Australia

[Tanzanite]

My son is turning 21 next year and we want to come to beautiful Australia.Have been looking at a train pass as we want to go to Sydney to Adelaide then to Perth. Then to Alice Springs and then to Canberra and Cairns and Melbourne. The trains look Awesome .Would we do better to drive worried that we drive opposite side road would it be easy to drive? Any places we should not miss. I want to go to see penguins on Philip Island.

 

[PrincessInOz]

What an awesome trip to celebrate your DS' 21st!


How long are you planning to be in Australia for? It is a pretty big country and there is a lot of ground to cover. Depending on how much time you have, you might be better off flying to Perth and Alice Springs (or is it Uluru you want to get to??); rather than driving or catching the train.

What time of year are you planning on coming? If it is the winter months, you might want to adjust your schedule to spend more time up north (Queensland) than in the southern states.


Happy Planning.

 

[Tanzanite]

Thank you for your reply .It will be in June I wish it could be during your summertime but my twins are 13 and we can only travel June until August. We are going to Tokyo for 9 days then plan on Hong Kong 3 days and Singapore 3 days. We can spend 4wks .Want to see Uluru for sure and the Aposltles and the Great Barrier Reef all the cities look beautiful. We are not sure best places to go can spend more time if needed .Should we get a plane pass if there is one any suggestions .This is a trip of a life time so we are going to spare no expense .Thank you for help. I would take out Singapore but my kids want to go. We are going to book through Indie travel site.

 

[PrincessInOz]

That time of year will be fine for Queensland. Take a look at the Upper Reef area....probably Cairns and Port Douglas; or the Lower Reef.....see if the Whitsunday Islands or Port Airley appeals.


Do you prefer wilderness areas or cities or smaller towns?

Most people will head to Uluru. There is an airport right in Uluru without having to go to Alice Springs. The resort at Uluru caters to a broad range of $$$$$; but from memory there might be self contained units there. I would recommend checking them out price wise and seeing if any are available for the time of year that you're there.

I don't know if you can get an airpass from the US for Australia. Perhaps you could take a look at Virgin, Jetstar, Qantas, Tiger Air and see what deals come out. Might be worth just keeping an eye on the pricing from now so that you have a handle of what the pricing could be like.

For Victoria, I would recommend that you hire a car if you want to see the 12 Apostles. This would also allow you to drive towards Phillip Island for the Penguins. My recommendation would be to stay a night on the island so that you're not driving back in the dark. Not that it's a bad drive or anything; but it's a lot easier to stay the night and not have to worry about the traffic. From Melbourne, it's about a 90 - 120 minute drive to PI.


I'm sure some of the other Aussies from the other locations will be along later in the day and provide their input.

If you like outdoorsey stuff, I recommend you take a look at Port Stephens/Newcastle/Hunter Valley for a June period. There should be whales that time of year; and there are always dolphins in Port Stephens.


Sounds like a fantastic trip!!!

 

[Tanzanite]

That time of year will be fine for Queensland. Take a look at the Upper Reef area....probably Cairns and Port Douglas; or the Lower Reef.....see if the Whitsunday Islands or Port Airley appeals.


Do you prefer wilderness areas or cities or smaller towns?

Most people will head to Uluru. There is an airport right in Uluru without having to go to Alice Springs. The resort at Uluru caters to a broad range of $$$$$; but from memory there might be self contained units there. I would recommend checking them out price wise and seeing if any are available for the time of year that you're there.

I don't know if you can get an airpass from the US for Australia. Perhaps you could take a look at Virgin, Jetstar, Qantas, Tiger Air and see what deals come out. Might be worth just keeping an eye on the pricing from now so that you have a handle of what the pricing could be like.

For Victoria, I would recommend that you hire a car if you want to see the 12 Apostles. This would also allow you to drive towards Phillip Island for the Penguins. My recommendation would be to stay a night on the island so that you're not driving back in the dark. Not that it's a bad drive or anything; but it's a lot easier to stay the night and not have to worry about the traffic. From Melbourne, it's about a 90 - 120 minute drive to PI.


I'm sure some of the other Aussies from the other locations will be along later in the day and provide their input.

If you like outdoorsey stuff, I recommend you take a look at Port Stephens/Newcastle/Hunter Valley for a June period. There should be whales that time of year; and there are always dolphins in Port Stephens.


Sounds like a fantastic trip!!!

