Australia

Pros: Great Barrier Reef, aborigine culture, Koala Sanctuary, Kuruanda, rainforest, Sydney Aquarium, Australia Zoo, Blue Mountains.
Cons: None

I, my wife and our kids spent three weeks in Eastern Australia in August of 2005.  We visited Sydney and the Blue Mountains for a few days and the rest of the time we spent in Queensland. Queensland is probably Australia's prime destination for ...

Pros: open spaces - unique wildlife
Cons: non

Now this is really a classified conversation, but since I trust you I will tell you what happened. This morning I got a call from the Prime Minister - nothing unusual about that. "Yes John, ow ya going, mate?.....yes..yes..of course they do...hey, I just...

Pros: Space, space space
Cons: nil

There is just no doubt about old paleface, white chops, the white man. For tens of thousand of years the Aboriginals had kept Australia pristine. They understood the land. They new fire was essential to the propagation of many Australian trees - and they...

Pros: unusual, unique
Cons: none

A true but slightly irreverent view of some of the unique Australian animals.


The PLATYPUS and EMU


The first unique animal we will deal with is the Platypus.

The correct pronunciation is PLAT - EE - PUSSE
...

Pros: essential information - accuracy undoubted
Cons: none

Are you aware that from here i.e. both Adelaide and Melbourne, you can fly over Antarctica?

You can rent a light aircraft and just head south until it gets bloody cold and when you see all this white stuff below, you know you are getting close...

Pros: Sheer talent
Cons: not one

If in the unlikely event you find this epistle not up to my usual standard, it is all the fault of fellow epinionator Nick Peters, known commonly as NFP.



Now Nick is an American but it's not his fault - it was just an accident of...

Pros: Unique, usually friendly
Cons: none

A true but slightly irreverent view of some of the unique Australian animals available to tourists

International key

Japanese - kalangadoo
American - kaaaaangaaaaroooooooooooooooooooooooo
Latin - hippus hoppus
...

Pros: humour, ease, simplicity
Cons: none

Review Topic:  Overview

Let me first say how gratifying was the response to part one. But, and I hate buts, we now have Americans eating toads (huge frogs), sleeping with snakes, sucking on dead Dingo’s dongers(dogs penis) and...

Pros: open spaces
Cons: care - not for inexperienced

A brief look at three Outback Tracks for tourists to consider

In earlier reviews we have traveled the bitumen highways from Sydney to Adelaide and Adelaide to Darwin. They were easy ones. Too easy, weren’t they. This time we are going to rent...

Pros: easy on water
Cons: none

I am not particularly fond of anything that needs four legs to stand up. Oh, except maybe a mouse because they feed cats, which in turn feed dogs making an easier target. Because of the four-leg bit, I love Kangaroos and some humans are okay too.
...

Pros: Very special places
Cons: nil

Ever been somewhere that has got IT. That weird feeling that doesn't frighten but has the hairs only half standing on the back of your neck. A warmth pervades your body as you approach, no matter what the weather.


The air is just not the...

Pros: honest
Cons: nil

It saddens me to feel compelled to write this - truth can really hurt and that is what this is all about - please brace yourselves.

Anyone visiting Australia who has read my reviews can rejoice in the knowledge they know the truth....

Pros: Rapid change of choice
Cons: nil

Are words important? Not really. What about labels? You bet your sweet bippy they are!

Why is it that white Caucasian people refer to themselves as of a certain nationality unyet a non white person is labelled as being of a Tribe? Well it all...

Pros: as modern as any country.
Cons: nil

Just say you and I were the very first people to walk on to Australia. And just say we knew how big it was.

Now if you said to me in two hundred years this overgrown lump of dirt would have twenty million people living at one of the highest...

Pros: people
Cons: none

The real differences between Australia and the USA


Well I'll be a bull ant in spring. Why a bull ant? They have no morals!

Now, today marks the 23rd. week of sweat and toil in this hallowed place, and all of it done...

Pros: open spaces
Cons: nil

Review Topic:  Overview

For vacations, as in the U.S., distance versus time available is the main enemy. Unless you want to be busier than a bricklayer in Beirut, it is simply not possible to see these countries in a month, or...

