yarramar

Yeah, but the Kiwi's pronounce it ship dip

Yes, if you have Android phones with FFC, this is the best way to go. You cannot load your account with cash, it needs to be with Mastercard or Visa via the app. The daily cap is $10.00 & $7.20 on weekends and public holidays. You can use it anywhere in Melbourne or regional areas within the Myki zone. You don't need to tap on or off in the free tram zone. You can travel to and from Geelong or Ballarat by train for the same daily cap. When you get off the ship, head for the tram stop with phones all set up and away you go.

The 2 weeks over Christmas/New Year and the following week is the busiest 2 weeks in Australia. Brisbane may be too hot and humid for a comfortable visit and the coastal areas outside of Sydney and Melbourne are too crowded to be worth visiting. The cities themselves, though are worth visiting and most inhabitants are on the coast so it is a good time to visit without crowds. The Indian Pacific would be a great journey but at that time of year you may struggle to find a fare. If you like train travel, The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs is an iconic journey.

Depends on your interests. Melbourne has the distinction of being the 'Sporting Capital of the World", the "Cultural Capital of Australia" and the city with the most parks and gardens within the city in the world. You can visit all these attractions using the worlds largest light rail (tram) network. You could spend a month in Melbourne and not see everything worth seeing. This may be of further help. https://www.visitmelbourne.com/

And live hyenas

If you have the time, accommodation on a sheep station would be an awesome experience for you. Some are genuine working farms where you become part of the family. https://outbackbeds.com.au/ There maybe similar in NZ

Rex is quickly growing it's popularity and reputation as being the airline of choice among Australian travellers. They have less cancellations and delay issues than any of the other local carriers apart from Bonza who are new and building support.

There have been many reports of people accidentally marking a box incorrectly and then being rejected or having the application being looked at manually. Be very careful that you check every question and answer thoroughly before submitting

A recommendation for 5* hotels over on the Sydney forum on Trip Advisor goes to the Capella as superior to Marriot, 4 Seasons or Intercontinental.

The Grace is in a good city location with nearby shopping, restaurants and bars. The Intercontinental is close to ferries, the Rocks, Botanical Gardens, Opera House and museums.

The Australian shiraz may use the same grape but it is nothing like syrah which originated in France. The Australian shiraz has a higher alcohol content and is more robust while syrah is more delicate. Basically it is the climate where grown which makes all the difference and in some of our cooler regions it is closer to syrah with many winemakers now labelling their product as such.

Before you arrive at your first port in Australia you will be given a customs declaration form to fill out. If you fill it out truthfully regarding your trail mix (or anything else) they may ask to inspect it or if you omit it or lie and subsequently found to be carrying them, you may be heavily fined and/or refused entry to Australia (worst case scenario). To enjoy a happy stress free holiday, just answer any questions truthfully. You also will need an ETA/visa for both here and NZ

I'd go for price but the Intercontinental is a 5 star hotel while the Crowne is 4 star. The Intercontinental is also in a much better location

I was a member of the Maroubra Seals. Little River Band, Cold Chisel, INXS, Mondo Rock, 'Ol 55, just to name a few.

Getting them into the country is the biggest hurdle. If the trail mix does not include seeds, it should be ok but they will need to be declared on your incoming form. Why not just buy them when you get here?

You won't make it to the Cairns station for Kuranda, however I would not do a ships excursion. There are a couple of ways there. Catch a taxi to the Cableway terminal in Smithfield which is approx 20 minutes or take a bus - 1 hour. The cablecar will take you to Kuranda and you could catch the train back.

I suppose this list was construed as a reaction to the recent "worlds most liveable city" list. Melbourne got 3, Sydney - 4, Perth & Adelaide 12th while Brisbane got 16th

The Imperial at Clifton is a good stop for lunch. It is near the Sea Cliff Bridge. I have linked a google map which gives you a nice full day loop. Perhaps do it in reverse, i.e. Bowral first, which is a lovely touristy village where you could stop for morning tea. Shell Harbour and the coast around there is beautiful. https://goo.gl/maps/kLLWT7GSf4b7NuMC7 If you leave really early and have the time, you could continue along the coast past Shell Harbour to the Shoalhaven and return to Moss Vale via Berry and Kangaroo Valley which is incredibly picturesque.

The location of the Intercontinental is about as good as it gets.

CQ/Rocks area of Sydney is the best place to stay. The benefits of being on the harbour (note spelling) is the close proximity to the ferries which you will want to use to get to Manly, Tooronga zoo, Watsons bay and elsewhere. It is also convenient to transport into the CBD and the rail system if you wish to go further afield.

Aussies are very casual and most would rather go to the buffet on formal night. Carry on does not gel with us as we are only allowed 7kg or at most 10kg on domestic flights. I would use a particular TA which I can't name but if you want a cruise or vacation it is the place to go.

Very mixed reviews, depends on if you like novelty and views over food. https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g255060-d2485912-Reviews-SkyFeast_at_Sydney_Tower-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html Maybe better to pay for the skywalk and then head to a decent restaurant for a decent meal at the same overall price

You may wish to add the Melbourne museum, Carlton Gardens and world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building. Also across the road from REB is Gertrude Street, voted 2nd coolest street in the world.

I have used a card to purchase a coffee for $1.00 at a service station. They have since gone up to $1.50

Don't go to the trouble of getting any cash just to tip. Both tour director and drivers are very well paid and won't lose sleep (and their kids won't go hungry) if you abstain. BTW, they will probably have a mobile card reader. Even the Salvos take them to the pubs these days along with their brass bands when fundraising!