Where to go in aussie?

Next year for DH's 30th (in September) we are gonna go on a family holiday to aussie. It will be cool because I have never actually been to aussie. We will have enough airpoints that our flights could be free if we go with AirNZ but we would have to either go via wellys or auckland. Or we could just go freedom air from palmy and save the airpoints for another trip..

Anyways where would you recommend going in aussie in September and why??

If we figure out where we are going we can start saving.. saving a lot too cause I know I'll be going shopping..

Ok, so I've only been to Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast. I LOVE the Brisbane/Gold Coast area the most.

Daniel won't be that old so theme parks probably wouldn't matter to him, but the area has lots of shopping malls, beaches & other exciting things (I'm sure if you look up on the net you'll find lots of things to do), plus Australia Zoo is in Caloundra - Sunshine Coast, which is must do if you're in the area.

That's just my opinion of where I've been too. I would go every year to Brissy/Gold Coast if I could!

In saying that - we were planning a trip to the Whitsunday Islands for next month.... until I fell preggie. So will probably try & get there next year. That place just looks sensational!!

fleury wrote: My recommendation is to NOT use Freedom Air from Palmerston North.

It's interesting that you say that cause the in laws use freedom air 2-3 times a year to go to aussie (rich bastards! lol) and never have an issue with them

Gold Coast all the way - love it!

We have got Air points and will be heading to OZ (probably before Rhyley is 2) You can do absolutley nothing or heaps of things every day. Not to mention loved the shopping!

I already told you my reccomendation. Never know we could go over at the same time and my parents can be the babysitters for the little ones and the big ones can hit the theme parks childless .

I haven't had any issues with freedom and that was with taking Andrew at 3 months old.

Peanut wrote: I love the Sunshine Coast - esp Mooloolaba - very relaxed and friendly with a real holiday feel. Also has a big mall about 5 mins in the car.

Not far from where my mum and dad have moved over to.

All the main cities in Aussie are great...and all different. You really need to ask yourself what sort of holiday you want...eg, city lights, shopping, beach, theatre, architecture etc etc etc

Queensland is deffinately great which lots of options...sunshine coast, brisbane and gold coast all close together. One of the big differences with QLD is that most of the accommodation is apartment style which give you a kitchen and generally more space. There are also huge amounts of accommodation (esp in the gold coast) which means you get good value for money.

My biggest piece of advise for travel in QLD would be GET A CAR!!!    They are really economical to hire and it opens up so many more places to explore :-)

good luck with your planning.

Come up with a budget and how long you want to go away, and that might dictate where you end up going

BTW: advise from a travel agent :-)