Pros: humour, friendly
Cons: none

Review Topic:  Overview

Okay, so just what does make up a nation’s psyche, in this case my country Australia. It would seem rather obvious to start at the start, with the first inhabitants, and then look for the clues from...

Pros: open space, friendly
Cons: nil

Review Topic:  Overview

Now, lets make no bones about it, Australia wants and needs tourists. Tourism is a major part of the economy and therefore tourists from all over the world are welcome. Personally, I consider it important...

Pros: open space, warm
Cons: none

a country such as I firmly believe has no parallel on earth's surface. --The famous Australian explorer Charles Sturt, 1844


Okay, so whats your excuse this time. We have allowed the Pacific Pesos....er...Australian Dollar to fall...

Pros: free, space
Cons: none

Review Topic:  Overview

Australia wants and needs tourists. Tourism is a major part of the economy and therefore tourists from all over the world are welcome. Personally, I consider it important that any prospective tourist has...

Pros: big open spaces
Cons: nil

Review Topic:  Overview

Whatever you do, don't go to Europe. All they have got is a seething mass of Europeans inhabiting old buildings because they can't afford new ones. They can't even speak the lingo, er language. So from...

Pros: easy to follow, informative
Cons: none

Review Topic:  Practical Information

GUIDE TO SPEAKING AUSSI.

I have been asked many times, well er once, well.. ya never know when I might be, just how I convert Australian to American so that my fellow epinionators...

Pros: DELIGHTFUL animals
Cons: none

Absolutely factual except where it's not


Kookaburra Latin: Laughus Arsusof Earliyus
Crocodiles Latin: Mongrelus bitusin twous
White Pointer Shark Latin: Pointeus eatushim burpus


Contrary to popular...

Pros: big, big spaces
Cons: none

Review Topic:  Overview

Last time we went for a drive in this hallowed place, it was only Sydney to Adelaide, a one day event of a thousand miles. Well I reckon its time for a drive again, this time from South to North, so as the...

Pros: space
Cons: none

Time for another drive -this time the West Coast; Adelaide to Darwin via Perth

And away we go, as Jackie Gleeson used to say. Since we decided to make this trip some two weeks ago, we have all been practicing bladder control, I hope,...

Pros: space
Cons: nil

Time for another drive -this time the West Coast; Adelaide to Darwin via Perth

PART TWO - Continued


A quick "squirt" in the morning sees us at Coolgardie, with Kalgoorlie-Boulder nearby. This is the gold...

Pros: A nature lovers delight
Cons: Strong heart required!

One of Australia's most popular television shows is "The Barefoot Bushman".

Barefooted, Rob Bredl has been catching animals for 27 years. I know Rob reasonably well, and he is one mad galah. With his father, he started Australia's first...

Pros: friendly
Cons: nil

Review Topic:  Overview

Since becoming active in Epinions twelve weeks ago, I have been asked
countless times, well three or four, just what it is like living on the “bottom of the World”, compared to at the top.

...

Pros: open spaces
Cons: nil

Review Topic:  Sights & Attractions

What's say we take a drive from Sydney to Adelaide, nearly a third of the way across the country.


The highways between Capitals in Australia are particularly good...

Pros: new outlook
Cons: none

Review Topic:  Overview

What Queen, I hear you ask. Well it usually comes as a surprise to most people of the planet to learn that Australia has a Queen - not the Queen of England, but the Queen of Australia.

This has...

Pros: a danger with a solution
Cons: none

NOT SOMETHING A TOURIST WANTS TO GET CAUGHT IN

Lets say I was visiting the USA and over the news comes "12 inches of snow expected" - the very next view of me is a fleeting one of my backside as it disappears under the nearest...

Pros: open spaces, friendly
Cons: none

Review Topic:  Overview

The more information a prospective tourist has of the country they intend visiting the better. Allow me to illustrate, as if you have a choice!
When we were in Los Angeles, rather than go to...

Pros: clean, clear air
Cons: nil

Review Topic:  Overview

Sorry my last epistle was a bit short but "she who knows everything" was screaming at me to “get off that bloody thing and come talk to me” - nag, nag, nag. You know how it is with these women,...

Pros: Practical information on Australia
Cons: none

Some things visitors to Australia should know.


When I decided to take the old girl to the USA back before it had bridges and proper roads (1979), it was really just the best package going at the time.

