Travel Forum / Destinations / Australia and NZ / December 2005

We are going to travel to the South Island of New Zealand and will
certainly visit Milford Sound.  Any one has experience or knowledge in
both Scenic or Nature Cruises operated by Real Jorney?  What are the
differences?  And how about the Small Boat Cruises?

I see that Perth is very sunny and hot in January and February. Can
anyone tell me more about the area? Is it much less expensive than the
Sydney area? Is the ocean warm? Is it low crime? Any other information
would be appreciated?

Travelling with a mate around the south island of NZ at the end of Feb
2006. If the weather forecast is good enough, we were thinking about
taking a jetboat up to Kerin Forks from Makarora and tramp to Top Forks
hut on the first day. Then going to see the lakes (Diana, Lucidus,

NZ current is 230v - 240v?
I though the rest of the world had settled on 220v exactly.
Considering the state of wiring in older NZ homes (pre-1980), I would have
thought that 220v would have been mandatory.

Whether you're looking for clean budget accommodation in Sydney to call
home for a few months; budget priced executive apartments; or a flat by
Bondi Beach with amazing views ... we have everything you could want;
cheap, clean, affordable budget accommodation in Sydney, Sydney ...

So i'm goign backpacking through oz in january to mid-march and am
wondering what i need to bring for clothes. I know, shorts, tees,
etc..but I have heard that to go out on the town, you should bring some
nice clothes. I don't really care to hit the fancy spots, but don't

going from Canada to NZ; taking a voltage converter which I can plug into
Canadian cars' cigarette lighter.  this allows me to run a converter
(assuming NZ car batteries are 12volt!) to 117 vac, where I can plug in
camera re-chargers; any other 117 v apps I bring like shavers etc ...

Hey All
I'm flying into melbourne and thinking of doing the gold coast (or at
least that general direction) travel thing. ALthough since I fly in and
out of Melbourne, I'm thinking maybe I should fly directly to Alice

I am considering going to Austalia in January and I like being
outdoors. Will I see many snakes in residential settings? Are they seen
at the beach? How frequent are they in the bush? I know snakes are more
scared of us but I just hate the look of them.

hey, im a chinese girl. im going to travel australian next year for a
holiday 19/1--19/2.
i would like to see some nice places in aus.
i will chooes brisbane for the time.

What would you recommend for one day in Melbourne - Phillips Island,
Ballarat or seeing the sights in Melbourne?  Would it be possible to do
more than one thing in that one day?
Thanks!

I will be visiting NZ South Island from 22 Feb 06 for about 16 days.  I
understand that it will be peak season then.
Do I need to book hostels or accommondation in advance?  While visiting
Cairns, Australia 2 years ago, I did not book in advance and there are

I have been recommended to this group by Alan S
I shall fly into Sydney on 7th January and will pick up a cruise vessel from
Sydney Cove passenger terminal.  The cruise will call in to Melbourne,
Burnie then over to cruise Milford Sound, Dunedin, Christchurch, cruise

Next Feburary I will go to Melbourne( in fact, Australia) for the
first time. The main purpose is to settle my daughter into Melbourne
University.
Please help with the following:

My wife and I have taken our first trip to Australia this year, and I
want to thank all of you who answered my questions and gave me
tips and advice.
We totally fell in love with Australia, so much that we decided to