Off to Oz

4 Sep 2006

I'm planning a trip to Oz for 2-3 months in the winter and was hoping for a little advice for the lonesom traveller. Has anyone been? I'm planning to just go to Sydney and stay there, my view being you can't get to know a country very well if you gloss over it at a run - spending a few days in each place. Stay in one place and go native! I've not travelled on my own a whole lot before so am a little apprehensive about the whole thing but jumping in the deep end seems to be the way to go to cure that.
I'd be grateful of any travel advice or, if anyone has a goodlooking cousin, a phone number biggrin

H.x

4 Sep 2006

Oh you should have got talking to Mr Blueeyes at the weekend. He has friends in Queensland and Brisbane and was there not so long ago, did the Great barrier reef thing, clocked up a few thousand KM in a hire car, " so called 'slummed' " it for a while and didn't want to come back home either - but then where would I be ? ( Yes, i know, here on my own :shock: )
Just glad you didn't get him started together with his photos or you'd need a week in the hotel and he'd never shut up - unlike me rolleyes

4 Sep 2006

Quote by blueeyes6969
Oh you should have got talking to Mr Blueeyes at the weekend. He has friends in Queensland and Brisbane and was there not so long ago, did the Great barrier reef thing, clocked up a few thousand KM in a hire car, " so called 'slummed' " it for a while and didn't want to come back home either - but then where would I be ? ( Yes, i know, here on my own :shock: )
Just glad you didn't get him started together with his photos or you'd need a week in the hotel and he'd never shut up - unlike me

i think we all know that wouldnt be the case, found that out on saturday
brb, while i give my shyness a kicking

4 Sep 2006

Quote by essex34m
Oh you should have got talking to Mr Blueeyes at the weekend. He has friends in Queensland and Brisbane and was there not so long ago, did the Great barrier reef thing, clocked up a few thousand KM in a hire car, " so called 'slummed' " it for a while and didn't want to come back home either - but then where would I be ? ( Yes, i know, here on my own :shock: )
Just glad you didn't get him started together with his photos or you'd need a week in the hotel and he'd never shut up - unlike me

i think we all know that wouldnt be the case, found that out on saturday
brb, while i give my shyness a kicking
Hey you :shock:
I had just had my mouth lubricated ( and not in that way before you say it ! ) by too much alkihol. The legs lost a bit of control later too :roll:

4 Sep 2006

Quote by blueeyes6969
Oh you should have got talking to Mr Blueeyes at the weekend. He has friends in Queensland and Brisbane and was there not so long ago, did the Great barrier reef thing, clocked up a few thousand KM in a hire car, " so called 'slummed' " it for a while and didn't want to come back home either - but then where would I be ? ( Yes, i know, here on my own :shock: )
Just glad you didn't get him started together with his photos or you'd need a week in the hotel and he'd never shut up - unlike me

i think we all know that wouldnt be the case, found that out on saturday
brb, while i give my shyness a kicking
Hey you :shock:
I had just had my mouth lubricated ( and not in that way before you say it ! ) by too much alkihol. The legs lost a bit of control later too :roll:
thats two kickings for the shyness then.....

4 Sep 2006

Quote by essex34m
Oh you should have got talking to Mr Blueeyes at the weekend. He has friends in Queensland and Brisbane and was there not so long ago, did the Great barrier reef thing, clocked up a few thousand KM in a hire car, " so called 'slummed' " it for a while and didn't want to come back home either - but then where would I be ? ( Yes, i know, here on my own :shock: )
Just glad you didn't get him started together with his photos or you'd need a week in the hotel and he'd never shut up - unlike me

i think we all know that wouldnt be the case, found that out on saturday
brb, while i give my shyness a kicking
Hey you :shock:
I had just had my mouth lubricated ( and not in that way before you say it ! ) by too much alkihol. The legs lost a bit of control later too :roll:
thats two kickings for the shyness then.....
You'll keep 'till next time smile