This time its not...

Pros: A great place to visit
Cons: none

NOTE; definition of all words can be found in the Australian Maquarie Dictionary or for the bone lazy - at the end.

The best part about living in Australia is that it is very cheap. There are lots of Kangaroos and rabbits to eat, and every...

Pros: wide open spaces
Cons: none

Will the Koala survive this one - we shall see. PLEASE NOTE - this review was planned to be published in January, but has been moved forward as a service to you, dear reader


When I was a little Aussi, about seven years old, my...

Pros: very useful animals
Cons: none

my usual flippant remarks are limited in this epistle due to the seriousness of the subject - correct December 2000


Back in the 1960's, when I was a teenage Crocodile Dundee instead of just acting the role under my pseudonym, the...

Pros: big, beautiful animals
Cons: none

I know, I know, you want the sex first - well you just have to wait a minute.

THE EVENT BELOW ATTRACTS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF TOURISTS, MANY FROM OVERSEAS.

I must say I hate fishing - its boring with a capital B. This has...

Pros: scenery, isolation, comfort
Cons: none

Review Topic:  Sights & Attractions

Strike me pink, the Todd River’s got water in it! Absolute disaster - The locals couldn't believe their eyes and the word went around town "We'll have to cancel the mighty...

Pros: democratic, free
Cons: none

Review Topic:  Overview

APOLOGIES READERS - THIS IS A COMPLETE CHANGE OF PACE -
THAT'S RIGHT- IT'S SERIOUS!

Recently a comment was made by an Americana asking why Australia seemed to hang on to Britain, especially as...

Pros: unique
Cons: none

Review Topic:  Sights & Attractions

Review Topic:  Sights & AttractionsThe Worlds longest Mail Run.

Sometimes the pressures of modern living really get to me. Everything in a rush, too much to do, too...

Pros: So much to see, from desert to rain forest to fabulous cities!
Cons: A long trip to get there!

Australia, that far away continent, so many of us dream about it and hope to get there some day. But what do we really know about it? Putting it into simple terms, most of us probably think of it as follows:

A - for Adventure;
U - for...

Pros: spectacular scenery; lots of things to do for the nature buff
Cons: Can become crowded; not many amenities nearby

**note** for some reason I cannot submit another review under 'Victoria' so until I figure out how, I'll stick it under this header **end note**

Well, as I sit here contemplating my Computational Methods notes, the mood has come upon me...

Pros: N/A
Cons: N/A

With this somewhat unorthadox Epinion, I hope to kill off a nasty seed planted by the N.R.A. (National Rifle Association) about Australia, my native country.

I don't know how many of you have had occasion to see it yet, but the good ol'...

Pros: Great for backpackers
Cons: long distances between cities

About 2 years ago, I had the fortune to spend 3 months as a "backpacker" in Australia. My trip was definitely a budget trip- for the 3 months I was there, I spent less than $6,000, including my airfare from Los Angeles. I will share my...

Pros: Wonderful beaches.
Cons: Too much to do!

Australia is a wonderful Country. It has sweeping sunburnt plains, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and the advantage of great lifestyle technology. Australia is also a place for fun, with the greatest (bar America’s) Theme parks. I have two main...

Pros: Australian trains are very comfortable
Cons: require reservation, very slow, few connections

Here is the one thing I recommend to AVOID in Australia, and I think this is something you want to know before you start your trip. Most other things you can change once you are there..

The Australian railway system

I had heard...

Pros: Weather, scenery, people are friendly
Cons: Flying between states can be expensive.

Review Topic:  Overview

I have only been with epinions for a short time, but I am amazed with the emails I receive from those who want to know what it's really like living DOWN UNDER. The answer is simple -perfect.
Australia...

Pros: So diverse, (it is the size of Europe after all), something for everyone!
Cons: A bit culturally backward at times, but it's part of the charm!

I got to WA in the latter half of my trip around Oz and New Zealand. I'd already done the crazy East coast, explored metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne, and done all the touristy bits up the middle including Uluru, (Ayer's rock) and the Kakadu National...

Pros: Fun, interesting place
Cons: none

Mid-summer, 1990 was a year of transition in the world. Our old nemesis, the Soviet Union, had collapsed the previous year. As a mechanic on our nation's nuclear alert force, I had the privilege to see those awful weapons put back into storage. If you...

