Wardoff Hymenbuster

It's our 1st visit to AUS and we need some advice. We'll be coming from the US for about 2 weeks.

Our plan right now is to fly into Sydney, spend 5 days there. We would like to go to Melbourne...we have extended family there.
What's the best way to get from Sydney to Mebourne? Rail/Car/Plane? how long/cost, etc?

Is there anything we should definitely do while we're down there. Plan on doing the Barrier reef. Anything else a must do.

We're in our early 30's and like to do active/ sporty stuff. Not really into the club scene but enjoy good restaurants and pubs.

TIA

wallaby

and you want to do Sydney, Melbourne and the reef then I suggest you fly everywhere. Note that you'll lose a day on the flight to Australia. The other "big" attraction is Uluru (Ayers Rock), there are direct flights Sydney-Uluru, Uluru-Cairns and Cairns-Melbourne using a combination of Qantas and Jetstar. When you do the reef you'd fly into Cairns but I suggest staying in Port Douglas about an hour up the coast. Much nicer town and a choice of several smaller reef tour boats (avoid the Quicksilver behemoths).
For itinerary ideas go to www.flyertalk.com, select Travel&Diningestiantion>>TheWorld then select AustraliaNZ&SouthPacific.

dazs4

if u r flying united, you must go thru sydney. Qantas has direct flights to melb , syd and brisbane.

ALso, both have 3 flight airpasses that r best value. (allows 3 internal flights in oz). FLying b/w spots is best due to 14 day time limit (not enough in my mind but the US sucks like that. If its ur first and possibly only time, haggle ur boss for more time. u'll appreicate it.

Im from melb living in LA and have done flight about 40 times.Melb suggestions would be Great Ocean Rd (4 hr drive), Healesvile Sanctuary (best open / walking zoo).
Go around the city a bit too. Skip the casino - its crap.
To get around city public transport is best - can be expensive but daily tix r best. Melb has great pubs and food everywhere.
Lygon st is awesome vibe for food etc.

Dec is getting into summer. At least walk around Melbourne Cricket Ground (aust sporting mecca) - but i dont suggest going to a cricket match unless you are REALLY keen, and Flinders park ( Aust Open Tennis ) site. Also, Formula 1 GP held at Albert PArk ( 10 mins south of city).

Hope this helps....
Try a pie, all the beer ( BOAGS), fish and chips is a MUST.
Burgers with the lot, a chicken parma at a pub.
(Chicken parma @ palmerston hotel is legendary).

if Captain Spalding band is playing go see them..they are great!

ZephyrS4

was just meh.....Port Douglas on the other hand, was a very nice place to hang out in. Beautiful, long beaches and fun bars/restaurants. Awesome swimming holes in Daintree rainforest too! The one thing we didn't do in Melbourne was get out of the city to see the beach or go out to the Great Highway, or whatever that's called. Sydney's pretty easy to find something fun to do regardless of where you go. Beaches everywhere! I actually really liked their zoo.