yarramar

There are a number of local cruise companies that offer Kimberleys trips. I just hope that the influx of foreign companies do not turn this wilderness into a wasteland.

That's Ok. we have a famous department store in Melbourne which is now nation wide. It is called "Myer". Many people say "Myers", I would probably call your home town "Fort Myer"

The earthworm display was closed down years ago. It is now just a big empty shed.

I have never seen a snake in the wild that was NOT venomous. In fact, if indeed your DW almost stepped on one, it was a close call. Most of the snakes you come across on Oz are extremely deadly. Tell her after she has had her morning coffee.

Take your time Marion. Even though the narrative goes along the lines that Tuvalu is endangered and we taxpayers are sending aid and visas for them to live here, over the past several decades Tuvalu land mass has INCREASED by 2.9%. It is not sinking.

I remember seeing off relatives going on cruises when young. We would all go on board and explore the ship, partake in refreshments etc. and when the ship was about to sail away, we would head down the gangplanks, and watch as she sailed, throwing streamers at the ship while passengers also threw them to us. Ahh, those were the days.🥲

My suggestion is to ask this question on the Sydney forum on Trip Advisor. There is a member there who works for the hotel industry in Australia and can provide you with the best advice as to location, price, value for money etc, including in Brisbane. Not all properties are equal and then within the property there is a huge variation depending on room category etc.

This may be of interest to you. https://www.williecreekpearls.com.au/pages/pearl-luggers-tour You would also have time for this. https://www.broomeandaround.com.au/broome-panoramic-town-tour/day-tour

Again misread. -"in the laneways (What Aussies call alleys)" This means that an Aussie calls an alley a laneway. Similarly an Aussie calls dim sum, "Yum Cha" I actually thought the same when I read it, but thought "that can't be right"and then reread it and it makes sense

Actually, you have misread the article. It says that Aussies call it Yum Cha (that we (Americans) call Dim Sum) similarly we Aussies say Laneways that Americans call Alleys

Prior to this, discussions were held on a property in Alphington, which later became the La Trobe Golf Course. In the 1960's amid much protest by the community, they tore down the original beautiful Victorian building to make way for "progress". We are lucky that the Exhibition Building did not suffer a similar fate. In 1948 there was only one vote between demolish and keep.

Actually the coffee is regarded worldwide as one of the best anywhere in the world. The Royal Exhibition Building is listed as World Heritage by UNESCO along with the Sydney Opera House.

Whichever way you count it, the way Albo is going, it'll be neck and neck for years. Might be time for a sea or tree change.

Now inside the Arts Centre we have the Australian Music Vault. A permanent museum of the Aus Rock industry. I think we in Australia a very lucky to not only having 2 great cities but also the wonderful natural features and lifestyle to enjoy

The current culture of Melbourne is more like a toxic mould.

Who'da thought that a floating box with 4000 people aboard could possibly be a health risk?

If staying in Sydney 2 days prior, do you need to be in the city 4 days after the cruise? Have a look at Manly or Watsons Bay or somewhere where you can just catch a ferry to be at Circular Quay. Also take a look at Coogee or other beach suburbs. Sydney public transport is excellent and there are plenty of cafes everywhere to have breakfast or coffee in the mornings

As an exercise look up google with the phrase "which city in the world has the best coffee" You will find that Melbourne may not always be ranked #1 but it makes the list of EVERY single survey. Something no other city in Australia or the World does.

Well after 45 days on board, I don't think you would care too much about booking anywhere. There are plenty of go bucket meals at the food court to take back to your cabin or on deck.

I recall at least one passenger aboard that commented on this forum prior to the sailing

I have never heard of any roaming plan that includes "cellular at sea". Make sure "data roaming" is off so that if connected to the ships cell the phone's apps won't be updating themselves at your expense. If he has Telstra, he can use the ships WiFi at reasonable cost to stay in touch with WiFiCalling. This means he can make and receive calls on his regular number the same as at home or on the mainland.

I have sailed all 3 but not from Australia In order of preference RCCL, Princess and a long way 3rd NCL. This is just my experience but I found that NCL continuously tries to "nickle and dime" their passengers

I have a couple of microfibre towels that I take everywhere. They fold into a tiny bundle and a great for drying in an emergency. We don't go to lie on beaches anywhere apart from Australia but I probably wouldn't use them on a beach.

What do you want to see? The best place to start is here https://www.whatsinport.com/New-Zealand.html Look at the ships excursions and if they are better than DIY, google similar tours or places to visit and use "shore excursion" in the search

If you just want a lovely outing with hot springs included, We did a trip to the Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. It would be a long day if you return to Auckland or you can stay somewhere overnight.