Question:

Hello. We’re staying at the Grace (CBD) in August. We don’t really want to spend every day having breakfast in the hotel. Any suggestions where to go? Cheers, Simon.

Response:

There are literally dozens of cafes around York Street that serve breakfast for around AUD7-10. About 100 or so yards away is Queen Victoria Building and that too has many cafes serving breakfast and other meals. You’ll have unlimited choices. Enjoy. ps

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello. > We’re staying at the Grace (CBD) in August. We don’t really want to > spend every day having breakfast in the hotel. > Any suggestions where to go? > Cheers, > Simon.

Response:

>There are literally dozens of cafes around York Street that serve breakfast >for around AUD7-10. About 100 or so yards away is Queen Victoria Building >and that too has many cafes serving breakfast and other meals. You’ll have >unlimited choices. >Enjoy. >ps

Thanks Pravin – much appreciated. Simon.

Response:

>> There are literally dozens of cafes around York Street that serve breakfast > for around AUD7-10. About 100 or so yards away is Queen Victoria Building > and that too has many cafes serving breakfast and other meals. You’ll have > unlimited choices. > Enjoy. > ps > Thanks Pravin – much appreciated. > Simon.

There are some great places on the top floor of the QVB which, although not exactly cheap (would hate to think what rent runs in that building – a parking spot, literally, nearby was just listed for AUD$210K) are quite tasty and attractive.  The edifice itself has great ambiance.

Response:

which, although not > exactly cheap (would hate to think what rent runs in that building – a > parking spot, literally, nearby was just listed for AUD$210K) are quite > tasty and attractive.  The edifice itself has great ambiance.

Raffi – When it opened a 3 m. x 3m. space was about a grand a week. In 1987 my wife was working as a waitress in a moderate size coffee lounge on the Castlereagh level of Centrepoint – they were paying about $3 000.00 a week rent – one can only guess what it would be now. (One must also remember that there is also the "advertising charge" and other delightful extras – I looked at a moderate sized travel agency in Westfield Liverpool in 1997 and the total annual outlay to Westfield was about $76 000.00! Thanks, but no thanks.) — Tony Bailey Mercury Travel Books

Response:

| Hello. | | We’re staying at the Grace (CBD) in August. We don’t really want to | spend every day having breakfast in the hotel. | | Any suggestions where to go? | | Cheers, | Simon.

Response:

>Hello. >We’re staying at the Grace (CBD) in August. We don’t really want to >spend every day having breakfast in the hotel. >Any suggestions where to go?

McDonalds do GREAT breakfasts. Dave ===== NSW Rural Fire Service – become a volunteer today. http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

Response:

>>> Hello. >> We’re staying at the Grace (CBD) in August. We don’t really want to >> spend every day having breakfast in the hotel. >> Any suggestions where to go? > McDonalds do GREAT breakfasts. > They do? There is *nothing on this planet* that would get me into a > McDonalds for breakfast. Or any other time, actually.

Craig, maybe you can enlighten me about the Singapore arches – the city state is a tiny encapsulation of four major cultures, three of whom really cook (then there are the poms).  Why in the name of heaven would the Mickey D’s on the quay ever be able to make a living?  The franchisee should be flogged for existing (imagine what they would do if patrons littered the streets with the wrappers like they do everywhere else on the planet)

Response:

> D’s on the quay ever be able to make a living?  The franchisee should be > flogged for existing (imagine what they would do if patrons littered the > streets with the wrappers like they do everywhere else on the planet)

Actually Raffi they do, I once arrived in SIN on a Saturday arvo and woke up on SYD time early on Sunday morning and went for a walk on Orchard Rd. where the litter  from the Saturday night festivities was about knee deep – including lots of take aways from the Golden Chew & Spew. By dawn it had all been cleaned up, leaving the place its usual immaculate self. Give one of the locals a fair chance of evading the fuzz and they are as bad as everyone else. — Tony Bailey Mercury Travel Books

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hello. >We’re staying at the Grace (CBD) in August. We don’t really want to >spend every day having breakfast in the hotel. >Any suggestions where to go? >McDonalds do GREAT breakfasts. >Dave >===== >NSW Rural Fire Service – become a volunteer today. >http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

They’ll be staying in the centre of one of the great cities of the world for variety of food styles and quality of cuisine. Going to Maccas for breakfast in Sydney is a little like staying at a youth hostel when you could stay at a 5* hotel for only a little extra. I didn’t plan where to eat in Sydney; just kept my eyes open as I wandered and selected from the incredible variety available. Step outside the door and walk 200m in any direction and you’ll probably pass six restaurants. Follow your nose – literally. Cheers, Alan —

Response:

>>Hello. >We’re staying at the Grace (CBD) in August. We don’t really want to >spend every day having breakfast in the hotel. >Any suggestions where to go? >You need to go to Cafe Bitter and Twisted, 38 York St. Pretty much >across the road. Run by friends of mine. Tell ‘em Craig sent ya.

