My name is Lesley and I am looking to book Amazing Australia trip departing 13 Nov 2013.

I would love to hear from anyone also thinking about booking this trip/have booked this trip/have been on this trip as it would give me a great insight into what to take clothes wise and what the general weather will be like in the different areas.

The itinerary looks really great and it would be my first JY holiday.

Lots of thanks.

Lesley

What a great choice for your first tour with JY. You will have a great time and meet nice people I am sure. I have been to Australia not with JY and done the main sights I loved Ayres rock and Sydney Cairns was nice as well to be honest it was all fabulous and the best holiday I have ever been on loved the countr and the people.

Have a great time

Cindy

I did Amazing Australia with JY last October. As Cindy says it is a fantastic holiday, I liked every were except for Sydney for some reason. You will have a fabulous time especially at Ayres Rock with "The sounds of silence" dinner out in the outback after seeing the sun set. Also be prepeared for an early start the next day for sunrise at the rock!

Visits to the reef at Cairns is another inclusive JY day which is an excellent day out. Also at Cairns is the Kuranda Scenice Railway which is an optional excursion but it is not to be missed.

Melbourne is a great place to visit, lots to do and the fairwell dinner is on a tram. We had an excellent time, viewing the city as you went along, good food, wine and company for 3 hours going around Melbourne.

I think Lesley you will enjoy Australia like our group did. Have a good time.

Eric.

i have booked up for this trip recently myself and i am so excited, almost two weeks to this very minute that i booked, it looks a truly fab tour and i intend going on quite a few of the optional tours, i'm dave by the way from mid wales, the weather should be good in November

Dave

This was my 4th JY holiday having been to Rome, China, Cuba and Australia with Singapore add on. Have also booked the Vietnam with Cambodia add on this year.

I did this tour in Oct 2012 with the Singapore add on. I had a great time in Singapore before starting the Australia trip. I can really recommend this add on if you have the time and extra finances. Although you don't have a tour manager as such there is a local guide who will fill you in on trips which are escorted and the rep was available each day to help with this. Would also suggest visiting the Marina Bay area. Also taxis and the metro are very safe and quite cheap too.

In Australia I did most of the optional extra tours. I also went on a Whale watching trip from Darling harbour which I self booked in Sydney which was great too.

Yes there are quite a few early morning starts but there is just so much to see and do !!!

Weather wise should be really quite hot in November. I took a fleece which I used up in the mountain areas as it was a bit cooler and also a light weight cardigan. But the rest of the time it was summer casual clothes. There are a few nights when you can dress up a little if you wish - but I just took some smart / smart casual clothes etc for a few nights out. There are also hotel launderette facilities available in Aus.

Hope this helps !! I am sure you will have a great time. I have very many happy memories of this hol - so enjoy !!

Maggie

Hello Lesley

This was my 4th JY holiday having been to Rome, China, Cuba and Australia with Singapore add on. Have also booked the Vietnam with Cambodia add on this year.

I did this tour in Oct 2012 with the Singapore add on. I had a great time in Singapore before starting the Australia trip. I can really recommend this add on if you have the time and extra finances. Although you don't have a tour manager as such there is a local guide who will fill you in on trips which are escorted and the rep was available each day to help with this. Would also suggest visiting the Marina Bay area. Also taxis and the metro are very safe and quite cheap too.

In Australia I did most of the optional extra tours. I also went on a Whale watching trip from Darling harbour which I self booked in Sydney which was great too.

Yes there are quite a few early morning starts but there is just so much to see and do !!!

Weather wise should be really quite hot in November. I took a fleece which I used up in the mountain areas as it was a bit cooler and also a light weight cardigan. But the rest of the time it was summer casual clothes. There are a few nights when you can dress up a little if you wish - but I just took some smart / smart casual clothes etc for a few nights out. There are also hotel launderette facilities available in Aus.

Hope this helps !! I am sure you will have a great time. I have very many happy memories of this hol - so enjoy !!

Maggie

Hello Maggie, I was glad when I came upon your post as I am booked on Singapore/Australia tour for 9th March, not long now! Have you any more tips or advice? This is my 2nd JY tour but still a little anxious. How much money do you recommend to take including meals, extra trips? Thanks, Julie.