If I could I would take out Tokyo but my son wants to go I used to live there so seen a lot but its his trip .My twins will go where he wants .I will look at all places will the weather be better in different places .Kids would love to see Dolphins .I know Qantas has a pass but you have to book passage from US for in land pass and I don't know which airline we will get as not time yet to book will do that in September. The train pass is around $500 and you can travel all over for 2wks. Im a little nervous driving other side road but maybe wont be bad. The roads are they really good I read not to travel at night because of wildlife like Kangaroos can be out very dangerous ?

 

[teddykins]

I've done the train trip Adelaide - Perth on the Indian Pacific in 2004 and it was fabulous, my brother has done the Adelaide - Darwin via Alice Springs trip on the Ghan and seemed to enjoy himself too. I've also done Melbourne - Sydney, Sydney - Brisbane, Melbourne - Adelaide via the Country Link trains several times. Train travel is such a relaxing way to see the Country without the hassle/worry of a car how ever it can be pretty pricey but if you can afford it you should at *least* do the Indian Pacific and The Ghan trains; they're worth the money and you definitely will not be disappointed with the service nor the experiences you'll get.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Driving on the opposite side of the road isn't too bad once you get used to it. Kangaroos out can be dangerous but it really depends on where you're driving as to whether you see them or not.

And there are a few of us that have been to Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. If you look in this part of the boards, there might be a few TR on Singapore. The Hong Kong ones are mostly under the Hong Kong section of the Other lands; as are the ones to Japan - under Tokyo.

 

[Tanzanite]

I've done the train trip Adelaide - Perth on the Indian Pacific in 2004 and it was fabulous, my brother has done the Adelaide - Darwin via Alice Springs trip on the Ghan and seemed to enjoy himself too. I've also done Melbourne - Sydney, Sydney - Brisbane, Melbourne - Adelaide via the Country Link trains several times. Train travel is such a relaxing way to see the Country without the hassle/worry of a car how ever it can be pretty pricey but if you can afford it you should at *least* do the Indian Pacific and The Ghan trains; they're worth the money and you definitely will not be disappointed with the service nor the experiences you'll get.

I looked at the train website the pass is very economical you can save half regular cost think only for overseas visitors like myself.Did you have a sleeper car not sure how they work I need to call .The trains look fabulous im just nervous of driving so it seems better and a good way to see a lot. The Ghan looked beautiful. This will be a trip of a lifetime. We love trains went to Europe few years ago got a pass saved a lot was great .

 

[PrincessInOz]

I looked at the train website the pass is very economical you can save half regular cost think only for overseas visitors like myself.Did you have a sleeper car not sure how they work I need to call .The trains look fabulous im just nervous of driving so it seems better and a good way to see a lot. The Ghan looked beautiful. This will be a trip of a lifetime. We love trains went to Europe few years ago got a pass saved a lot was great .

Sounds like a good deal for the train. I'd love to do the Ghan myself.

A friend of mine recently went on the Sunlander and he loved it.


If you have 4 week and 2 - 2.5 weeks of that is taken up in Asia, it doesn't leave a lot of time for Australia. So, it might be worth taking a look at where your son, you and the rest of the family really want to go to in Australia and figure out what you can fit in.
There should be enough of us Aussies here to provide you with local intel once you narrow it down a little.

 

[Tanzanite]

Sounds like a good deal for the train. I'd love to do the Ghan myself.

A friend of mine recently went on the Sunlander and he loved it.


If you have 4 week and 2 - 2.5 weeks of that is taken up in Asia, it doesn't leave a lot of time for Australia. So, it might be worth taking a look at where your son, you and the rest of the family really want to go to in Australia and figure out what you can fit in.
There should be enough of us Aussies here to provide you with local intel once you narrow it down a little.

Sorry I didn't make it clear I meant have a month to spend in Australia after Asia .We can spend 7wks away from home. We can go anywhere on the Ghan The Indian Pacific or the Overland for up to 2 mths for $500 but only need a month but good deal they don't have month pass..Definatly want to do The Ghan and the Indian Pacific .I cant wait until Sept will book plane tickets. Your country has so much to see have to work out where to go thats difficult as want to see as much as possible and a month not long.

 

[zanzibar138]

Sounds like a wonderful trip! Your DS is super lucky!

I would look closely at the terms and conditions for the train pass. The Indian Pacific and the Ghan are both on my wishlist, but they are just too expensive The cheapest Aussies can do the Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth is about $900 each just for a seat I'd also like to point out (in case you aren't aware already) that the Indian Pacific takes 3 nights to get from Sydney to Perth.