Think I’ll take you up on that Craig. Thanks, Simon.

Response:

>They’ll be staying in the centre of one of the great cities of the world >for variety of food styles and quality of cuisine. >Going to Maccas for breakfast in Sydney is a little like staying at a >youth hostel when you could stay at a 5* hotel for only a little extra. >I didn’t plan where to eat in Sydney; just kept my eyes open as I >wandered and selected from the incredible variety available. >Step outside the door and walk 200m in any direction and you’ll probably >pass six restaurants. Follow your nose – literally.

I guess my post was so high it went over EVERYBODY’s heads. Dave ===== NSW Rural Fire Service – become a volunteer today. http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

Response:

>> D’s on the quay ever be able to make a living?  The franchisee should be > flogged for existing (imagine what they would do if patrons littered the > streets with the wrappers like they do everywhere else on the planet) > Actually Raffi they do, > I once arrived in SIN on a Saturday arvo and woke up on SYD time early on > Sunday morning and went for a walk on Orchard Rd. where the litter  from the > Saturday night festivities was about knee deep – including lots of take > aways from the Golden Chew & Spew. By dawn it had all been cleaned up, > leaving the place its usual immaculate self. Give one of the locals a fair > chance of evading the fuzz and they are as bad as everyone else.

Imagine once Nicorette becomes legal in Singapore – they had to change the law on this type of ‘chewing gum’ in the wake of the US Free Trade agreement. OK, now I’m REALLY OT.  What a concept.

Response:

> Craig, maybe you can enlighten me about the Singapore arches – the city > state is a tiny encapsulation of four major cultures, three of whom really > cook (then there are the poms).  Why in the name of heaven would the Mickey > D’s on the quay ever be able to make a living?  The franchisee should be > flogged for existing (imagine what they would do if patrons littered the > streets with the wrappers like they do everywhere else on the planet)

Rather like a sorbet between courses…. something bland that allows you to appreciate the subtleties of the *real* food Other than that, macca’s can be the traveller’s friend…. you know you will be served fast, you know what you will have before you get through the doors, and you know that you probably won’t die from it before you reach your next bivouac. That can be very reassuring when you’re on a long drive. (Having driven the Pacific Highway route from Sydney to Lismore countless times, sightseeing loses its appeal and getting to the destination in the shortest legal time becomes the main objective.) Oh, and the toilets are a bit more up-market than a hole in the ground with a couple of splintery planks across it, if you’re travelling with somebody with somewhat delicate sensibilities Dave Campbell

Response:

>Oh, and the toilets are a bit more up-market than a hole in the ground with >a couple of splintery planks across it, if you’re travelling with somebody >with somewhat delicate sensibilities >Dave Campbell

Must admit we got a surprise in Europe when we had to get the manager to open them and pay 50p for their use. Cheers, Alan —

Response:

>I guess my post was so high it went over EVERYBODY’s heads. >Dave >=====

Too subtle? Cheers, Alan —

Response:

>>Craig, maybe you can enlighten me about the Singapore arches – the >city state is a tiny encapsulation of four major cultures, three of >whom really cook (then there are the poms).  Why in the name of heaven >would the Mickey D’s on the quay ever be able to make a living? > I have no idea Raffi. I can only assume it has some suggestion of > worldly sophistication, like sipping a coffee at Starbucks … to > name another establishment in which you will never find me. Yechh!

Based on observations of my young cousins in Singapore, I’m guessing novelty. — Chris

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Other than that, macca’s can be the traveller’s friend…. you know you will >be served fast, you know what you will have before you get through the >doors, and you know that you probably won’t die from it before you reach >your next bivouac. > Sorry, I find none of those reasons at all compelling. One of the > delights of travel is savouring a great variety of cuisines. >That can be very reassuring when you’re on a long drive. >(Having driven the Pacific Highway route from Sydney to Lismore countless >times, sightseeing loses its appeal and getting to the destination in the >shortest legal time becomes the main objective.) > Indeed. But when one is hungry, there are thousands of little caf

Question:

Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! Thanks, john

Response:

> Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

http://www.gsr.com.au If, as it appears, you are a foreigner, consider a flexpass.  Can work out cheaper than individual tkts.

Response:

Sydney/Adelaide possible via either Melbourne or Broken Hill.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

Response:

> Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks,

individual base-class rail tickets are not much cheaper than air on the inter-capital routes You can travel from syd-melb then melb-adel  in the green inhabited zone or syd-adel via broken hill on Indian pacific if you want to see something more open 20 years ago there were 3 buses a day Adelaide-Broken Hill  , daily through to Sydney Now that route has _no_ scheduled bus services , but there are 3 planes a day and 2 trains a week.