Pros: beautiful, clean, relatively cheap
Cons: expensive and long airfare

How I got to go
I think that I am really lucky. I got to go to Australia this past summer for three weeks. Not bad, for a 21 year old who paid for it all myself. And, I would do it again in a heart beat. I was lucky in that one of my...

Pros: Beautiful sea coast, parties are the best, people very nice
Cons: So relaxed you worry about not worrying

A lot of the guys on my rugby team were from Australia. We organized a trip together and I went with them to Australia. I met their families and friends and after I came back to the States, I made up my mind to go back and stay awhile and find a...

Pros: Awesome, and superb
Cons: A bit too primitive in places

Australia is awesome. It is an order of magnitude different from anywhere else in the world. We flew to Sydney and got a rental car and took one month and 10,000 kilometers to tour the east coast. If you can afford the time I strongly recommend this...

Pros: Unusual, out-of-the-way place
Cons: Tough to find and get there

Australia's known for loads of things, but one I will never forget. I was traveling during April around the east coast of the country by car and someone mentioned to me a place called Pebbly Beach, somewhere in between Sydney and Melbourne.

I...

Pros: if you like warm weather, wildlife (like wombats & wallabies), the Outback, and Vegemite.
Cons: If you dislike Vegemite, English with Aussie idiosyncrasies, Crocodile Dundee, or prefer cold weather.

When my sister and I first landed in Sydney, we were greeted by a friendly Aussie. She guided us to her car and said, "Wiy don' yu' jus' put yur luggige in the boot..."

"The boot???" we wondered, "what kind of boot would fit our luggage for...

Pros: So much to see, from the Great Barrier Reef to the incredible city of Sydney
Cons: Too big to do all at once unless you plan for a lengthy trip

I was lucky enough to be able to participate in a student ambassador program called People to People. If you are not familiar with the program, it allows delegations of about 40 students from different parts of the U.S. to travel abroad to other...

Pros: wonderful people, unforgettable sights
Cons: long plane ride

Is Australia as good as it looks in commercials or in magazines? You better believe it is! From the scenic landscapes to the wonderful people there, Australia has much to offer to visitors.

I went on a 3 week vacation there in the summer...

Pros: Very different, very nice people, cool accents, spell color with a "U", the US dollar is worth a lot, dont edit TV and Radio.
Cons: Bad Jet lag, LOOOONNNG flights, drive on the other side of the road, It was winter.

I got a letter in the mail for a chance to tour New Zealand and Australia. It was from the Student Ambasitor group for the US, PEOPLE TO PEOPLE. After an introductory meeting, an interview, and many forms, I was ready to go. Here are...

Pros: Beautiful, Scenic, Nothing Compares
Cons: what can I say I am an aussie it is beautiful

Review Topic:  Sights & Attractions

Utophia to Exotic....Hi I am an Australian and I will sum up some of the best places to see in each state and territory

Western Australia: the capital here is Perth, it is one of...

Pros: Very laid back, easy going, peaceful, and the people were friendly everywhere we went
Cons: Hit a kangaroo

A few things to look out for while you are in Australia would be for one the kangaroos. They are something to see while there but just make sure you don't get as close to them as I did. Driving at dark or even when the sun first comes up is not something...

Pros: Uniqueness, friendliness, animals, food and wine, scenic locations and the 'Outback'
Cons: Weak history.

Background
Right off the bat I’ll add my little caveat. Look carefully at my place of residence. Yes, I’m already here in Australia and so my review may be somewhat affected by bias. On the other hand I know this country very well. Better...

Pros: Good cafes/restaurants, good nightlife
Cons: too many sky-risers, lots of drunks, lots of local restrictive laws, lots of speed cameras

The Gold Coast is a major tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors famous for it's long beaches lined with sky-risers.

One of the most popular places to visit is Broadbeach which is mainly a cafe/restaurant area with...

Pros: Beautiful scenery, much to see and do, very relaxing atmosphere.
Cons: Can be a little costly, especially while shopping.

If you are looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun, Byron Bay is it. Living two hours north of this beautiful coastal paradise, I was able to visit many times, during different seasons, and this place is magnificent at any time.