The Ghan takes one night Adelaide to Alice Springs, then one more night from Alice Springs to Darwin. Once in Alice Springs, Uluru is still a couple of hours drive away. On a positive note, June is a pretty perfect time of year to visit the red centre.

DH and I did the Sunlander last year and we really enjoyed it. However, I believe it has been discontinued and replaced with the 'tilt train' which doesn't have any cabins, but I believe you can get a 'lie flat' business class type seat. It runs overnight from Brisbane to Cairns and I believe it takes about 25 hours.

Other train journeys within Australia are just a means to an end, and can be an inefficient use of time. They are not high speed like the European ones (which I think are fantastic too!). For example, it takes about an hour to fly between Sydney and Melbourne, but it takes about 12 hours on the train. If you really enjoy train travel though, and find yourself with plenty of time to get around, by all means do it

I would recommend flying between the major cities in your itinerary, and maybe hiring a car for excursions from the cities (like Great Ocean Road and Philip Island from Melbourne). Driving on the 'wrong' side of the road can be a little nerve-wracking, and I found it required a lot more concentration than I usually had to use while driving, so I fatigued a lot quicker. For this reason, be sure to schedule lots of breaks and driver swaps if possible for any long road trips.

What were you thinking of doing in Perth? I grew up there and can definitely help you out with that. Fremantle is good for history, there's the Swan Valley wine region not far away, and of course plenty of great beaches (although it will probably be too cold for swimming)! Rottnest Island is also an interesting side trip if you've got time, a short ferry ride from Fremantle, car free (hire a bike to get around), and the only place in the world where you will find the cute little marsupials called Quokkas. Be aware that places like Margaret River and Kalbarri are a long drive from Perth on (for the most part) very boring roads!

Have you thought about including Tasmania in your itinerary? It will be cold down there at that time of year, but I think it's one of the most spectacular places for scenery in Australia. Also a lot of history if that's your thing.

 

[Tanzanite]

Sounds like a wonderful trip! Your DS is super lucky!

I would look closely at the terms and conditions for the train pass. The Indian Pacific and the Ghan are both on my wishlist, but they are just too expensive The cheapest Aussies can do the Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth is about $900 each just for a seat I'd also like to point out (in case you aren't aware already) that the Indian Pacific takes 3 nights to get from Sydney to Perth.

The Ghan takes one night Adelaide to Alice Springs, then one more night from Alice Springs to Darwin. Once in Alice Springs, Uluru is still a couple of hours drive away. On a positive note, June is a pretty perfect time of year to visit the red centre.

DH and I did the Sunlander last year and we really enjoyed it. However, I believe it has been discontinued and replaced with the 'tilt train' which doesn't have any cabins, but I believe you can get a 'lie flat' business class type seat. It runs overnight from Brisbane to Cairns and I believe it takes about 25 hours.

Other train journeys within Australia are just a means to an end, and can be an inefficient use of time. They are not high speed like the European ones (which I think are fantastic too!). For example, it takes about an hour to fly between Sydney and Melbourne, but it takes about 12 hours on the train. If you really enjoy train travel though, and find yourself with plenty of time to get around, by all means do it

I would recommend flying between the major cities in your itinerary, and maybe hiring a car for excursions from the cities (like Great Ocean Road and Philip Island from Melbourne). Driving on the 'wrong' side of the road can be a little nerve-wracking, and I found it required a lot more concentration than I usually had to use while driving, so I fatigued a lot quicker. For this reason, be sure to schedule lots of breaks and driver swaps if possible for any long road trips.

What were you thinking of doing in Perth? I grew up there and can definitely help you out with that. Fremantle is good for history, there's the Swan Valley wine region not far away, and of course plenty of great beaches (although it will probably be too cold for swimming)! Rottnest Island is also an interesting side trip if you've got time, a short ferry ride from Fremantle, car free (hire a bike to get around), and the only place in the world where you will find the cute little marsupials called Quokkas. Be aware that places like Margaret River and Kalbarri are a long drive from Perth on (for the most part) very boring roads!

Have you thought about including Tasmania in your itinerary? It will be cold down there at that time of year, but I think it's one of the most spectacular places for scenery in Australia. Also a lot of history if that's your thing.