Response:

> http://www.gsr.com.au > If, as it appears, you are a foreigner, consider a flexpass.  Can work out > cheaper than individual tkts.

Or get a YHA card: proof that you are a "backpacker" gets you student fares.  It was $155 from Adelaide to Perth, so should be well under than that for heading East of Adelaide. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

>> http://www.gsr.com.au > If, as it appears, you are a foreigner, consider a flexpass.  Can work out > cheaper than individual tkts. > Or get a YHA card: proof that you are a "backpacker" gets you student > fares.  It was $155 from Adelaide to Perth, so should be well under than > that for heading East of Adelaide.

Two days plus in the seats, plus tucker – would add up to $200 plus, easily, without anesthetic (a/k/a booze)?  Ugh.  I paid something like $550 first class on this exact itin (ADL-PER) for a single berth and including meals. Sure, not cheap, but one of life’s once-only indulgences and well worth it; and, all considered, not too much more expensive.  SYD-MEL and MEL-ADL are overnight trips and doable on a shoestring, if you wish.

Response:

>>Or get a YHA card: proof that you are a "backpacker" gets you student >fares.  It was $155 from Adelaide to Perth, so should be well under than >that for heading East of Adelaide. > Two days plus in the seats, plus tucker – would add up to $200 plus, easily, > without anesthetic (a/k/a booze)?  Ugh.

I cheated: got off in Kalgoorlie and caught the Prospector a few days later so only had one night on the train.  The cheap seats weren’t so bad, although the grumpy guard who made sure everyone was wearing shoes and awake in the lounge car detracted somewhat.

Response:

If you want to avoid flying, maybe a bus then? You’ll be more flexible.. See http://www.greyhound.com.au/ or http://www.mccaffertys.com.au/.. Marcel

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

Response:

>>> Or get a YHA card: proof that you are a "backpacker" gets you student >> fares.  It was $155 from Adelaide to Perth, so should be well under than >> that for heading East of Adelaide. > Two days plus in the seats, plus tucker – would add up to $200 plus, easily, > without anesthetic (a/k/a booze)?  Ugh. > I cheated: got off in Kalgoorlie and caught the Prospector

If you stopped for an overnight in Kalgoorlie, you’re lucky the Prospector was the only thing you caught!  If the springs are rockin’….it may not just be because of the train…

Response:

> If you stopped for an overnight in Kalgoorlie, you’re lucky the Prospector > was the only thing you caught!  If the springs are rockin’….it may not > just be because of the train…

Hehe: I was intrigued by the location of the two backpackers in town – they are both in Hay Street, opposite Langtrees and the pink and red "houses".  The YHA has in fact taken over a former brothel for longtermers.

Response:

>> If you stopped for an overnight in Kalgoorlie, you’re lucky the Prospector > was the only thing you caught!  If the springs are rockin’….it may not > just be because of the train… > Hehe: I was intrigued by the location of the two backpackers in town – > they are both in Hay Street, opposite Langtrees and the pink and red > "houses".  The YHA has in fact taken over a former brothel for longtermers.

The Gold Dust (think I have that name right) is actually a former no-tell-motel.  The first hostel operators were wonderful, the ones who were in charge in 2001 were godawful (may be the same crowd…)

Response:

> Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying!

is that because ou dont like flying ? or think that there are cheaper ways to travel ?? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks, > john

Response:

Train journeys are fantastic in Australia – you really get an appreciation of how big the country really is. The train is expensive though – usually more than a flight. But if you’ve got the time and the money, definitely do it. Also is cheaper if you’re a student or under 26. Go to  http://www.gsr.com.au for info. I’ve done Adelaide to Sydney (my friend’s dad works on the train and my mate and I got bumped up to FIRST CLASS – what an amazing experience) and Adelaide to Perth. That one took 3 days and 2 nights but was well worth it. Economy is a bit uncomfortable on that one as it is so long. I’d go for holiday class where you get a little cabin and fold out bunkbeds.

Response:

you can do them syd-adl on the …train… thingo pacific which runs syd-perth via adelaide. from friendly experience i’ve noticed that usually train tickets cost just as much as plane tickets (and take 10 times longer) dunno about adelaide to melbourne. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

Response:

i thought i pressed send, haven’t seen my reply though. so here goes again. you can do sydney to adelaide via train. the <something> pacific. it’s a train that runs sydney-perth and stops at adelaide. however, from epxeriences by friends, it’s very long and just as (if not more) expensive than a plane ticket/trip. dunno about adelaide to melbourne. -s- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

Response:

I  ahve hears from friends that it is to – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > i thought i pressed send, haven’t seen my reply though. so here goes again. > you can do sydney to adelaide via train. the <something> pacific. it’s a > train that runs sydney-perth and stops at adelaide. > however, from epxeriences by friends, it’s very long and just as (if not > more) expensive than a plane ticket/trip. > dunno about adelaide to melbourne. > -s- > Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