Hello Lesley

This was my 4th JY holiday having been to Rome, China, Cuba and Australia with Singapore add on. Have also booked the Vietnam with Cambodia add on this year.

I did this tour in Oct 2012 with the Singapore add on. I had a great time in Singapore before starting the Australia trip. I can really recommend this add on if you have the time and extra finances. Although you don't have a tour manager as such there is a local guide who will fill you in on trips which are escorted and the rep was available each day to help with this. Would also suggest visiting the Marina Bay area. Also taxis and the metro are very safe and quite cheap too.

In Australia I did most of the optional extra tours. I also went on a Whale watching trip from Darling harbour which I self booked in Sydney which was great too.

Yes there are quite a few early morning starts but there is just so much to see and do !!!

Weather wise should be really quite hot in November. I took a fleece which I used up in the mountain areas as it was a bit cooler and also a light weight cardigan. But the rest of the time it was summer casual clothes. There are a few nights when you can dress up a little if you wish - but I just took some smart / smart casual clothes etc for a few nights out. There are also hotel launderette facilities available in Aus.

Hope this helps !! I am sure you will have a great time. I have very many happy memories of this hol - so enjoy !!

Maggie

Hello Maggie, I was glad when I came upon your post as I am booked on Singapore/Australia tour for 9th March, not long now! Have you any more tips or advice? This is my 2nd JY tour but still a little anxious. How much money do you recommend to take including meals, extra trips? Thanks, Julie.

Hello Julie

Australia is expensive - food and drinks. There are not many included dinners so you will need to have a healthy amount of money with you. I should think the weather in March will be similar to when I went in October. You will enjoy Singapore too - it will be hot and steamy there. I took 2 books with me which I found very useful -

DK Eyewitness travel Top 10 Singapore and also Lonely planet - Discover Australia - Experience the best of Australia. They both have good maps in them too.

Whilst in Singapore went to -

Marina Bay gardens

Went on the Singapore flyer (Like London Eye)

Botanical gardens

China town is a must - eating with the locals

Bird park - enjoyed travelling on the light railway & local bus - quite away out from the hotel.

Plus did some of the organised tours

Hope this helps. Have a great time.

Maggie

Hello Lesley

This was my 4th JY holiday having been to Rome, China, Cuba and Australia with Singapore add on. Have also booked the Vietnam with Cambodia add on this year.

I did this tour in Oct 2012 with the Singapore add on. I had a great time in Singapore before starting the Australia trip. I can really recommend this add on if you have the time and extra finances. Although you don't have a tour manager as such there is a local guide who will fill you in on trips which are escorted and the rep was available each day to help with this. Would also suggest visiting the Marina Bay area. Also taxis and the metro are very safe and quite cheap too.

In Australia I did most of the optional extra tours. I also went on a Whale watching trip from Darling harbour which I self booked in Sydney which was great too.

Yes there are quite a few early morning starts but there is just so much to see and do !!!

Weather wise should be really quite hot in November. I took a fleece which I used up in the mountain areas as it was a bit cooler and also a light weight cardigan. But the rest of the time it was summer casual clothes. There are a few nights when you can dress up a little if you wish - but I just took some smart / smart casual clothes etc for a few nights out. There are also hotel launderette facilities available in Aus.

Hope this helps !! I am sure you will have a great time. I have very many happy memories of this hol - so enjoy !!

Maggie

Hello Maggie, I was glad when I came upon your post as I am booked on Singapore/Australia tour for 9th March, not long now! Have you any more tips or advice? This is my 2nd JY tour but still a little anxious. How much money do you recommend to take including meals, extra trips? Thanks, Julie.

Hi Maggie, is there anything you recommend in Melbourne, i dont fancy the penguins or the sovereign hill trips do other trips appear that you can go on and did you do the bush bbq in alice springs as maybe i could add that and go into town on the other night, many thanks dave

Hello Lesley

This was my 4th JY holiday having been to Rome, China, Cuba and Australia with Singapore add on. Have also booked the Vietnam with Cambodia add on this year.