Thank you for posting I checked with Rail Australia the pass is only for overseas visitors its called Rail Explorer Pass .Its a fantastic deal. I am waiting to see which airline we will be flying with to see if can get a Airpass for some of the places Quantas has one 6 plane trips for a flat rate but because we are flying to Tokyo first we may not be able to get that because I think its combined with flight from US.Funny about Tasmania I have an Aunt who lives there but want to do the big cities this trip. I met a couple who were visiting here in the states said its beautiful there but maybe next time. I don't know yet what we will do in each place Kangaroo Island Philip Island Aluru three must dos and got to see the adorable Koalas at an animal Sanctuary. The places you mentioned maybe we could do a tour bus trip? I am going to get a tour book to make a list of places to see. I would like to see the Quokkas. I am so excited spend a lot of time looking at places your country is so beautiful.

 

[Tanzanite]

Sounds like a wonderful trip! Your DS is super lucky!

I would look closely at the terms and conditions for the train pass. The Indian Pacific and the Ghan are both on my wishlist, but they are just too expensive The cheapest Aussies can do the Indian Pacific Sydney to Perth is about $900 each just for a seat I'd also like to point out (in case you aren't aware already) that the Indian Pacific takes 3 nights to get from Sydney to Perth.

The Ghan takes one night Adelaide to Alice Springs, then one more night from Alice Springs to Darwin. Once in Alice Springs, Uluru is still a couple of hours drive away. On a positive note, June is a pretty perfect time of year to visit the red centre.

DH and I did the Sunlander last year and we really enjoyed it. However, I believe it has been discontinued and replaced with the 'tilt train' which doesn't have any cabins, but I believe you can get a 'lie flat' business class type seat. It runs overnight from Brisbane to Cairns and I believe it takes about 25 hours.

Other train journeys within Australia are just a means to an end, and can be an inefficient use of time. They are not high speed like the European ones (which I think are fantastic too!). For example, it takes about an hour to fly between Sydney and Melbourne, but it takes about 12 hours on the train. If you really enjoy train travel though, and find yourself with plenty of time to get around, by all means do it

I would recommend flying between the major cities in your itinerary, and maybe hiring a car for excursions from the cities (like Great Ocean Road and Philip Island from Melbourne). Driving on the 'wrong' side of the road can be a little nerve-wracking, and I found it required a lot more concentration than I usually had to use while driving, so I fatigued a lot quicker. For this reason, be sure to schedule lots of breaks and driver swaps if possible for any long road trips.

What were you thinking of doing in Perth? I grew up there and can definitely help you out with that. Fremantle is good for history, there's the Swan Valley wine region not far away, and of course plenty of great beaches (although it will probably be too cold for swimming)! Rottnest Island is also an interesting side trip if you've got time, a short ferry ride from Fremantle, car free (hire a bike to get around), and the only place in the world where you will find the cute little marsupials called Quokkas. Be aware that places like Margaret River and Kalbarri are a long drive from Perth on (for the most part) very boring roads!

Have you thought about including Tasmania in your itinerary? It will be cold down there at that time of year, but I think it's one of the most spectacular places for scenery in Australia. Also a lot of history if that's your thing.

Zanzibar I just saw a video of the Quokkas I have never seen such an adorable little creature as he oh my goodness they are adorable. Also found Emu Run tours for Uluru a bus tour looks nice .I also looked at Best Western hotel in Alice not sure if its nice .

 

[ky71]

What a wonderful trip you are planning!

I would not suggest wasting precious time driving from Adelaide to Perth! It is a very long way and takes several days even if you share driving. I would fly if you have already used some time on the rail system.

When you come to Perth, be sure to take a bus trip (or it's an easy drive if you are not weary) up to the Pinnacles and maybe even Monkey Mia (you can swim with the dolphins if you didn't already do that in Queensland). We also have this fantastic rock formation called Wave Rock which is a few hours drive (take a bus tour) from Perth. (Bus tour will do a few other tid bit stops to stretch your legs). If you don't end up visiting Rottnest Island, head down to Penguin Island instead (avoids sea plane or ferry costs) as you can walk across the sandbar and visit the wildlife marine centre...so much to do!

Our favourite places to eat & drink in the Swan Valley winery area are Elmer's (German fare, beer no winery on site), Margret River Chocolate Factory (view the choc being made and samples are free, hot chocolate here is devine), Feral Brewery has delicious hearty pub food and brews beer/grows hops on site), just down the road we enjoy the Laughing Barrel winery (I don't drink but they have yummy food) and lastly we love the Mash Brewery (desserts here are heavenly).