Response:

Question:

I’ve just arrived at Hervey bay and will be here for a couple of days before I move on. Doesn’t seem like a very interesting place really, other than a starting point for going to Fraser island. Staying at Urangan I haven’t even seen a beach, so I think I’ll move on shortly. But with limited guidebooks and access to information I don’t really know where that would be. I would like to do some more surfing and swimming before I just can’t (I hear there are lots of box jellyfish north of Rockhampton, making it impossible to be in the water without special suits), so what would be a nice stop along the coast on my way up towards Rockhampton (and for that matter, when I continue further up towards Cairns). I’ve been thinking about "1770", if nothing more than curiousity for such a strangely named place, though I really don’t know much more about it than Captain Cook’s first landing place in Queensland. Suggestions anyone? I have a hop on/hop off ticket from McCafferty’s buses,so it’s basically got to be along that route. Hallvard

Response:

From Urangan back to Pialba is one long beach, but not for surfing! Yeppoon (40km from Rockhampton) is worth a visit – you should be able to hitch easily. Airlie Beach (on the bus route) is also a nice holiday resort and launch point for the Whitsunday islands. Mission Beach (on the bus route) is a nice unspoiled beach. I will leave it to others to comment on whether it is worth making the trek from Miriam Vale to 1770 (60 km).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve just arrived at Hervey bay and will be here for a couple of days > before I move on. Doesn’t seem like a very interesting place really, > other than a starting point for going to Fraser island. Staying at > Urangan I haven’t even seen a beach, so I think I’ll move on shortly. > But with limited guidebooks and access to information I don’t really > know where that would be. I would like to do some more surfing and > swimming before I just can’t (I hear there are lots of box jellyfish > north of Rockhampton, making it impossible to be in the water without > special suits), so what would be a nice stop along the coast on my way > up towards Rockhampton (and for that matter, when I continue further > up towards Cairns). > I’ve been thinking about "1770", if nothing more than curiousity for > such a strangely named place, though I really don’t know much more > about it than Captain Cook’s first landing place in Queensland. > Suggestions anyone? > I have a hop on/hop off ticket from McCafferty’s buses,so it’s > basically got to be along that route. > Hallvard

Response:

Agnes Water seems to be more popular for surfing than 1770.  I wasn’t impressed with 1770 at all but there was quite a crowd surfing at Agnes Water. You won’t get any surfing once you get inside the reef.  1770 is as far north as you will be able to surf. Airlie Beach has lots of backpackers and the Whitsundays are beautiful.  It just depends on what you are looking for. You say there is not much to do in Hervey Bay.  What is it that you want to do?  Are you looking for night clubs etc. Airlie Beach stays open very late at night. I love South Mission Beach but that is all that is there.  A beautiful beach, a caravan park, a General Store and a restaurant.  Very quiet but if there is nothing at Hervey Bay for you then there certainly isn’t anything at South Mission Beach.  Mission Beach has a few more shops and a couple of restaurants. Julie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> From Urangan back to Pialba is one long beach, but not for surfing! > Yeppoon (40km from Rockhampton) is worth a visit – you should be able > to hitch easily. > Airlie Beach (on the bus route) is also a nice holiday resort and > launch point for the Whitsunday islands. > Mission Beach (on the bus route) is a nice unspoiled beach. > I will leave it to others to comment on whether it is worth making the > trek from Miriam Vale to 1770 (60 km). > I’ve just arrived at Hervey bay and will be here for a couple of > days > before I move on. Doesn’t seem like a very interesting place really, > other than a starting point for going to Fraser island. Staying at > Urangan I haven’t even seen a beach, so I think I’ll move on > shortly. > But with limited guidebooks and access to information I don’t really > know where that would be. I would like to do some more surfing and > swimming before I just can’t (I hear there are lots of box jellyfish > north of Rockhampton, making it impossible to be in the water > without > special suits), so what would be a nice stop along the coast on my > way > up towards Rockhampton (and for that matter, when I continue further > up towards Cairns). > I’ve been thinking about "1770", if nothing more than curiousity for > such a strangely named place, though I really don’t know much more > about it than Captain Cook’s first landing place in Queensland. > Suggestions anyone? > I have a hop on/hop off ticket from McCafferty’s buses,so it’s > basically got to be along that route. > Hallvard

Response:

> Agnes Water seems to be more popular for surfing than 1770.  I wasn’t > impressed with 1770 at all but there was quite a crowd surfing at Agnes > Water.

yes, I’ve been thinking about 1770 myself as there doesn’t seem to be too many options when taking the McCafferty’s bus route as I am. I see on the map that Agnes water is further south, and apparently pretty close, but how close? Walking distance? Too far to take daytrips between the two so I have to find a way to get there from 1770 (and back, so I can continue my busride with McCafferty’s) and stay at a hostel there (assuming there are any)? > You won’t get any surfing once you get inside the reef.  1770 is as far > north as you will be able to surf.

