yarramar

I have always just used a taxi. In Sydney you could use the train but with luggage and 2 of you, it would not save much and is easier. No need to pre book and don't think of using a shuttle. There is signage and you will be directed to an awaiting cab.

The Tanks Art Centre and Botanical Gardens The Cairns Esplanade and Waterfront is the best place for dining, as above you could go to Palm Cove but a daytime trip would be nicer and have lunch then.

Apparently there was an article in The Palm Beach Post which interviewed a couple who had a visa to Australia but were denied entry because they were over 75 and they needed a chest Xray to get the visa or entry. Not sure exactly because the article is behind a paywall and won't let me read it. Obviously typical media hype as they didn't mention that an ETA would suffice without the need for medical examinations.

Perhaps it would be best to subscribe and they will email you when events are listed. https://opera.org.au/sydney/

Both locations are good. Do all your shopping from the Hilton. Sofitel is closer walking to attractions and ferries.

We often have supplements with us and never really worried about them. No need to declare and if the cute little dogs that come up to you while in the customs line don't sit next to your bag, you will be ok

This is the February observations this year. http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/202302/html/IDCJDW2068.202302.shtml They have forecast an El Nino weather event for our summer so temperatures are likely to be warmer, less rain and less wind

The hoho busses still operate but get stuck in traffic and are pretty useless. Catch the tram or go on the fabulous ferries for a multitude of destinations. The Coogee to Bondi walk is very worthwhile doing or you could catch a ferry and do the entire coastal walk from Watsons Bay all the way to Coogee. Catch the train from Circular Quay to Central and then train to Katoomba. (check that there is no maintenance scheduled on a weekend which may mean a bus replacing the train) There is a HOHO bus in the blue mountains which will take you to the main attractions. Or you could Uber or walk. When I was there last we saw many people mountain biking the trails. I'm not sure if you can hire mountain bikes but you can get ebikes. https://bmac.com.au/ Sydney Greeters are free. They request that you donate whatever you believe is fair to the organisation. DON'T tip the greeter. https://internationalgreeter.org/destinations/sydney?

I would also agree with the Sydney recommendations apart from #5 the HOHO busses which are obsolete now the light rail is operating. Along with the walking tours, you could also get a Sydney Greeter, part of the international Greeter organisation which will create a bespoke tour with a likeminded guide based on your interests. A trip by train to the Blue Mountains is another great day out. You could also look at the Riverboat Postman cruise on the Hawkesbury, easily accessible by train. For Auckland, I recommend a ferry ride to Waiheke Island to spend the day visiting the gorgeous wineries, olive groves and countryside. You can hire a car or bikes whilst there.

Generally, no. Restaurants and cafes may add an extra percentage charge on the total bill on a public holiday but it will be written on the window, the counter or in the menu if this is the case. In Australia it is against the law to add costs to the advertised price of goods or services unless clearly stated and only for a valid reason. In other words, the price you see is the price you pay, no added taxes, tips, service charges, resort fees or anything else.

A note regarding codeine as described in above link. Some OTC pain killers contain paracetamol plus codeine and don't need a prescription in some jurisdictions. If brought into Australia, they must have a prescription from a doctor. Many years ago, codeine was legally obtained OTC in Australia and some travellers to Greece had problems where at the time it was prohibited there.

Would you expect otherwise from media these days?. I wonder how much they paid this couple? The cost of a tourist stream 600 Visa is $190. The price for a US citizen ETA is $20.

If you have cleared immigration, you are free to come and go as the ship has no ability to "hold" you. You may have to pass the immigration desk again each time you leave the ship, but only need to show your entry visa/passport each time.

That is also how I have read the advice. The ETA is a visa waiver program and no need for tests or Xrays.

What a pity. Broome is amazing with a myriad of things to do However stopping at Exmouth gives you the opportunity to snorkel the Ningaloo Reef and/or swim with whale sharks. Google "Ningaloo shore excursions" to see what is on offer.

@Tedferg Many of your Sydney questions will be answered here. https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g255060-i122-k14483244-A_few_questions_before_fine_tuning_our_itinerary-Sydney_New_South_Wales.html

Sydney public transport can be used with Amex and Visa/Mastercard credit or debit cars as well as the Opal card. They must be contactless and no other card is accepted.

Macquarie Bank announced today that they would no longer be accepting cash or cheque deposits and will also stop paying out cash. Theoretically businesses are not legally allowed to charge more than the actual cost of the transaction when adding a percentage fee on top of the advertised price. We all know that that isn't being strictly adhered to.

I have had the same experience with them a number of times. Their service is the best I have seen anywhere.

Just checked a well known US OTA that I have used several times and found to be excellent. The 25 day cruise on the 15th in a balcony starts at $3233. The 28 day cruise on the 1st is sold out for balconies with only oceanview or inside available. The agent which I cannot name is disclosed in the above article linked by Aussieflyer.

If you want to stay awake before dinner, don't do the river cruise as it will likely send you to sleep. Take a walk along the promenade find a nice cafe and take in the ambience. Melbourne is renowned for it's cafe's and great coffee, they all serve food apart for very few that are "hole in the wall" type places. One of the best for food and coffee, not views is The Bond Store at 1 Riverside Quay. It is also a short walk to the Arts Centre and also the National Gallery of Victoria. Even if you are not into art, I highly recommend the Pierre Bonnard exhibition currently showing at the NGV. It is absolutely wonderful and superbly curated. Across St Kilda Road it is not far to the Royal Botanical Gardens, again well worth a visit as one of the worlds finest botanical gardens.

The Sounds are beautiful but you do not get off the ship. If being on land excursions are your thing, go with the Bay of Islands cruise. Come back to NZ another time and spend 2 weeks exploring South Island including boat trips of the sounds where they take you to shore in pristine rain forests and you can do heliflights on the glaciers.

It is courteous to let them know what you are doing but if they say you must pay in full before asking the question, I can't see how they can stop you from disembarking in Melbourne. To do so would be kidnapping. If it was to drive to the next port, get back on board and continue the cruise, they could refuse re embarkation but how could they justify not ending a cruise a day earlier?

I would fly into Sydney, enjoy your time there taking ferry trips and visit the Blue Mountains. I would then fly to Melbourne, do some day trips to Phillip Island, Yarra Valley or even the Great Ocean Road. In Burnie you could do a private tour to Cradle Mountain which will give you more time there vs a large bus load of 50 passengers. We are booked for an upcoming VV trip with Tassie Tours to CM It is AUD $360 for the 2 of us.

Maybe, the phone must be capable of receiving the radio frequencies that our networks use. https://www.whistleout.com.au/MobilePhones/Guides/Will-my-phone-work-in-Australia-carrier-network-frequencies Google your phone model and "radio frequencies"