I did this tour in Oct 2012 with the Singapore add on. I had a great time in Singapore before starting the Australia trip. I can really recommend this add on if you have the time and extra finances. Although you don't have a tour manager as such there is a local guide who will fill you in on trips which are escorted and the rep was available each day to help with this. Would also suggest visiting the Marina Bay area. Also taxis and the metro are very safe and quite cheap too.

In Australia I did most of the optional extra tours. I also went on a Whale watching trip from Darling harbour which I self booked in Sydney which was great too.

Yes there are quite a few early morning starts but there is just so much to see and do !!!

Weather wise should be really quite hot in November. I took a fleece which I used up in the mountain areas as it was a bit cooler and also a light weight cardigan. But the rest of the time it was summer casual clothes. There are a few nights when you can dress up a little if you wish - but I just took some smart / smart casual clothes etc for a few nights out. There are also hotel launderette facilities available in Aus.

Hope this helps !! I am sure you will have a great time. I have very many happy memories of this hol - so enjoy !!

Maggie

Hello Maggie, I was glad when I came upon your post as I am booked on Singapore/Australia tour for 9th March, not long now! Have you any more tips or advice? This is my 2nd JY tour but still a little anxious. How much money do you recommend to take including meals, extra trips? Thanks, Julie.

Hello Julie

Australia is expensive - food and drinks. There are not many included dinners so you will need to have a healthy amount of money with you. I should think the weather in March will be similar to when I went in October. You will enjoy Singapore too - it will be hot and steamy there. I took 2 books with me which I found very useful -

DK Eyewitness travel Top 10 Singapore and also Lonely planet - Discover Australia - Experience the best of Australia. They both have good maps in them too.

Whilst in Singapore went to -

Marina Bay gardens

Went on the Singapore flyer (Like London Eye)

Botanical gardens

China town is a must - eating with the locals

Bird park - enjoyed travelling on the light railway & local bus - quite away out from the hotel.

Plus did some of the organised tours

Hope this helps. Have a great time.

Maggie

Very useful info thanks. Julie

Thanks very much for the info.

L x

-------

Lesley

What a great choice for your first tour with JY. You will have a great time and meet nice people I am sure. I have been to Australia not with JY and done the main sights I loved Ayres rock and Sydney Cairns was nice as well to be honest it was all fabulous and the best holiday I have ever been on loved the countr and the people.

Have a great time

Cindy

and thanks for the info.

Did you book your excursions at home in UK or decide which one to partake in when In Aus?

The ARock experience must be wondrous and as you recommend it so, I'll book also.

Do I need to take my scuba suit for the Barrier Reef?

L x

----------------------

Hi Lesley,

I did Amazing Australia with JY last October. As Cindy says it is a fantastic holiday, I liked every were except for Sydney for some reason. You will have a fabulous time especially at Ayres Rock with "The sounds of silence" dinner out in the outback after seeing the sun set. Also be prepeared for an early start the next day for sunrise at the rock!

Visits to the reef at Cairns is another inclusive JY day which is an excellent day out. Also at Cairns is the Kuranda Scenice Railway which is an optional excursion but it is not to be missed.

Melbourne is a great place to visit, lots to do and the fairwell dinner is on a tram. We had an excellent time, viewing the city as you went along, good food, wine and company for 3 hours going around Melbourne.

I think Lesley you will enjoy Australia like our group did. Have a good time.

Eric.

and thanks for letting me know you are going on this trip.

Yes, it does look a fab trip and info from other people is SO helpful.

L x

and great to hear your very useful comments - thank you.Have a gt time in Vietnam and Cambodia.

L x

Hi Eric

and thanks for the info.

Did you book your excursions at home in UK or decide which one to partake in when In Aus?

The ARock experience must be wondrous and as you recommend it so, I'll book also.

Do I need to take my scuba suit for the Barrier Reef?

L x

----------------------

Hi Lesley,

I did Amazing Australia with JY last October. As Cindy says it is a fantastic holiday, I liked every were except for Sydney for some reason. You will have a fabulous time especially at Ayres Rock with "The sounds of silence" dinner out in the outback after seeing the sun set. Also be prepeared for an early start the next day for sunrise at the rock!

Visits to the reef at Cairns is another inclusive JY day which is an excellent day out. Also at Cairns is the Kuranda Scenice Railway which is an optional excursion but it is not to be missed.