You'd better bolt

if I'm still sober or approach slowly holding out the double vodka as a peace maker :P

4 Sep 2006

Quote by blueeyes6969
Oh you should have got talking to Mr Blueeyes at the weekend. He has friends in Queensland and Brisbane and was there not so long ago, did the Great barrier reef thing, clocked up a few thousand KM in a hire car, " so called 'slummed' " it for a while and didn't want to come back home either - but then where would I be ? ( Yes, i know, here on my own :shock: )
Just glad you didn't get him started together with his photos or you'd need a week in the hotel and he'd never shut up - unlike me

i think we all know that wouldnt be the case, found that out on saturday
brb, while i give my shyness a kicking
Hey you :shock:
I had just had my mouth lubricated ( and not in that way before you say it ! ) by too much alkihol. The legs lost a bit of control later too :roll:
thats two kickings for the shyness then.....
You'll keep 'till next time smile

You'd better bolt

if I'm still sober or approach slowly holding out the double vodka as a peace maker :P
oh will I?
i see the amount of blood in your alcohol stream hasnt reduced your bravery

4 Sep 2006

Quote by essex34m
Why is that most threads deteriorate and are off topic by about the 3rd page ( most times sooner )?

just look at the names of the regular posters, that should answer your question
And to think this one didn't even get past page one....did it essex! :wink:

4 Sep 2006

Quote by da69ve
Why is that most threads deteriorate and are off topic by about the 3rd page ( most times sooner )?

just look at the names of the regular posters, that should answer your question
And to think this one didn't even get past page one....did it essex! :wink:
if you dont mind?
i can dig a grave for myself thank you
for the record, 3rd post, i wasnt aiming to do that, but the ammunition was there, put the bullet in the chamber, im going to pull the trigger
redface

4 Sep 2006

Go to your local pharmacy and ask for suggestions of useful first-aidy stuff to take with you.
I bet they can suggest things you never thought of but actually do think are useful (well if you have a good pharmacy near you that is)

4 Sep 2006

Quote by PoloLady
Go to your local pharmacy and ask for suggestions of useful first-aidy stuff to take with you.
I bet they can suggest things you never thought of but actually do think are useful (well if you have a good pharmacy near you that is)

is thread hijacking really that serious then?

4 Sep 2006

Quote by essex34m
Go to your local pharmacy and ask for suggestions of useful first-aidy stuff to take with you.
I bet they can suggest things you never thought of but actually do think are useful (well if you have a good pharmacy near you that is)

is thread hijacking really that serious then?
Not at the minute - but it is when I want it to be lol

4 Sep 2006

Quote by PoloLady
Go to your local pharmacy and ask for suggestions of useful first-aidy stuff to take with you.
I bet they can suggest things you never thought of but actually do think are useful (well if you have a good pharmacy near you that is)

Thanks PL, my Mum was a casualty sister for 10 years, there's no way she's letting me go without a hefty first aid pack - but I'll give it a go.
H.x

4 Sep 2006

Quote by H-x
Go to your local pharmacy and ask for suggestions of useful first-aidy stuff to take with you.
I bet they can suggest things you never thought of but actually do think are useful (well if you have a good pharmacy near you that is)

Thanks PL, my Mum was a casualty sister for 10 years, there's no way she's letting me go without a hefty first aid pack - but I'll give it a go.
H.x
Even just things like a general pain-killer. You always need one when there are no shops around confused