Where does the great barrier reef start? I also hear that there are dangerous jellyfish above Rockhampton, so that probably leaves out any "in the water" activity altogether Which is why I want to surf and swim as much as I can for now. > Airlie Beach has lots of backpackers and the Whitsundays are beautiful.  It > just depends on what you are looking for.

Everybody seems to go to the Whitsundays and it seems like a very touristy thing to do which sort of puts me off. That and the cost of tours which I’m not prepared to spend. But of course I’d love to see crystal clear waters and white beaches (I already have, but even more wouldn’t hurt!). > You say there is not much to do in Hervey Bay.  What is it that you want to > do?  Are you looking for night clubs etc. Airlie Beach stays open very late > at night.

no, far from it. See things and places. Explore. this town just seems like a huge residential area with shopping malls spread out over, and you most certainly seem to need a car as well to get around. not much to see and do, even though I did take a walk along the "beach" here, enjoyed the sunset and amazing thunderstorm (we don’t get lightning likr this at home). > I love South Mission Beach but that is all that is there.  A beautiful > beach, a caravan park, a General Store and a restaurant.  Very quiet but if > there is nothing at Hervey Bay for you then there certainly isn’t anything > at South Mission Beach.  Mission Beach has a few more shops and a couple of > restaurants.

a beautiful beach will do it for me! But if i can’t go into the water (because of the jellyfish) it’s not much fun. … or is this jellyfish deal exaggerated? Hallvard

Response:

> a beautiful beach will do it for me! But if i can’t go into the water > (because of the jellyfish) it’s not much fun. > … or is this jellyfish deal exaggerated? > Hallvard

No the jelly fish thing is not exaggerated, probably the last time for a swim will be at Yeppoon nr. Rockhampton. You will see loads of lovely sunny beaches like Mission beach and most people will be up one end where the swimming enclosure nets are. However even after they "trawl" these nets the smaller Irukandji can get through. A lot of the beaches round Cairns were closed for a few days at Christmas because of stings.The life guards were pretty pissed off as some people had been stung but not reported it until they felt really ill some hours later, but by then other people had also been stung. It’s the box jelly you have to be really careful of though, as they’d had been at least one confirmed death last year due to a sting.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Agnes Water seems to be more popular for surfing than 1770.  I wasn’t > impressed with 1770 at all but there was quite a crowd surfing at Agnes > Water. > yes, I’ve been thinking about 1770 myself as there doesn’t seem to be > too many options when taking the McCafferty’s bus route as I am. > I see on the map that Agnes water is further south, and apparently > pretty close, but how close? Walking distance? > Too far to take daytrips between the two so I have to find a way to > get there from 1770 (and back, so I can continue my busride with > McCafferty’s) and stay at a hostel there (assuming there are any)? > You won’t get any surfing once you get inside the reef.  1770 is as far > north as you will be able to surf. > Where does the great barrier reef start? > I also hear that there are dangerous jellyfish above Rockhampton, so > that probably leaves out any "in the water" activity altogether > Which is why I want to surf and swim as much as I can for now. > Airlie Beach has lots of backpackers and the Whitsundays are beautiful. It > just depends on what you are looking for. > Everybody seems to go to the Whitsundays and it seems like a very > touristy thing to do which sort of puts me off. That and the cost of > tours which I’m not prepared to spend. > But of course I’d love to see crystal clear waters and white beaches > (I already have, but even more wouldn’t hurt!). > You say there is not much to do in Hervey Bay.  What is it that you want to > do?  Are you looking for night clubs etc. Airlie Beach stays open very late > at night. > no, far from it. > See things and places. Explore. > this town just seems like a huge residential area with shopping malls > spread out over, and you most certainly seem to need a car as well to > get around. > not much to see and do, even though I did take a walk along the > "beach" here, enjoyed the sunset and amazing thunderstorm (we don’t > get lightning likr this at home). > I love South Mission Beach but that is all that is there.  A beautiful > beach, a caravan park, a General Store and a restaurant.  Very quiet but if > there is nothing at Hervey Bay for you then there certainly isn’t anything > at South Mission Beach.  Mission Beach has a few more shops and a couple of > restaurants. > a beautiful beach will do it for me! But if i can’t go into the water > (because of the jellyfish) it’s not much fun. > … or is this jellyfish deal exaggerated? > Hallvard

The distance between Agnes Water and 1770 is 5.87 km according to www.travelmate.com.au Julie

Response:

> The distance between Agnes Water and 1770 is 5.87 km according to > www.travelmate.com.au