Melbourne is a great place to visit, lots to do and the fairwell dinner is on a tram. We had an excellent time, viewing the city as you went along, good food, wine and company for 3 hours going around Melbourne.

I think Lesley you will enjoy Australia like our group did. Have a good time.

Eric.

Hi Lesley,

Sorry for delay in replying - been busy!!!

You wil not have to book for the "Sound of Silence" at Ayres rock as it is included in your holiday with Just You. Be suprised when you have seen Sunset and find out were you will have dinner. We were!!!! Its a fantastic evening but we got outnumbered by ladybirds that were attracted to the table lights.

No need to bring your scuba gear for the barrier reef. You will be provided with wet suits, masks, snorkels but they do charge hire for them when you get there. Lunch is included and it is another JY inclusive trip. There is an alternative also on this trip. If you do not want to go out to the reef and scuba dive you can stop off at Green Island and spend the day there. Lunch is inclusive at the resort on Green Island.

I did all the extra excurions I wanted to do whilst in Australia except the Kuranda Scenic Railway which I booked on line whilst in the UK, the rest booked through our tour manager. Being a rail geek I wanted to do the train ride both ways. Rest of the group booked the trip whilst in Cairns through the tour manager. That was the skyway to Kuranda over the forest and return journey by the scenice railway.

Whilst in Alice Springs all the group booked the BBQ evening. Unfortunately I was not impressed by it and thought it cost to much for what it was. I did mention this in my feedback to JY on return. I was not the only one who thought this also. My opinion, you may like it.

Regards

Eric.

Hi Eric

and thanks for the info.

Did you book your excursions at home in UK or decide which one to partake in when In Aus?

The ARock experience must be wondrous and as you recommend it so, I'll book also.

Do I need to take my scuba suit for the Barrier Reef?

L x

----------------------

Hi Lesley,

I did Amazing Australia with JY last October. As Cindy says it is a fantastic holiday, I liked every were except for Sydney for some reason. You will have a fabulous time especially at Ayres Rock with "The sounds of silence" dinner out in the outback after seeing the sun set. Also be prepeared for an early start the next day for sunrise at the rock!

Visits to the reef at Cairns is another inclusive JY day which is an excellent day out. Also at Cairns is the Kuranda Scenice Railway which is an optional excursion but it is not to be missed.

Melbourne is a great place to visit, lots to do and the fairwell dinner is on a tram. We had an excellent time, viewing the city as you went along, good food, wine and company for 3 hours going around Melbourne.

I think Lesley you will enjoy Australia like our group did. Have a good time.

Eric.

Hi Lesley,

Sorry for delay in replying - been busy!!!

You wil not have to book for the "Sound of Silence" at Ayres rock as it is included in your holiday with Just You. Be suprised when you have seen Sunset and find out were you will have dinner. We were!!!! Its a fantastic evening but we got outnumbered by ladybirds that were attracted to the table lights.

No need to bring your scuba gear for the barrier reef. You will be provided with wet suits, masks, snorkels but they do charge hire for them when you get there. Lunch is included and it is another JY inclusive trip. There is an alternative also on this trip. If you do not want to go out to the reef and scuba dive you can stop off at Green Island and spend the day there. Lunch is inclusive at the resort on Green Island.

I did all the extra excurions I wanted to do whilst in Australia except the Kuranda Scenic Railway which I booked on line whilst in the UK, the rest booked through our tour manager. Being a rail geek I wanted to do the train ride both ways. Rest of the group booked the trip whilst in Cairns through the tour manager. That was the skyway to Kuranda over the forest and return journey by the scenice railway.

Whilst in Alice Springs all the group booked the BBQ evening. Unfortunately I was not impressed by it and thought it cost to much for what it was. I did mention this in my feedback to JY on return. I was not the only one who thought this also. My opinion, you may like it.

Regards

Eric.