4 Sep 2006

Hmmm quick advice.
Don't stay in Sydney the whole time whatever you do, it wont even give you a hint of a taste of "Australia", merely a taste of Sydney (which is nice enough, but there is sooo much more to enjoy!).
If you do spend some time in Sydney, avoid Bondi and head over to Manly - much nicer neck of the woods and imho better beach(/s). I reckon you'd be a "Shelly Beach" fan, but that's just a guess.
DO get up to Queensland. It is simply breathtakingly beautiful. I spent a while working in a place called "Cape Tribulation" which is somewhere that should be on everyone's itinerary if you ask me - two world heritage sites merge, the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforest. The place actually has its own little microclimate going on - I've never seen something that looks quite so much like a brewing pot of life.
It's also well worth visiting Fraser Island. Touristy, yes, but for a reason. Lake McKenzie is one of themost sublime things I have ever witnessed. Fresh water lake in the middle of a sand island (with a 75 mile beach "highway"), absolutely crystal clear and so clean you can happily drink from it. People harp on about Whitehaven beach and the Whit Sundays, which are impressive, but to my mind do not compare.
There are plenty of "tours" of the east coast available, I'd consider getting yourself one, and simply hanging around in places you like. Not culturally staggering, or amazing nature wise, but I have a feeling you'd quite enjoy Byron Bay wink

Wouldn't bother with Brisbane/Bundi/Surfers, but again that's personal choice. If you can get over to 1770, off the tourist track (they've only had a road for a couple of years) and a lovely little community.
I didn't see it, but WA is supposed to be amazing. I think you'd really need decent trasport to do that though....planning on doing it on an Enfield one day smile

...that wasn't that "quick" as far as advice goes was it?!
Rather sad news, Steve Irwin (the "crocodile hunter" ) died today sad

. His "Australia Zoo" is well worth a visit, if you can bear the posters (which will probably change now anyway). What they've achieved there is quite awesome.

4 Sep 2006

Quote by H
hoping for a little advice for the lonesom traveller

Don't go!:cry: :cry: :cry:

4 Sep 2006

Get to travel agent and inquire about something which used to be called 'Aussie Pass' - I bought one many years ago on my treks (could only buy it in UK) and it gave me unlimited travel on what was Ansett Pioneer coaches - bit like Greyhound. I know that Ansett has stopped trading (it was also the domestic air carrier) but there may be something similar set up by now. I had a great time travellling around the country. DON'T stay in Sydney, it's London with sunshine. Manly beach (fab zoo!) and all up the east coast is worth the effort to travel around - Dubbo, Orange and all those little places too.
Melbourne is lovely - big wide streets, less hassle than Sydney. Penguins and beaches.
I trekked over to WA (Perth to be exact - where is DJohn when you need him?) and fell in love with it totally. On the way over I took the coach from Adelaide and crossed 3,000k of the most amazing Nullabor Plain - desert! Towns covered in shifting sands - showers in salt water - eating hot chips - red coloured streets - retriculated water - swimming pools etc etc.
Oh, please, whatever you do and wherever you go don't just stay in one place. Oz is beautiful in the extreme if you venture out of the cities.
Oooooh - want to go again. Was planning a Christmas trip but decided that 2 weeks was just not long enough. Have a fab time!
:P

4 Sep 2006

H
Where you planing on spending Christmas???
Anywhere near Thailand?

4 Sep 2006

Quote by Jags
I know that Ansett has stopped trading (it was also the domestic air carrier) but there may be something similar set up by now.

These days it would be or Greyhound! They recently took over the only other real competitor, McCaffertys.
I'll be in Thailand for Christmas Sarah - you there too?

4 Sep 2006

Quote by Sarah
H
Where you planing on spending Christmas???
Anywhere near Thailand?

Where-ever I'm invited.
Yes I am that easy biggrin

H.x

4 Sep 2006

Quote by H-x
H
Where you planing on spending Christmas???
Anywhere near Thailand?

Where-ever I'm invited.
Yes I am that easy biggrin

H.x
Cardiff? dunno

worth a try :twisted:

4 Sep 2006

Ohhhh you'll love it, beautiful country and everyone is so welcoming! Melbourne is fantastic, the Great Ocean Road, Penguin Island, Rainforests, full of wildlife........ whatever part you go to its an experience!
Dont forget to try Croc, Roo stakes, emu saugages hehe (thats if your a meat eater) Timtam slammers, a proper Ozzie barbie..... 3 months will go fast! Enjoy every moment...
xanaisx

5 Sep 2006

A rule of thumb
If it moves it will probably try to sting you , bit you or eat you, have a fun time.
PS check the dunny before you sit, there is a spider who likes to sit under the rim, it has a nasty bite.

