Advantages: The experience, The scenery, Meet new friends, It goes on...
Disadvantages: Need some money first, Travelling time

...to hostels and campsites. It’s possibly to get by on £20 a day – even with a decent nosh and a few beers. You’ll have no problems changing cash at almost any bank or exchange agent but be aware that travellers cheques generally get a better rate than cash. Credit cards are widely accepted (and pretty much compulsory if you’re going to rent a car), and cash points all over the country accept credit and Cirrus cards. Away from the cities the real Australia is all about “going bush” and with more than 500 national parks incorporating rainforests, desserts and mountain ranges, you’re never far from a chance to get back to nation. But beware the wildlife. Poisonous Australian spiders, snakes and crocs in the Northern Territories could seriously screw up your holidays. You also don’t want a sting from a box jellyfish – these are common, even... Read review

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Advantages: The croc show! Its a great zoo all the animals look happy!
Disadvantages: Steve irwin wasnt there!

...CRIKEY ITS AUSTRALIA ZOO!! ****History**** Australia Zoo was first opened by the parents og the famous Steve Irwin in 1970 (Bob and Lyn Irwin). From an early age Steve helped manage crocodiles, reptiles and looked after animals calling the zoo his home. In 1992 Steve and his wife Terri took over management of the zoo. They believe in "conservation through exciting education." The message throughout the park draws on the importance of conserving our precious wildlife and their natural habitats. ****Getting to the Zoo**** Admission into the zoo for a Family 5 Ticket (2 adult and 3 children)$160.50, for a Family 4 Ticket (2 adult and 2 children) $146.00, Single Adult Ticket $49.00, a Pensioner Ticket $39.00, a Student Ticket $39.00, Child Ticket: $29.00 (Child is 3-14 years) and children under 3 is free. You... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Detailed, helpful, indispensable, describes everything you could possibly want!
Disadvantages: Don't know! Only covers WA?!

...at the map and see you have hardly moved at all! Even when people tell you it would take a week to drive from Sydney to Perth, I don't think it is possible to imagine that until you actually experience the long drives and roads and nothingness that is this vast continent! Anyway..... more about the book! I borrowed the Lonely Planet Guide to Western Australia from the local library before my trip, to work out what places I definitely wanted to visit and where I could live without going - and let me tell you my first list was getting longer by the minute, I wanted to go everywhere! The book is good though in that it explains everything in so much detail and you can prioritise, for example, there are so many national parks with amazing scenery and gorges and wildlife, but after reading about them all you realise they are all pretty similar... Read review

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Advantages: So much information
Disadvantages: Slightly bulky to carry

...+ Lonely Planet - Australia + The lonely planet Australia book is a must of you are travelling around Australia. It gives you lots of very useful information about the country, things to do and see, currently and lots more. As I was planning my trip and didn't have a clue on what there was to do and see in this large country so I decided to get this book and I was very pleased with it. + CONTENTS + This book has everything imaginable that you could need to try and plan an itinerary by yourself. At the front there is a map of Australia which gives you an idea where all the towns are, where train stations run and a key so you can work out distances. It is quite detailed and gives you an overall feel for the size of this country. Highlights - this section will give you some highlights of Australia showing some stunning... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Attractive countryside, attractive wines
Disadvantages: Creeping urbanisation, and industrial-scale production

...Adelaide, capital of South Australia, is a pleasant place, but, as so often with cities, some of the best places to visit locally are found outside the city itself. To the east, Mount Lofty and the Cleland Wildlife Park offer good walking and spectacular views across Adelaide to the ocean beyond. To the south, long and almost deserted beaches stretch past the mouth of the Murray River towards Kangaroo Island. And to the north-east lies Australia's most important wine-growing area, centred on the Barossa Valley. Under the guidance of our Australian friends, my wife and I saw - and enjoyed - all three during our short stay in Adelaide. Among them, though, I would without hesitation recommend the Barossa Valley as providing the best combination of cultural and scenic interest, as well as the tastiest refreshment along the way... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Lots of staff, very welcoming and friendly
Disadvantages: No Steve!

...on their website (perhaps another Ciao member knows?) Of course no zoo is complete without a souvenir shop to buy all your rubber snakes, pens and stickers, and Australia must be the world's leading zoo souvenir shop! I've never seen so many branded goods including Bindi Sue's very own clothing line (Steve's little girl). We just stuck with a pen. All in all a very enjoyable day. We got to see loads of Australian wildlife in fairly close quarters, and experience the anticipation of possibly seeing..... The Crocodile Hunter!... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful scenery and lots to do
Disadvantages: So far from England

...When you think of Australia you probably think of long sandy beaches, vast expanses of desert outback or exciting cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Well, think again - just a five hour drive from Sydney (a very short distance by Australian standards), and virtually on Canberra's doorstep, is Cooma - the Capital of the Snowy Mountains. Approximately half way between Sydney and Melbourne, the Snowy Mountains are named after the Snowy river, just one of the many rivers flowing through the area. In addition there are beautiful, clear lakes and waterfalls, acres of forests, meadows and orchards and the most incredible plants, flowers and birds. Australian wildlife is also out in force - we saw many kangaroos, wallabies and emus - sadly no koalas but thankfully no unpleasant snakes or spiders. We were there in October and the Winter... Read review

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Advantages: Atomsphere. Many places to go and do.
Disadvantages: Huge country, and big distances between destinations.

...I was fortunate enough to travel Australia for six months and found Sydney was by far my favourite location. Be it the Sydney Bridge, Opera house or Bondi beach all of it was great. For me though, the best part was the vibe and atomsphere of the place. Maybe its the weather, but the place was constantly buzzing and the people were helpful and always had a smile on their face. George Street in particular was best for this. On top of that, there is always something to do. The beaches, Bondi, Palm and my favourite Cogee. A little less heard of, but still has the surf, sand, people and surprisingly nightlife at the hotel. On top of that, theres excursions away, such as the seven (or six now) apostles, Wildlife tours and if your adventureous, sky diving and bungee diving. The Resturants, Bars and nightlife are endless. My... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful City within a remote and beautiful state.
Disadvantages: Long plane journey, but worth it... eventually!

...Before you consider setting off for Perth from anywhere in the UK, there is one fact you should take on board... It is a VERY long way from home! No amount of in flight entertainment can take the edge off of what is a very arduous journey. After around 12 hours of the 19 hour flight, I began to lose the will to live. However, once the magnificent city skyline came into view and the sun shone in through the tiny windows of the plane, it suddenly felt worth it. Once on the ground and suitably refreshed after a good night's sleep, I was ready to see what Perth and Western Australia had to offer. So what does it have to offer? Perth offers just about eveything you could want from a holiday or life in general. It was recently voted one of the top 10 most desirable places in the world to live and I can see why. Perth... Read review

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Advantages: wilderness, friendly, relaxing, adventure, 'non-touristy', quiet
Disadvantages: distance, 'non-touristy', quiet

...as England. Some 'don't miss' sights include Wineglass Bay (only accessible by an hour's hike but definately worth it), Cradle Mountain (short walks and luxury accomodation for those who desire it or long walks - including the famous Overland Track and rugged mountain huts for the more hardy), Salamanca Market on Saturdays in Hobart - one of Australia's largest open air markets as as much loved by the locals as the tourists, and any of the many wildlife parks where you can feed free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies, cuddle koalas and see the real Tasmanian Devils (look but don't touch these guys!).... Read review

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