Hi Eric, have really enjoyed reading all about your oz trip thanks for sharing, i'm going on the nov trip have booked so far 4 trips, the freemantle in perth, the mcdonnell ranges and the featherdale blue mountains and harbour cruise in sydney, i will def book the Kuranda skyrail in Cairns pity can't prebook it here not bothering with the daintree rainforest as nice to have some time to look round cairns, was thinking of the bbq in alice aprings?? may book it as still have one evening to go into the town, am looking forward to seeing where we have dinner for the sounds of silence dinner, don't tell us!

was just wondering what to do in Melbourne not sure about either of the tours at the moment is there anything else worth doing there as like some in Melbourne, time to shop if still in need of souvenirs and want to visit the MCG, or may just book one of the tours, many thanks Dave

Hi Dave

and thanks for letting me know you are going on this trip.

Yes, it does look a fab trip and info from other people is SO helpful.

L x

Hi Lesley

take it you've booked on this trip then, i also enjoy reading other peoples info very useful, wish i didn't have to wait so long but it will soon come, so your into scuba diving, sounds fab, maybe just lucky to get me snorkelling lol

have booked the perth freemantle trip and featherdale & harbour cruise in Sydney as well as the Mcdonnel Ranges in AS so far and will def book the kuranda skyrail in Cairns when get there

have you seen the list of optionals

Dave

Hi Eric

and thanks for the info.

Did you book your excursions at home in UK or decide which one to partake in when In Aus?

The ARock experience must be wondrous and as you recommend it so, I'll book also.

Do I need to take my scuba suit for the Barrier Reef?

L x

----------------------

Hi Lesley,

I did Amazing Australia with JY last October. As Cindy says it is a fantastic holiday, I liked every were except for Sydney for some reason. You will have a fabulous time especially at Ayres Rock with "The sounds of silence" dinner out in the outback after seeing the sun set. Also be prepeared for an early start the next day for sunrise at the rock!

Visits to the reef at Cairns is another inclusive JY day which is an excellent day out. Also at Cairns is the Kuranda Scenice Railway which is an optional excursion but it is not to be missed.

Melbourne is a great place to visit, lots to do and the fairwell dinner is on a tram. We had an excellent time, viewing the city as you went along, good food, wine and company for 3 hours going around Melbourne.

I think Lesley you will enjoy Australia like our group did. Have a good time.

Eric.

Hi Lesley,

Sorry for delay in replying - been busy!!!

You wil not have to book for the "Sound of Silence" at Ayres rock as it is included in your holiday with Just You. Be suprised when you have seen Sunset and find out were you will have dinner. We were!!!! Its a fantastic evening but we got outnumbered by ladybirds that were attracted to the table lights.

No need to bring your scuba gear for the barrier reef. You will be provided with wet suits, masks, snorkels but they do charge hire for them when you get there. Lunch is included and it is another JY inclusive trip. There is an alternative also on this trip. If you do not want to go out to the reef and scuba dive you can stop off at Green Island and spend the day there. Lunch is inclusive at the resort on Green Island.

I did all the extra excurions I wanted to do whilst in Australia except the Kuranda Scenic Railway which I booked on line whilst in the UK, the rest booked through our tour manager. Being a rail geek I wanted to do the train ride both ways. Rest of the group booked the trip whilst in Cairns through the tour manager. That was the skyway to Kuranda over the forest and return journey by the scenice railway.

Whilst in Alice Springs all the group booked the BBQ evening. Unfortunately I was not impressed by it and thought it cost to much for what it was. I did mention this in my feedback to JY on return. I was not the only one who thought this also. My opinion, you may like it.

Regards

Eric.

Hi Eric, have really enjoyed reading all about your oz trip thanks for sharing, i'm going on the nov trip have booked so far 4 trips, the freemantle in perth, the mcdonnell ranges and the featherdale blue mountains and harbour cruise in sydney, i will def book the Kuranda skyrail in Cairns pity can't prebook it here not bothering with the daintree rainforest as nice to have some time to look round cairns, was thinking of the bbq in alice aprings?? may book it as still have one evening to go into the town, am looking forward to seeing where we have dinner for the sounds of silence dinner, don't tell us!

was just wondering what to do in Melbourne not sure about either of the tours at the moment is there anything else worth doing there as like some in Melbourne, time to shop if still in need of souvenirs and want to visit the MCG, or may just book one of the tours, many thanks Dave

Hi Dave,

We only had the weekend in Melbourne so I did not do any of the excursions offered there.