Thanks. I’m actually there right now -in Agnes Water to be exact. Arrived late last night (we had to turn the bus around because of a flooding of a bridge, making the trip 3 hours longer). A nice, relaxing place here! The town of 1770 is around 6 km north of Agnes Water as you say, just been there today and saw where captain cook landed in 1770. Been relaxing at a nice beach. Not touristy, only a few local travellers at a caravan park fishing. Saw some pelicans. I think I’ll be here a little while. I’ve also been presented the opportunity to see the south starting end of the Great Barrier Reef. As you probably know by now (reading my previous postings) I’m not much into organized tours, but then again it seems to be the only way to see the reef. And they say that Cairns (where most people apparently go from to see it) is VERY touristy with up to 300 people on a boat at once! And because of the mass tourism there’s also been a lot of damage to the reef. In addition there’s the stinger jellyfish problem where you can’t swim without a protective suit, which isn’t needed here. So….. it seems like this might be the place to go from to see it. Hallvard

Response:

Question:

Previously I have stayed in Traveller’s Oasis, but wondered where else to try. My criteria: A hostel, not a hotel. A double room that has some semblence of privacy (before now we’ve had our own room but the next room is separated only by a partition that doesn’t go all the way up, meaning you can hear everything the people next door are saying when you’d much rather be sleeping!) A fan would be good, air con better (but unlikely) A pool with a shady spot Any suggestions that we could take a look at? Thanks folks

Response:

I’ve heard some real good stories about Gilligans. It’s supposed to be brand new! vincent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Previously I have stayed in Traveller’s Oasis, but wondered where else > to try. My criteria: > A hostel, not a hotel. > A double room that has some semblence of privacy (before now we’ve had > our own room but the next room is separated only by a partition that > doesn’t go all the way up, meaning you can hear everything the people > next door are saying when you’d much rather be sleeping!) > A fan would be good, air con better (but unlikely) > A pool with a shady spot > Any suggestions that we could take a look at? > Thanks folks

Response:

Question:

I’m researching a trip to see the crab migration on Christmas Island. Was wondering if anyone has some more detailed info beyond what’s on the Christmas Island website (http://www.christmas.net.au/introduction.html). More specifically: – Dates for this year’s migration – Cheap hostel or hostel-like accommodations – Airfare cost from Jakarta – How is the migration in light of crazy ants (is it still worth seeing?) Thanks for all info, SM

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> I’m researching a trip to see the crab migration on Christmas Island. > Was wondering if anyone has some more detailed info beyond what’s on > the Christmas Island website > (http://www.christmas.net.au/introduction.html).

Followed your link and clicked on the National Park and Wildlife link and found this: "At the beginning of the wet season (usually October / November), most adult Red Crabs suddenly begin a spectacular migration from the forest to the coast, to breed and release eggs into the sea."

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Question:

My husband and I are planning a Fiji holiday in July.  Has  anyone stayed at the Club Fiji near Nadi on the 5 day adventure package and if so wha’t it like. Also we plan to stay at the Suva Motor Lodge – again anyone been here – is it OK. Thanks Joy.

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> My husband and I are planning a Fiji holiday in July.  Has  anyone stayed at > the Club Fiji near Nadi on the 5 day adventure package and if so wha’t it > like. > Also we plan to stay at the Suva Motor Lodge – again anyone been here – is > it OK. > Thanks Joy.

Our travel agent said this place was a bit cheap and nasty when we were looking for a holiday there. We ended up booking 7 nights on Plantation Island for about $1250 (Club Fiji was $799 for 5 nights I think?). We went to Treasure Island ij ‘96 and loved it. The beaches are not up to much on the mainland whereas the beaches on the islands are great with plenty of fish and coral to look at. I think the rule of you get what you pay for applies in Fiji. D.

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It’s been a while but I was in Fiji in 1986 and stayed at the Regent of Fiji. It was wonderful but a bit on the pricey side. Good beach, pool, tennis etc.  and the food was WONDERFUL.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My husband and I are planning a Fiji holiday in July.  Has  anyone stayed at > the Club Fiji near Nadi on the 5 day adventure package and if so wha’t it > like. > Also we plan to stay at the Suva Motor Lodge – again anyone been here – is > it OK. > Thanks Joy. >Our travel agent said this place was a bit cheap and nasty when we were >looking for a holiday there. We ended up booking 7 nights on Plantation >Island for about $1250 (Club Fiji was $799 for 5 nights I think?). >We went to Treasure Island ij ‘96 and loved it. The beaches are not up to much >on the mainland whereas the beaches on the islands are great with plenty of >fish and coral to look at. >I think the rule of you get what you pay for applies in Fiji. >D.

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> I think the rule of you get what you pay for applies in Fiji.

