"Paul's trip to Australia" Australia by Paul2001

Australia Travel Guide: 45,091 reviews and 113,988 photos

Australia was my first trip overseas. Therefore I consider my journey there was one of the most important events in my life. That said in hindsight it was a rather disappointing trip. Australia itself should not be blamed for this because it is actually a wonderful country. The reason I had a somewhat of a bad time in Australia has more to do with the circumstances and my planning of the journey. As I had never traveled abroad before I really did not understand how important it is to have a good travel guide(which I did not, I have never used Fodor's again.) so as to know just what to see, where to go, eat, sleep, drink and eat. Furthermore a friend I was suppose to stay with while in Sydney had to leave the country before I got there. This meant I was on my own once I got there and I really did not know much about Sydney. Regardless I did get to see lots of the sights but I did waste sometime visiting things that I really should not have bothered with. Also I made the mistake of attempting a Coach tour(Contiki) up the Australian Eastern coast. It was a disaster. Not so much because the people on the tour where a bunch of jerks or anything like that. They were for the most part quit nice but I am something of an introvert. I tend to find large crowds suffocating and need room to do the things that I want to do and see. I do not like to be asked to be jovial on cue. I decided that I would rather spend time in jail than take another Coach tour. I have avoided them when I can ever since.
That I said my trip to Australia was a growing experience and I hope that this page will lend you hand in your own explorations of this magnificent country.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lots and lots of places to get wet and play.
Cons:Drunken louts in Queensland's bars.
In a nutshell:A Country that Should Have Something For Everyone

Last visit to Australia: Nov 1987
Intro Updated Jun 24, 2003
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Reviews (28)

Fitzroy Island Favorites (8)

Yes I know that this is a terrible photograph, but I does best describe my experience on Fitzroy Island. There was lots... more travel advice

The 16m high "Big Pineapple" - Australia

The Big Pineapple in Woombye Queensland Tourist Traps (1)

If I had not gone on that Contiki Tour I probably would have never made to the Big Pineapple located in a small town one... more travel advice

The National Gallery of Australia - Australia

The National Gallery of Australia in... Things to Do (13)

While in Canberra, I took in the National Gallery of Australia. Although it's pernament collection is hardly outstanding... more travel advice

The Oldest Tram System in the World! Transportation (1)

Melbourne has the oldest tram system in the World. I love trams so I was envious. They give this fine city a certain... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All Historic budget hotel in Rockhampton
Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All The Hyde Barracks in Sydney

Shopping (1)
The Queen Victoria Building in Sydney
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Comments (30)

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LoriPori Jan 29, 2008 at 2:21 AM

What a wonderful overview of Australia. Hans and I hope to go there next year. I esp. liked the tip about Reef HQ - amazing.
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tiabunna Jan 15, 2008 at 3:25 AM

An interesting "learning travel" experience in Australia, Paul. Pity you felt you'd missed so much - but the good news is that it provides the excuse to revisit with the benefit of experience!
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craic Jun 9, 2007 at 8:05 PM

well you managed to see and do quite a lot - more than i have done and seen and i live here
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mtncorg Jul 14, 2005 at 2:38 PM

Bus tours are always a great education:-] No bus tours to the Carpathians, I hope ;-\
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easyoar Jul 13, 2005 at 12:52 PM

Very good page, shame you didn't have a better time at Frasier Island, it is a very impressive plae as you suspect!
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globetrott Jul 12, 2005 at 1:04 PM

an interesting page & great pics ! It is a pity that Australia is still missing on my map :-((
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deecat May 18, 2005 at 2:35 AM

I love you straightforward, intelligent, incisive style. I did lots of smiling as I read your adventures, especially the tour. You have an understated, engaging turn of phrase, which I appreciate. Superior.
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JetlagCity Mar 9, 2005 at 1:50 PM

Hi Paul, I really enjoyed your intro here because I can relate to it - thanks for the chuckle : ) We all live and learn! I, too, tried a tour once and I won't be doing it again!
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hieveryone Jan 2, 2005 at 12:31 PM

Nice page! Can't wait to OZ myself. Hopefully soon!!
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gale.blog.pl Oct 17, 2004 at 2:01 PM

Informative and funny tips, as well as great pics :) That's what I like about Paul's pages. Thanks for sharing your experience on Australia :)