I spent the Saturday riding around the free tram ( think it was circle No 35) around Melbourne. Very popular with tourists and locals because you see everything including the docklands but difficult to get a seat sometimes on it. Then I spent ages up the Eureka Skytower. There is a charge of around 12 dollars if I can remember right. You can also pay extra for the skywalk whilst there if you want to do that!. Its a glass room that extends out of the top of the building over empty space. Views magnificent from the Eureka tower of all Melbourne.

Sunday I took the free bus that also goes round Melbourne. Runs about every half hour from 10am and you can catch it from around the corner from the hotel were all the Italian restaurants are. After that I spent the day at the MCG (well 4 hours). Very interesting if you are into cricket and after the tour is the cricket museum below the stadium. ( the free bus stops there so you can drop off and be picked up there).

Most of the group went to see the penguins about 2 hours away from Melbourne but most were cold and dissapointed with the show spoilt by Chinese tourests standing and getting in the way at the show.

I have mentioned before the farewell dinner on the restaurant tram around Melbourne for 3 hours on our final night. All I can say is Excellent, fantastic time, good food, drinks and service. Not to be missed.

Eric.

Hello Lesley

This was my 4th JY holiday having been to Rome, China, Cuba and Australia with Singapore add on. Have also booked the Vietnam with Cambodia add on this year.

I did this tour in Oct 2012 with the Singapore add on. I had a great time in Singapore before starting the Australia trip. I can really recommend this add on if you have the time and extra finances. Although you don't have a tour manager as such there is a local guide who will fill you in on trips which are escorted and the rep was available each day to help with this. Would also suggest visiting the Marina Bay area. Also taxis and the metro are very safe and quite cheap too.

In Australia I did most of the optional extra tours. I also went on a Whale watching trip from Darling harbour which I self booked in Sydney which was great too.

Yes there are quite a few early morning starts but there is just so much to see and do !!!

Weather wise should be really quite hot in November. I took a fleece which I used up in the mountain areas as it was a bit cooler and also a light weight cardigan. But the rest of the time it was summer casual clothes. There are a few nights when you can dress up a little if you wish - but I just took some smart / smart casual clothes etc for a few nights out. There are also hotel launderette facilities available in Aus.

Hope this helps !! I am sure you will have a great time. I have very many happy memories of this hol - so enjoy !!

Maggie

Hello Maggie, I was glad when I came upon your post as I am booked on Singapore/Australia tour for 9th March, not long now! Have you any more tips or advice? This is my 2nd JY tour but still a little anxious. How much money do you recommend to take including meals, extra trips? Thanks, Julie.

Hi Maggie, is there anything you recommend in Melbourne, i dont fancy the penguins or the sovereign hill trips do other trips appear that you can go on and did you do the bush bbq in alice springs as maybe i could add that and go into town on the other night, many thanks dave

Hello Dave

I think you must be on your hols by now - sorry for the delay in answering !!

The evening we arrived in Melbourne we went to eat in Lygon Street - Italian quarter - a few minutes walk from the hotel as it is a little way out of the City centre. I did do the Penguin trip as I do like wildlife etc. The penguins arrived dead on time just after 8pm !! The restaurant is not great there which is a shame and it was very busy with tourist's - but I really enjoyed it anyway. As I went in October and it was breeding time - not sure what you would see in March. Perhaps check their website may be. I didn't do the Sovereign Hill trip - but a few of our group did. We also went to the "Eureka Sky deck" and did the "Edge" as well if you can have a look at their website it was great. Used the free trams - just a few minutes from the hotel - they do a circular trip around the city - good to get your barrings and it is "free" !!! Also had lunch by the river side area which was nice. Then had a river boat trip. Also visited the Queen Victoria Market which was good too. Had a great last night on the included Tram car dinner. The food, service and ambiance was great. The alcohol did flow freely that night !! Just as well - no early morning start before the long flight home ! Just to let you know the bar in the hotel didn't open Friday or Saturday night.

Also just to let you know - you don't have to pre book your trips as you will get a short session on what is available. Most of us did the BBQ in Alice Springs - with food being expensive anyway - it was OK for me. Went to Lasseter's Casino on the other night - a short walk from the hotel. I didn't go into town in Alice Springs but had a break pool side break as it was a lovely hotel and pool too.