...

Pros: People, attitudes, clean, safe, adventurous spirit
Cons: Look first to the RIGHT before crossing the street!

They call their continent-country "Oz" and it really seems like the one Judy Garland sang about. Still young, dynamic, friendly, outgoing, clean, and a wide range of prices/experiences for all tastes. Most Ozzies are more laid back than...

Pros: A country full of contrasts, excitement, and numerous things to do and see
Cons: Extremely far away from the United States, rendering it expensive to visit

Review Topic:  Overview

Australia. The name itself conjures up visions of koalas, kangaroos, Crocodile Dundee, and many of the other things Australia is noted for. The Land Down Under is so incredibly unique, that it can barely...

Pros: Its really interesting
Cons: you can disappear

I know and you know that it's always really hard to find the most interesting aspects of anywhere that you travel to. The Key? Ask the natives.

Who are the natives here? ... The only real answer to that is ….. The aboriginal people.
...

Pros: scenery, people, activities
Cons: isolation

Lord Howe Island offers the quintessential Australian Beach holiday. If you wondered why some Australians reminisce about their summer beach holidays then go to Lord Howe Island.

Once everyone in Australia went to the beach for their Holidays....

Pros: read on
Cons: flight is long and expensive

Australia.

Even the name of the country is cool. I had the great opportunity to live down under for 5 months. If you ever have the chance to spend a good chunk of time, to live in Australia, I highly highly highly recommend it. If you're in...

Pros: very nice island
Cons: stay away during cyclones

WORD COUNT - 1575 - LIMIT - 1600.

ESCAPE TO PARADISE - FOR GOOD!

HAVE YOU EVER DREAMED ABOUT LIVING ON A TROPICAL ISLAND? AS GEOFF HARRISON REPORTS, IN TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND, OVER 2000 PEOPLE DO JUST THAT..AND...

Pros: superb experience for reef exploration
Cons: not good for queasy passengers

FIRST TIME TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF!

Former Londoner and BBC radio reporter Geoff Harrison tells of his first time diving on the Barrier Reef.

My journey started in the north Queensland city of Townsville, where I had a...

Pros: the people, the people, the whole place.
Cons: none, other than Frenchmen

Went to Oz for first time 2 yrs ago. It was definitely a dreamtime trip.

Flying into Sydney the first night, we were treated to a west side approach to Kingston-Smith. This brought us to where we could look out upon downtown Sydney and...

Pros: Beautiful Climate
Cons: A bit far from everywhere else. A con??

Review Topic:  Overview

Australia has always been a dream getaway for many people. The staging of the Olympic games in Sydney recently has only added to people's admiration of the country; superb climate, low pollution, a...

Pros: The wild life in Tasmania
Cons: The hectic schedule. I never got to do it all.

Australia has tonnes of things to, I just never got to do it all. I was in Sydney and Tasmania in late February till early March 2006. Sydney The things to do: 1. Visit the market in Paddington and the Rocks, the things sold there are very ...

Pros: a lot of bulls*it thoughts about the land of Oz
Cons: Same Thing Love It/Hate IT

It has now been 17 years since I sat up watching Australia at the brink of excitement steal away The America's Cup. Alan Bond's boys moving with the sounds of 'Men At Work' - Land Down Under had done Australia proud.

What was to follow was...

Pros: Warm, beautiful, modern, green, friendly, funny...the list goes on!!
Cons: None!!

Okay, well, this may just have to be a highly biased opinion, considering that I actually live in Australia, and do consider myself the luckiest person in the world for it!! Ah, beautiful Australia, where can I start!!

Firstlt the natural...

Pros: Sydney, Port Douglas, Wild Life, food, people
Cons: cost, Cairns

Anybody interested in a relaxing vacation and enjoys the beauty of nature must visit the East of Australia. I have been there twice and although I was too young on my first trip for me to remember it now I remember the second one vividly. We went in...

Pros: Beautiful country, fun people, lots of attractions
Cons: Sometimes their slang can confuse you! :)

Review Topic:  Overview

When I first ventured to Australia in 1995, I couldn't wait to bask in the glow of a new and fascinating culture -- which I did -- but I didn't realize I would be learning a whole new vocabulary as well!...

