot more than sand kicked in your face if you do bring one (its actually illegal now). Bondi is the place to see and be seen, Manly is the place to  check out white pointers (wink wink) and get great eats.

4. DO visit the Powerhouse Museum and Darling Harbour.  The Powerhouse Museum is arguable the best in Australia and very hands on.   Darling Harbour has something happening there 24/7 and a great place to party.

5. DO visit Katoomba in the Blue Mountains behind Sydney.  The scenic railway is well worth the trip, so to the 999 steps, the 3 Sisters rock formations and the eye piercing scenery from Echo point.

6. DO climb the  Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can book ahead online and they only ever close if there is a chance lightning strikes.   If that doesn't grab you then do the Sky walk around the Centrepoint tower.  Either will either stop your heart of send it racing.

7. DO visit the Rocks district.  The Rocks Sunday markets have some of the most unique souvenirs and handicrafts for sale (and none are made in China).   There is a little pie and pastie shop on George Street (the main street there) that is the best place to get a real Aussie pie (and other tasty treats) - worth a visit.   Much to discover in the Rocks - wander about and follow your nose, you won't be disappointed.

Uluru is a good weekender choice  -

1. DO remember to stay long enough to see the colours of the rock change around sunset.

2. DON'T climb the rock itself unless you really want to offend the Aboriginal caretakers.   They won't stop you doing it, but remember, for them it is a sacred place equivalent to church.  They wouldn't climb the Jefferson Memorial just because its there, so please don't do it to theirs.

3. DO be wary of dingo's they are quite smart and wily.  They really shouldn't be trusted.

4. DO also visit the Olgas if you can, they are the lesser known sibling to Uluru (and quite close).   In some ways they are just as spectacular.

Perth - so laidback you may forget you have to leave.

1. DO visit the ANZAC memorial at the top of Kings Park.  Its the best view of the city (and a reminder of sacrifices past - quite sad actually - yet beautiful).

2. DO visit Fremantle - the place just oozes character, and you can see the yacht Australia II  (of Americas cup fame) on display at the Maritime museum there. (Please don't scribble - We wuz robbed! - on it.. its a devil to polish).

3. DO visit any of the many beaches along the Perth Coastline.  Cottesloe beach is quite accessible by train, others by bus.  

4.  DO take a ferry across to Rottnest Island (its a day trip) and hire a bike for the day.  The Quokkas (miniature Kangaroos) are totally tame and the cutest furriest most loveable creatures you will ever see - and its the only place in the world where you can see them).   No you can't take one home with you.

5.  DO travel further a field if you have time.  In the southern spring time - take a hire car a few hours north to the open road around the town of Eneabba.   The Perth region has the worlds largest numbers of different varieties  orchids growing naturally in the wild.  (Do not pick wildflowers - you don't want to get fined).   Also worth checking out Margaret River and surrounding area for wineries, and world class surfing.  

That's just a taste of what to expect.   You could so easily spend so much more time in each of the places you are planning to visit.  Just try to not schedule too much.   Relax - its the Aussie way.

Answer 4

You must visit the Blue Mountains while in Sydney. There are heaps of day trips out there. Have fun!