Please Help! Whats best to see in Auz?

[gokiamma]

Hello dear Australian Mommies,

Dh and I live in the US -Calif with our 1 year old Ds. We are planning to visit Australia in March-Apr. Currently there is a deal with Qantas (closes on Dec 24) for round trip tickets from here to Sydney etc at 958$. I am told this is the best deal.. My question to you--

I have no friends in Australia and so would like to take your recommendations for the best tourist places to see in Auz. we both like Nature related stuff and would really like to go to GBReef. Could you pl help me plan my trip (particularly since 24th is just 4 days away)..

1)If we fly to Brisbane can we see GBR?? What other nature related stuff can we see in the brisbane area?

2)I think it would be good to see places around Brisbane and Sydney? But am nbot sure how to come down to Syney from Brisbane..ARe there any cheap trains available?? I would like to travel by train if poss..I have seen some ont he travel channel and found them very pretty..

If you think there are other places which offer more int erms of natural beauty to first time visitors please please share them with me!

Thanks a bunch! I will be sooooo grateful if you could take time to reply :)

deepa

[belleandbabe]

Hi! Okay - the GB reef is of from Carins - so you can get there from Brisbane but only by another flight to carins - which is a GREAT nature area you will alot of options when you get there!

I would also reccomend if you are going to Brisbane to drive down to the gold coast (about 1 hour max - great safe Hwy) and see the beaches there - so clean white sands, dolphins around so many things for kids to do and the hinterland (mountains) are there too it is unique - be warned there is a tacky tourist side too -
The sunshine coast is the other way (NTH) from Bris and that is where the Croc Hunter is
Sydney is about a two hour flight from bris, tickets not cheap , there is a bus service which runs from A - b and it is chaep about a 10 hour drive i think and i think there is trains too - not sure if you are gouing to Sydney go to the toronga zoo - a lovely "zoo" (no scary little cages) there is so much and there is so much nature in all cities and towns