If you need any assistance with a hotel to stay in Brisbane city, I have just the answer! We are moving there later this year! Must visit Southbank and the Brisbane Cultural Centre. Go to comedy night at Albion Park - Thursday nights.

We stayed at Sails in the Desert at Uluru about 9yrs back and although it was expensive, it was very pretty and staff were friendly. There are only a few choices - cabins/backpacker type place, motel, apartment style place (a few steps from Sails) and the 5 star place. Beware cocktails and food very pricey. Be sure to do the "Sounds of Silence" Dinner under the stars...use the hotel bathrooms before you go out and enjoy the experience! Have fun!

 

[Tanzanite]

What a wonderful trip you are planning!

I would not suggest wasting precious time driving from Adelaide to Perth! It is a very long way and takes several days even if you share driving. I would fly if you have already used some time on the rail system.

When you come to Perth, be sure to take a bus trip (or it's an easy drive if you are not weary) up to the Pinnacles and maybe even Monkey Mia (you can swim with the dolphins if you didn't already do that in Queensland). We also have this fantastic rock formation called Wave Rock which is a few hours drive (take a bus tour) from Perth. (Bus tour will do a few other tid bit stops to stretch your legs). If you don't end up visiting Rottnest Island, head down to Penguin Island instead (avoids sea plane or ferry costs) as you can walk across the sandbar and visit the wildlife marine centre...so much to do!

Our favourite places to eat & drink in the Swan Valley winery area are Elmer's (German fare, beer no winery on site), Margret River Chocolate Factory (view the choc being made and samples are free, hot chocolate here is devine), Feral Brewery has delicious hearty pub food and brews beer/grows hops on site), just down the road we enjoy the Laughing Barrel winery (I don't drink but they have yummy food) and lastly we love the Mash Brewery (desserts here are heavenly).

If you need any assistance with a hotel to stay in Brisbane city, I have just the answer! We are moving there later this year! Must visit Southbank and the Brisbane Cultural Centre. Go to comedy night at Albion Park - Thursday nights.

We stayed at Sails in the Desert at Uluru about 9yrs back and although it was expensive, it was very pretty and staff were friendly. There are only a few choices - cabins/backpacker type place, motel, apartment style place (a few steps from Sails) and the 5 star place. Beware cocktails and food very pricey. Be sure to do the "Sounds of Silence" Dinner under the stars...use the hotel bathrooms before you go out and enjoy the experience! Have fun!

Sails looks lovely and Sounds of silence looks lovely. My daughter would love the Chocolate tour she loves hot chocolate. Thank you have got a lot of lovely ideas .Monkey Mia is also nice .Looks like we will have lots to.

 

[zanzibar138]

Thank you for posting I checked with Rail Australia the pass is only for overseas visitors its called Rail Explorer Pass .Its a fantastic deal. I am waiting to see which airline we will be flying with to see if can get a Airpass for some of the places Quantas has one 6 plane trips for a flat rate but because we are flying to Tokyo first we may not be able to get that because I think its combined with flight from US.Funny about Tasmania I have an Aunt who lives there but want to do the big cities this trip. I met a couple who were visiting here in the states said its beautiful there but maybe next time. I don't know yet what we will do in each place Kangaroo Island Philip Island Aluru three must dos and got to see the adorable Koalas at an animal Sanctuary. The places you mentioned maybe we could do a tour bus trip? I am going to get a tour book to make a list of places to see. I would like to see the Quokkas. I am so excited spend a lot of time looking at places your country is so beautiful.

I think I have to move overseas for a while so I can get access to that rail pass too I wonder how much it is to upgrade to a cabin I'm a bit of a snob and refuse to travel overnight in a seat

There are plenty of places to see native Australian animals. In Melbourne, there's a place called Healesville Sanctuary which is like a whole zoo, just for Australian natives. We actually got married there It's in the Yarra Valley too, which is a beautiful wine area.

You would be able to do bus tours to all of these places if you don't want to drive. Driving just gives you extra flexibility and would work out cheaper if you're planning to do a lot of 'day tours'.

Zanzibar I just saw a video of the Quokkas I have never seen such an adorable little creature as he oh my goodness they are adorable. Also found Emu Run tours for Uluru a bus tour looks nice .I also looked at Best Western hotel in Alice not sure if its nice .

I miss the quokkas! Will have to try to schedule a trip to 'Rotto' on my next visit to Perth

There should be heaps of options for Uluru tours from Alice Springs if that's what you're after. Also, try to check out Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta National Park while you're in the area. I haven't been yet (it's on the list!), so can't really help with accommodation there. I imagine the cost of food and drinks everywhere in that area is going to be pretty pricey just because of the remote location.

