samms26

Hi-
I am trying to plan a honeymoon to Australia in mid-October... we are planning to go Sydney with a side/day trip to hunter valley. We are then heading up north to the reef and the Daintree.
Originally our plans was to try and do a week in NZ and a week in Australia but we have trashed that idea and have decided to concentrate on Australia.

Because we are planning to stay 14 days, we have some time to add in a another city. These are the areas we were thinking Melbourne, Tasmania or Adelaide/Barossa Valley. We are "active" travelers and although we know its our honeymoon, we are not the type to sit on a beach and veg for 2 weeks...
any thoughts?

Saltuarius

With the Sydney, Hunter and Blue Mountains to be followed by Cairns, Daintreee the Reef and the Atherton Tablelands and will not have time or the energy for anything else let alone adding another city.

spend the time to take the walks in those two beautiful areas. You'll see more and have more special time together. The insides of planes are not very romantic nor good for active people!

fashionistamm

I agree with Saltuarius - you'll be surprised how quickly your itinerary fills up! We're gearing up for our upcoming honeymoon (2 weeks late Sept-early Oct) and managed to squeeze in several nights in Daintree (Silky Oaks Lodge) and some time at GBR and Port Douglas (Thala Beach Lodge) before heading down to Sydney (Intercontinental). We'll rent a car for our travels from Cairns to Daintree and GBR, so should help out with exploring the area. We just booked the twilight BridgeClimb and scheduled a 4WD tour of the Blue Mountains and hope to hit a winery along the way. We're also active travelers and not the type to veg out on a beach, and wanted to see as much as we could while in Australia. Capping off the trip with 3 nights in Fiji (Qamea) before heading back home (we'll need SOME time to relax a little after all the sightseeing Down Under!).

We considered visiting Kangaroo Island, but felt we'd be too rushed in each location so held back for this trip. We also had the plan to try New Zealand & Australia in this trip, but after several recommendations from Aussies at work, we went with the plan to hit 3 major locations in Australia - it'll leave you wanting to come back for more! Happy planning!

samms26

Thanks i am actually still in the process of planning and have caved in and started talking to a travel agent... this is what we have so far-
fly into Sydney, and going straight to Hunter Valley for a "jet lag getaway" to relax, recoup, and drink some wine Then its off to Sydney for 4 nights and then Palm Cove/Cairns area for 4 nights (while we are here we will do one day of the reef and one day tour to the rain forest). Last we have 2 nights in Adelaide and 2 nights on Kangaroo Island...this is where i might make an adjustment though- i am not sure we need to nights on KI.. i am thinking of doing 3 in adelaide and 1 on KI... then we can even maybe take a day trip to the barossa valley...
does this sound like to much?

wlzmatilida

Hi Samms,

Everyone's assessment is spot on, and I'm glad you trashed the idea of visiting both countries!

As you're working with a travel agent, and I hope it's an Aussie Specialist, or a Premier Aussie Specialist, you should be in good hands!

I think it's too much travelling around in the timeframe that you have...but that's just from reading your general psoting....I don't really know what your areas of interest are, but wine seems to be one of them!

When I arrange trips for honeymooners, I take into consideration that they are most likely doing this right after their wedding, and a big wedding is SO draining. You will need some downtime! Heading right out to the Hunter is a good idea, as is Palm Cove, very quiet and romantic, but I'm not sure K.I. will be worth it for you..that's alot of moving around and not very relaxing after a big emotional day, a long flight, and visiting 3 other locations with flights in between.

Just my 2 cents!

Regards,

Melodie
Cerified Premier Aussie Specialist

Bundygirl

Adelaide is such a beautiful spot and the winery areas just lovely BUT it is unlikely that you will get a direct flight from Cairns to Adelaide. Perhaps check the Qantas/Virgin Blue and Jetstar websites first, but I would bet that you will have two or perhaps three flights to get there depending on what time of day you are flying. More than likely it will be Cairns>Melbourne, then Melbourne>Adelaide.
This means you will be wasting the best part of one whole day getting to Adelaide.
There is plenty to do in Sydney/Hunter and Cairns/Daintree to fill your two weeks....
Have a great time!