Enjoy !!

Maggie

Hello Lesley

This was my 4th JY holiday having been to Rome, China, Cuba and Australia with Singapore add on. Have also booked the Vietnam with Cambodia add on this year.

I did this tour in Oct 2012 with the Singapore add on. I had a great time in Singapore before starting the Australia trip. I can really recommend this add on if you have the time and extra finances. Although you don't have a tour manager as such there is a local guide who will fill you in on trips which are escorted and the rep was available each day to help with this. Would also suggest visiting the Marina Bay area. Also taxis and the metro are very safe and quite cheap too.

In Australia I did most of the optional extra tours. I also went on a Whale watching trip from Darling harbour which I self booked in Sydney which was great too.

Yes there are quite a few early morning starts but there is just so much to see and do !!!

Weather wise should be really quite hot in November. I took a fleece which I used up in the mountain areas as it was a bit cooler and also a light weight cardigan. But the rest of the time it was summer casual clothes. There are a few nights when you can dress up a little if you wish - but I just took some smart / smart casual clothes etc for a few nights out. There are also hotel launderette facilities available in Aus.

Hope this helps !! I am sure you will have a great time. I have very many happy memories of this hol - so enjoy !!

Maggie

Hello Maggie, I was glad when I came upon your post as I am booked on Singapore/Australia tour for 9th March, not long now! Have you any more tips or advice? This is my 2nd JY tour but still a little anxious. How much money do you recommend to take including meals, extra trips? Thanks, Julie.

Hi Maggie, is there anything you recommend in Melbourne, i dont fancy the penguins or the sovereign hill trips do other trips appear that you can go on and did you do the bush bbq in alice springs as maybe i could add that and go into town on the other night, many thanks dave

Hello Dave

I think you must be on your hols by now - sorry for the delay in answering !!

The evening we arrived in Melbourne we went to eat in Lygon Street - Italian quarter - a few minutes walk from the hotel as it is a little way out of the City centre. I did do the Penguin trip as I do like wildlife etc. The penguins arrived dead on time just after 8pm !! The restaurant is not great there which is a shame and it was very busy with tourist's - but I really enjoyed it anyway. As I went in October and it was breeding time - not sure what you would see in March. Perhaps check their website may be. I didn't do the Sovereign Hill trip - but a few of our group did. We also went to the "Eureka Sky deck" and did the "Edge" as well if you can have a look at their website it was great. Used the free trams - just a few minutes from the hotel - they do a circular trip around the city - good to get your barrings and it is "free" !!! Also had lunch by the river side area which was nice. Then had a river boat trip. Also visited the Queen Victoria Market which was good too. Had a great last night on the included Tram car dinner. The food, service and ambiance was great. The alcohol did flow freely that night !! Just as well - no early morning start before the long flight home ! Just to let you know the bar in the hotel didn't open Friday or Saturday night.

Also just to let you know - you don't have to pre book your trips as you will get a short session on what is available. Most of us did the BBQ in Alice Springs - with food being expensive anyway - it was OK for me. Went to Lasseter's Casino on the other night - a short walk from the hotel. I didn't go into town in Alice Springs but had a break pool side break as it was a lovely hotel and pool too.

Enjoy !!

Maggie

Hi Maggie

many thanks for replying very much appreciated, no i havn't gone yet not till November, very useful info there, shall def do the free trams in melbourne and maybe the bus, think i'll leave it at just the four tours i have booked here and book onr or two more when out there, i suppose there will be a welcome meeting/get together when we arrive in perth well next day hope its not smack in the middle of the day so you can't really go very far, yes some friends of mine stayed at the crowne plaza in alice springs said it's really lovely, may book the bbq when get there and def the cairns skyrail

Thank you again

Dave

Hello Lesley

This was my 4th JY holiday having been to Rome, China, Cuba and Australia with Singapore add on. Have also booked the Vietnam with Cambodia add on this year.

I did this tour in Oct 2012 with the Singapore add on. I had a great time in Singapore before starting the Australia trip. I can really recommend this add on if you have the time and extra finances. Although you don't have a tour manager as such there is a local guide who will fill you in on trips which are escorted and the rep was available each day to help with this. Would also suggest visiting the Marina Bay area. Also taxis and the metro are very safe and quite cheap too.