 

[Tanzanite]

I think I have to move overseas for a while so I can get access to that rail pass too I wonder how much it is to upgrade to a cabin I'm a bit of a snob and refuse to travel overnight in a seat

There are plenty of places to see native Australian animals. In Melbourne, there's a place called Healesville Sanctuary which is like a whole zoo, just for Australian natives. We actually got married there It's in the Yarra Valley too, which is a beautiful wine area.

You would be able to do bus tours to all of these places if you don't want to drive. Driving just gives you extra flexibility and would work out cheaper if you're planning to do a lot of 'day tours'.



I miss the quokkas! Will have to try to schedule a trip to 'Rotto' on my next visit to Perth

There should be heaps of options for Uluru tours from Alice Springs if that's what you're after. Also, try to check out Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta National Park while you're in the area. I haven't been yet (it's on the list!), so can't really help with accommodation there. I imagine the cost of food and drinks everywhere in that area is going to be pretty pricey just because of the remote location.

I am getting so many wonderful ideas my son just told me he wants to do the theme parks on the gold Coast Wet N wild .Warner Bros World .Dream World .I have been looking at Apartment rentals there some beautiful places. I will let you know how much for sleeper car when I book still undecided if we will do some flights .I love trains but if can get a good deal on flights would give us more time. My kids would love to see as many animals as possible penguins on Phillip island we watched a video so cute. Will check out Heales Ville Sanctuary your wedding must have been beautiful. I read about Magnetic Island in Townsville .Its going to be hard to decide when theres so many places. I would love to stay at Sails in the Desert Uluru it looks lovely . I think a month is not enough but that's all we have after Asia.

 

[zanzibar138]

I am getting so many wonderful ideas my son just told me he wants to do the theme parks on the gold Coast Wet N wild .Warner Bros World .Dream World .I have been looking at Apartment rentals there some beautiful places. I will let you know how much for sleeper car when I book still undecided if we will do some flights .I love trains but if can get a good deal on flights would give us more time. My kids would love to see as many animals as possible penguins on Phillip island we watched a video so cute. Will check out Heales Ville Sanctuary your wedding must have been beautiful. I read about Magnetic Island in Townsville .Its going to be hard to decide when theres so many places. I would love to stay at Sails in the Desert Uluru it looks lovely . I think a month is not enough but that's all we have after Asia.

Be aware that if you're used to Disney/Universal Studios, the theme parks in Queensland will be small and don't have the same level of theming (probably closer to a 6 Flags). There's some great rides there though and they can be a lot of fun! SeaWorld also has a lot of ocean based wildlife including dolphins, sea lions, penguins and sharks, so you may want to consider adding that too. If you're in the Gold Coast area, you may also want to consider Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in the area.

We went to Magnetic Island in July last year and really enjoyed it. There's not a lot to do there other than hikes and beaches (and it will probably be too cold for beaches), but it's a nice relaxing place and we saw a lot of wildlife, especially rock wallabies and sea eagles I may have done a mini TR on it, maybe search the Australia forum for Magnetic Island and see if anything comes up.

I know exactly what you mean about not having enough time. I'm always the same when we're planning a trip to the US! I would definitely pick out a couple of train trips you really want to do and work on flying everywhere else to give you some more time

 

[Luisa]

I'm going to second the trip to Healesville sanctuary, it's a place so many overseas visitors miss and it's just beautiful. They have sessions where you can meet the animals and a park type area where the kangaroos are loose so you can get up close with them. I'd recommend driving there and including a stop at Yarra Valley Chocolate as well. Unless you can do a tour Phillip Island is hard to visit without driving as there really isn't public transport to get around, it's also worth staying overnight as there's so much to see down that way.

I'm envious of your holiday, I wish I could do long trips like your again!

 

[Tashinwdw]

There are so many things to see and do it will be hard for you to decide what you should do this time or what to leave for another.
If you will be up at the Gold Coast then make the time to see The Outback Spectacular it is meant to be really good.
If you are going to be spending time in Sydney and can afford it I would recommend climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, its an easy climb, we had a few seniors do it when I went up. We had clear skies and it was a beautiful sunset over the Blue Mountains, then a breathtaking view of the city at night. It was really worth the money.

Remember there will be a range in temperatures when you are in Qld, NT and WA compared to Victoria. I think no matter what you end up doing you will have a wonderful time.