5 Sep 2006

I have no objections to this thread being in the main forum whatsoever, in fact there is a wealth of information available from such a wide membership and it is good to share lol

. It seems sensible for people to be able to get advice from here.
However, it does seem strange that, on a swinging site, threads asking for swinging related advice for travellers are relegated to a 15 page sticky where people able to offer the advice are unlikely to be looking.

5 Sep 2006

Quote by northwest-cpl
I have no objections to this thread being in the main forum whatsoever, in fact there is a wealth of information available from such a wide membership and it is good to share . It seems sensible for people to be able to get advice from here.
However, it does seem strange that, on a swinging site, threads asking for swinging related advice for travellers are relegated to a 15 page sticky where people able to offer the advice are unlikely to be looking.

I have no objections

Well that is good then :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

5 Sep 2006

Quote by Sarah
I have no objections

Well that is good then lol

:lol: :lol: :lol:
Probably not worded as well as I could have but I wanted to make clear that I'm not having a dig at the thread or poster.
However, there does seem to be an inconsistency in how traveller's requests are handled. I was wondering why this thread was not moved to Travellers Solutions along with all other requests for information about travel abroad.
I can see the sense in keeping the sticky with travel information all in one place but people's requests usually seem to get moved there with undue haste, before most people have a chance to see them.

5 Sep 2006

Miss H, you need to be careful over there, make sure you knock your boots out each day to get rid of any nasty spiders, check your bed before you get into it for the same reason, then there's making sure you don't hurt your back carrying those heavy bags........so much danger i think you really should take a body guard with you (can i recommend Midlands Overseas Bodyguard Services, you get a free pre-travel all over body inspection to make sure it's up to travelling :rascal smile

.
Have a great time over there (still don't want you to go :cry: ) kiss

5 Sep 2006

All those creepy crawlies, spiders and nasties?? :shock: That'd be enough to put me off going :scared:

5 Sep 2006

Quote by H-x
I'm planning a trip to Oz for 2-3 months in the winter and was hoping for a little advice for the lonesom traveller. Has anyone been? I'm planning to just go to Sydney and stay there, my view being you can't get to know a country very well if you gloss over it at a run - spending a few days in each place. Stay in one place and go native! I've not travelled on my own a whole lot before so am a little apprehensive about the whole thing but jumping in the deep end seems to be the way to go to cure that.
I'd be grateful of any travel advice or, if anyone has a goodlooking cousin, a phone number
H.x

Britian will be a empty place without you H hun
Hope you have a fab time round Aus just send the sun back in March ok
Have relations out there might be able to help with a stop over
If interested PM me

5 Sep 2006

Quote by Sassy-Seren
All those creepy crawlies, spiders and nasties?? :shock: That'd be enough to put me off going :scared:

Despite being raised in Africa, I am/was the biggest spider wuss in the world. Spend a little time living in Oz and it becomes absolutely fine. Almost all of them stay away from you and you have to be pretty unlucky and careless to be seriously hurt.
On the spider front, the two most deadly actually reside in Sydney (Sydney funnel web and red-back). The red-back is everywhere, I've actually slept on a family of them (accidentally) and they didn't bother me at all.
The only aggresive spider there (and that's only really when it feels threatened) is the Huntsman, which while possesing a painful bite, is not particularly venemous.
Other nasties are rarely really "nasty". Crocs are, undoubtably, especially in north Queensland, but again, if you are sensible, you're in just about no danger at all.
For a long time I wasn't fussed about Oz largely because of the insect life - having lived there now, I'm very glad that I managed to get past that!
smile