Pros: Speed Detail Oriented
Cons: Price

If you are short on time and looking for a terrific authentic Aussie vacation there is none finer than the Great Australian Air Cruise. Australia's vast distances, diverse country and sometimes rugged terrain often makes it difficult for travellers who...

Pros: The Wildlife, people, atmosphere and so much more!
Cons: Busy bodies will have to slow down to fit into the relaxed laid back atmosphere.

During my three week stay in Australia I had the chance to experience many new cultural aspects in such a short period of time. I went with a community service organization from my college. We spent our time not only traveling and site seeing, but...

Pros: good
Cons: avoid trouble

For a international Tourist, Australia should be priority one. It is vast place with plenty to explore. Its got one of the best beaches where you can bask, swim and surf particularly in summer. Bushwalking is another highlight of Australia. The country...

Pros: multidimensional reflection of what you are
Cons: you might not like what you see...

For those who do not know, Byron Bay is a small town on the far north coast of NSW, at the eastern most tip of Australia.
Actually, I live near Byron Bay...
Lots of people go here from where they live.
Everyone goes there and think they...

Pros: Australia has a diverse environmental status great for tourists all year round.
Cons: The Western areas can be very hot in summer and warm in winter

Recently, my boyfriend and I took a trip around Australia. The country i must say (not being biased because i live here) is a magnificent splendor. The country offers so many lifestyles suited for almost any tourist. Such as A class shopping in...

Pros: Cheap hostels and convenient place to stop and plan
Cons: You have to drive out a bit to find decent beaches.

Cairnes (sounds like "Cans") is located in north Queensland on the coast in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. It is a great spot for back packers or adventurous explorers to stop and make plans for sailing, diving, exploring the rain...

Pros: Beautiful scenery and historical value
Cons: Extremely *hot* place during mid-day!

A lot of tourists and even Australian residents miss out on all the Northern Territory has to offer. The Northern Territory is an ancient land revered by many Aboriginal groups and interwoven in this place is a lush history. Uluru, commonly known as...

Pros: cheap if you earn in Europe or the US because of the currency conversion rate
Cons: All of the above and more

Australia may be a wonderful place to take a holiday. However, it is isolated from the rest of the world physically so it's a major flight to Europe or the US. It has a small population and, therefore, limited choice when it comes to utilities. It...

Pros: Wonderful views, friendly people
Cons: Driving on the wrong side

Our trip to Australia took in Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns but it was Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef that topped our list. The day we went to the reef was magical, I couldn't have wished for a better day. The clown fish, the clams, the colours - we...

Pros: Stunningly beautiful
Cons: Expensive. Tours can be rushed. Subtle racism

There were things we loved on our first visit to Australia: trekking through the Daintree rainforest, walking the 6 miles around Uluru (Ayers Rock) after sunrise, getting close enough to the Sydney Operahouse to see its individual tiles, petting a ...

Pros: Unusual wildlife, spectacular unspoilt beaches, crystal clear water
Cons: none

North Stradbroke Island - I hear you say - where is that? Just off the coast of Brisbane, yet you wouldn't know it, as so much energy is used promoting the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast it is a hidden secret. There is this website at...

Pros: The best country in the world - it has everything
Cons: Nothing it is perfect

If you are interested in taking a holiday in Australia, then there are a few things that you need to consider. Firstly it is simply the best country in the world, so there is plenty of things to do down there. Secondly, and even better for U.S tourists...

Pros: Nice place, friendly people
Cons: nil

I really liked Australia. I was fortunate enough to have been sent there several times for projects by the company that I had worked for. Though I have only been able to visit Sydney and Canberra, these two cities has enough nice places that you can...

Pros: Clean, peaceful, beautiful
Cons: Weather a bit dry

I visited Australia last year and it is really a fantastic trip in my life! I went to Perth, Sydney and Melbourne for 6 days 5 nights. We went to many many fruits and animal farms in Perth. My son and daughter got the chance to milk the cow and they like it so much! I like the scenery in Perth much more than in the city. It's so natural and I even dream of retire and live there when i get older... Actually I', shocked that so many people likes to eat ice-cream while they are walking on the street there. Is this part of their culture i guess haha. The city is also very clean and the folks there are so friendly. What I can say is that I must visit there again!