In Australia I did most of the optional extra tours. I also went on a Whale watching trip from Darling harbour which I self booked in Sydney which was great too.

Yes there are quite a few early morning starts but there is just so much to see and do !!!

Weather wise should be really quite hot in November. I took a fleece which I used up in the mountain areas as it was a bit cooler and also a light weight cardigan. But the rest of the time it was summer casual clothes. There are a few nights when you can dress up a little if you wish - but I just took some smart / smart casual clothes etc for a few nights out. There are also hotel launderette facilities available in Aus.

Hope this helps !! I am sure you will have a great time. I have very many happy memories of this hol - so enjoy !!

Maggie

Hello Maggie, I was glad when I came upon your post as I am booked on Singapore/Australia tour for 9th March, not long now! Have you any more tips or advice? This is my 2nd JY tour but still a little anxious. How much money do you recommend to take including meals, extra trips? Thanks, Julie.

Hi Maggie, is there anything you recommend in Melbourne, i dont fancy the penguins or the sovereign hill trips do other trips appear that you can go on and did you do the bush bbq in alice springs as maybe i could add that and go into town on the other night, many thanks dave

Hello Dave

I think you must be on your hols by now - sorry for the delay in answering !!

The evening we arrived in Melbourne we went to eat in Lygon Street - Italian quarter - a few minutes walk from the hotel as it is a little way out of the City centre. I did do the Penguin trip as I do like wildlife etc. The penguins arrived dead on time just after 8pm !! The restaurant is not great there which is a shame and it was very busy with tourist's - but I really enjoyed it anyway. As I went in October and it was breeding time - not sure what you would see in March. Perhaps check their website may be. I didn't do the Sovereign Hill trip - but a few of our group did. We also went to the "Eureka Sky deck" and did the "Edge" as well if you can have a look at their website it was great. Used the free trams - just a few minutes from the hotel - they do a circular trip around the city - good to get your barrings and it is "free" !!! Also had lunch by the river side area which was nice. Then had a river boat trip. Also visited the Queen Victoria Market which was good too. Had a great last night on the included Tram car dinner. The food, service and ambiance was great. The alcohol did flow freely that night !! Just as well - no early morning start before the long flight home ! Just to let you know the bar in the hotel didn't open Friday or Saturday night.

Also just to let you know - you don't have to pre book your trips as you will get a short session on what is available. Most of us did the BBQ in Alice Springs - with food being expensive anyway - it was OK for me. Went to Lasseter's Casino on the other night - a short walk from the hotel. I didn't go into town in Alice Springs but had a break pool side break as it was a lovely hotel and pool too.

Enjoy !!

Maggie

Hi Maggie

many thanks for replying very much appreciated, no i havn't gone yet not till November, very useful info there, shall def do the free trams in melbourne and maybe the bus, think i'll leave it at just the four tours i have booked here and book onr or two more when out there, i suppose there will be a welcome meeting/get together when we arrive in perth well next day hope its not smack in the middle of the day so you can't really go very far, yes some friends of mine stayed at the crowne plaza in alice springs said it's really lovely, may book the bbq when get there and def the cairns skyrail

Thank you again

Dave

Hello Dave

Ops - thought you were there right now. I only booked the optional tours that were a must for me but it is absolutely fine to leave other bookings till you get there if you're not too sure. You get a lot more info about these tours as well.

I really liked Crowne Plaza in Alice Springs. There is a Thai restaurant (Hanumen restaurant) on site which I didn't use - but those who did really liked it. Probably very nice for a treat maybe. You had to book though as soon as you got there to ensure a place I believe. Some of my holiday buddies and I used the Bar in the hotel for an evening meal which was fine for us. A few of us had a pool side "free day" there and I also used the time on that day as well to use the laundry which was good - no queue. I personally had just a couple of pool side days over this holiday to recharge my batteries as there are a lot of early morning starts. A couple of my holiday buddies hired a bike to ride into Alice Springs - but it was very hot in October !! so not my cup of tea.

Well - I'm off to Vietnam & Cambodia next week !! Cant wait now. Good luck with your Aus holiday - I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Maggie