Not necessarily.  We went over a few years ago with no reservations (or plans).  We picked up a brochure for something called "Dive Trek Waya" at our (mediocre) Nadi hotel (though it was on the beach).  It turns out that "Dive Trek Waya" was on a little island about one and a half hours out called, what else?, Waya. We were the only tourists on the island and while the accommodations were a bit rough, the word "unspoiled" is perfect for the setting.  The beaches, snorkeling , hiking and hospitality were fabulous and it was practically free. While I don’t know if you’d be able to find Jack and the rest of his village on Waya, these kind of things do exist in Fiji. Also, on Taveuni, "The Garden island of Fiji," we got a great deal on a room (and had a a great time) in a beautiful inn/restaurant with its own beach.  It had one bungalow and one room.  There are a number of places like that on Taveuni. If you are uncomfortable leaving things to chance, you can always leave yourself a little time on the end of wherever you decide to stay and explore one or two other islands.  If your experience is anything like ours, you won’t be disappointed. Shemmy

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> > My husband and I are planning a Fiji holiday in July.  Has  anyone stayed at > the Club Fiji near Nadi on the 5 day adventure package and if so wha’t it > like. > Also we plan to stay at the Suva Motor Lodge – again anyone been here – is > it OK. > Thanks Joy.

I stayed at club Fiji as a backpacker last year. I was OK price wise, but the pool is quite small and you’ll need to get a taxi into town from there. From what I’ve heard it’s one of the better budget places in Nadi. I would advise that you don’t stay in Nadi – except for shopping – and head for an island such as Beachcomber. I spent a great week there, and it’s not too far from the mainland. If you do need to stay a night on the mainland then Lautoka is better value. I stayed a night at the Cathay Hotel. The staff there were great, the rooms were large and the swimming pool was almost olympic size. Hope this helps. Gareth

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Alright, so this is a Oz/NZ newsgroup but it’s probably the nearest geographically … We’re getting in to Fiji in December and want some advice about places to stay there. What we want? Nothing fancy – a double bed/room in a hostel, but not a shared dorm. Where do we want it? Well, we arrive in Nadi (where else) and want a night (or two) there – is Nadi somewhere that you’d want to stay a couple of days in? Coral Coast is the next spot we want to go to – the Beachhouse has been recommended, but there are surely others that must come highly recommended. One final question We are only in Fiji for 2 weeks, and really need to know whether we: A) Book accommodation for the entire two week stay now or B) Book just the first 6-7 days and leave the rest free (so we can make our minds up where to go then) Obviously the latter would be good – but if Fiji gets massively busy at Xmas we might find ourselves short of somewhere to stay? Better to be sensible now and book? Your help appreciated!

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>Alright, so this is a Oz/NZ newsgroup but it’s probably the nearest >geographically … >We’re getting in to Fiji in December and want some advice about places to >stay there. >What we want? >Nothing fancy – a double bed/room in a hostel, but not a shared dorm. >Where do we want it? >Well, we arrive in Nadi (where else) and want a night (or two) there – is >Nadi somewhere that you’d want to stay a couple of days in?

A year ago I stayed at ‘west motor’s inn’ on queens road, which is clean, quiet and for reasonble prices (about

Question:

Hello, Thanks to all the previous reponses, we have now changed out itinerary to drive from Sydney to Port Douglas and fly back to Sydney. Still looking for any suggestions on: 1.  Where to stay that is relatively cheap along the way — as long as it’s not a shared dorm/hostel room.  We don’t need five star, but something half decent that is not >$100/night 2.  Any must see places, things to do along the way, from people that have done the drive before. 3.  Any other tidbits of info to pass along thanks again! J & K Canada

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Hi if you find the time  i recomend the "Paronell park" near Inisfail in QLD we had a night walk in the park ( with guide) it is scaring the sounds off the rainforest at night. but it was nice( hope the guide is still there) they have cabins, and a website look for it by searching by the name. greetings from Belgium — Swagmanneke( walter caremans) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, > Thanks to all the previous reponses, we have now changed out itinerary > to drive from Sydney to Port Douglas and fly back to Sydney. > Still looking for any suggestions on: > 1.  Where to stay that is relatively cheap along the way — as long as > it’s not a shared dorm/hostel room.  We don’t need five star, but > something half decent that is not >$100/night > 2.  Any must see places, things to do along the way, from people that > have done the drive before. > 3.  Any other tidbits of info to pass along > thanks again! > J & K > Canada

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> 1.  Where to stay that is relatively cheap along the way — as long as > it’s not a shared dorm/hostel room.  We don’t need five star, but > something half decent that is not >$100/night > 2.  Any must see places, things to do along the way, from people that > have done the drive before. > 3.  Any other tidbits of info to pass along

