Australia in December

[Breadandmuffins]

Hi

Are there any whales or dolphins around Australia in mid to end Dec ? Thinking of bring kids for whale or dolphin watch in Dec?

Thank u.

[bebebub]

Breadandmuffins:

Hi

Are there any whales or dolphins around Australia in mid to end Dec ? Thinking of bring kids for whale or dolphin watch in Dec?

Thank u.

Whale watching season in Australia is from May to Nov. Hervey Bay in north Queensland is a good spot. The other place being Byron Bay (border of Queensland n NSW)
Not sure about season for dolphins. U may want to check out Monkey Mia in WA where wild dolphins come in daily to be fed. Hv not been there myself.

[jacsplace]

Hi,


Which part of Australia is fun for my nine-year-old girl and six-year-old boy to visit with us (their parents) for the first time for a week in November?

We don’t drive so would prefer accommodation that is either located in an area that has good transport links or where the attraction can pick us up and drop us off at the hotel.

[minty1]

For first time visiting Australia, which of the 3 (Perth/Gold Coast/Melbourne) would be a relaxing and nice trip for a family of 2A2C (8 yrs and 11 yrs)?


As we plan to travel mid Nov, we would prefer the place to be cooling and not hot.

Any kind advice from anyone?

[Millicent]

Hi Minty1,

My family & I have been to all 3. We prefer Melbourne, Gold Coast followed by Perth. We particularly enjoy Melbourne’s farm stay where we had one host to a family, visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park, Phillip Island where we watched the Penguin Parade, Ashcombe Maze and the ride on Puffing Billy steam train that runs through the scenic Dandenong Ranges, just to name a few.
Gold Coast was more of Surface Paradise with beautiful beaches and theme parks like Movie World, Dream World & Sea World.
As for Perth, we like the gold-pouring demonstration at the Perth Mint, Captain Cook Cruise and the scenic view of the Swan River. The farm stay was a letdown as it was the commercialised type.
Tasmania and Sydney are also our favourites.

[Dnls_mum]

Millicent:

Hi Minty1,

My family & I have been to all 3. We prefer Melbourne, Gold Coast followed by Perth. We particularly enjoy Melbourne's farm stay where we had one host to a family, visit to Ballarat Wildlife Park, Phillip Island where we watched the Penguin Parade, Ashcombe Maze and the ride on Puffing Billy steam train that runs through the scenic Dandenong Ranges, just to name a few.
Gold Coast was more of Surface Paradise with beautiful beaches and theme parks like Movie World, Dream World & Sea World.
As for Perth, we like the gold-pouring demonstration at the Perth Mint, Captain Cook Cruise and the scenic view of the Swan River. The farm stay was a letdown as it was the commercialised type.
Tasmania and Sydney are also our favourites.

Agree that Melbourne has lots to offer. It is also my favorite in Australia. I even prefer it to Sydney which I find is like any other cosmopolitan city. Melbourne has more character, I feel. Besides the attractions mentioned above, there is also the Great Ocean Road.

[minty1]

The Great Ocean Road thingy is quite long and winding right? I wonder if my kids can take them. My girl especially get car sick very easily.

[SarChar]

If your trip is in Nov, I think Gold Coast is a better choice if your kids are ready for most of the rides… You can spend some time at the beach during this time.


Melbourne is our favorite place of the 3 too. We chose to go Melbourne during winter time so that we stayed 4D3N at Mt Buller. It is ski resort area. Also if you do plan Mt Buller for your next Winter trip, go during the Open Winter Festive. They have a big celebration with warm wine, Fireworks and performances. 4D3N is just nice. Anything less than that is too short for the kids.

[Dnls_mum]

minty1:

The Great Ocean Road thingy is quite long and winding right? I wonder if my kids can take them. My girl especially get car sick very easily.

I solve that problem with motion sickness meds! :evil:

[bebebub]

Dnls_mum:

minty1:

The Great Ocean Road thingy is quite long and winding right? I wonder if my kids can take them. My girl especially get car sick very easily.

I solve that problem with motion sickness meds! :evil:

The alternative to motion sickness medicine is ginger pills.
My then 5-yr old got a little sick due to the car ride. We took the coastal road so as to enjoy the scenery, but came back via the country road, cutting thru little towns. Jouney was almost halved. We based ourselves in Geelong.