Port Stephens is lovely and I highly recommend you spending day or two there, can’t really help with accom, we stayed a the motor inn I think, but felt ripped off when we left(they couldn’t be bothered telling us that Saturday night was $30 more than Friday I previously recommended Nambucca Heads, top floor at Blue Dolphin motel (great view and pool for around $60). Drive to Stuart’s Point for an amazing beach  although Nambucca’s beach is lovely too. Head inland to Bellingen area. QLD, sigh… don’t now where to start. Sunshine Coast is nice(Mooloolaba is one of my favorites). Don’t forget to do a few island trips (Fraser, Keppel, Whitsundays etc….) Spend a day in the Atherton hinterlands. In most areas you can EASILY get motel accom. for $60-70. Just stay far away from Flag or Best Western, pick up the Budget motel guide(or check them on the website). Almost every room will have electric kettle for coffee/tea and a small fridge. In heavy tourist areas motels have signs out, so look for price and whichever facility is important to you(pool, cable, A/C etc.) Might also be good deals on selfcontined apartments in certain areas – depending on when you go, and how many days you’ll stay… Anette

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 QLD, sigh… don’t now where to start. Sunshine Coast is nice(Mooloolaba is > one of my favorites). > Don’t forget to do a few island trips (Fraser, Keppel, Whitsundays etc….) > Spend a day in the Atherton hinterlands.

Oh, that’s supposed to read : Atherton Tablelands Anette

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> 1.  Where to stay that is relatively cheap along the way — as long as > it’s not a shared dorm/hostel room.  We don’t need five star, but > something half decent that is not >$100/night > 2.  Any must see places, things to do along the way, from people that > have done the drive before. > 3.  Any other tidbits of info to pass along >Port Stephens is lovely and I highly recommend you spending day or two >there, can’t really help with accom, we stayed a the motor inn I think, but >felt ripped off when we left(they couldn’t be bothered telling us that >Saturday night was $30 more than Friday >I previously recommended Nambucca Heads, top floor at Blue Dolphin motel >(great view and pool for around $60). Drive to Stuart’s Point for an amazing >beach  although Nambucca’s beach is lovely too. Head inland to Bellingen >area. >QLD, sigh… don’t now where to start. Sunshine Coast is nice(Mooloolaba is >one of my favorites). >Don’t forget to do a few island trips (Fraser, Keppel, Whitsundays etc….) >Spend a day in the Atherton hinterlands. >In most areas you can EASILY get motel accom. for $60-70. Just stay far away >from Flag or Best Western, pick up the Budget motel guide(or check them on >the website). Almost every room will have electric kettle for coffee/tea and >a small fridge. >In heavy tourist areas motels have signs out, so look for price and >whichever facility is important to you(pool, cable, A/C etc.) Might also be >good deals on selfcontined apartments in certain areas – depending on when >you go, and how many days you’ll stay… >Anette

Agree with the earlier advice. Additionally, check out Cania Gorge – you can stay cheap in a transportable (cabin in a trailer park) and you have to be careful not to tread on a wallaby or a roo when you step out the door. It’s near Monto, south of Rocky, inland from Bundaberg.  See http://www.caniagorge.com.au/facilities.html. No – I don’t get a kick-back, I haven’t stayed there since ‘97 but never forgot it. Hope it’s still the same. Also, get hold of the both the AAA accommodation and tourist park guides from a Sydney NRMA office – well worth the small investment if you are driving. Cheers – Alan

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>Thanks to all the previous reponses, we have now changed out itinerary >to drive from Sydney to Port Douglas and fly back to Sydney. >Still looking for any suggestions on: >1.  Where to stay that is relatively cheap along the way — as long as >it’s not a shared dorm/hostel room.  We don’t need five star, but >something half decent that is not >$100/night >2.  Any must see places, things to do along the way, from people that >have done the drive before. >3.  Any other tidbits of info to pass along

Hi James…The recommendation for Cania Gorge is a good one…we spent a night there a few years ago. Nothing flash, but plenty of wildlife and off the beaten track a bit. Which speaks to the point that getting off the main Pacific and Bruce Hwys and exploring inland will open up a lot of possibilities. The Blue Mts (near Sydney), the Hunter Valley, Girraween NP, Bald Rock, Barrington Tops, Lamington NP (near the Gold Coast), Carnarvon Gorge, Eungella NP (near Mackay), Wallaman Falls (Australia’s highest), Undarra, Chilagoe Caves and the Atherton Tablelands (near Cairns) are some of my favorite "inland destinations", not more than a day’s drive from the coast, max. That’s not to say there aren’t some fantastic places along the coast to see, but as you head north you may want a bit of variety.  People may argue, but I’d say the beaches of NSW and southern Queensland are preferable to those further north where the surf peters out due to the reef offshore. Byron Bay ranks up there as one of my favorite places on the east coast, outside of the various islands off the coast of Queensland. Ralph R in CT, USA

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James, If you happen to think of the Mission Beach area, I’d highly recommend Sanctuary (www.sanctuary.com.au) , an eco-lodge in Bingil Bay, just outside of town.  It’s reasonable, and just gorgeous.  Accomodations are screen-sided huts in the forest, open to all the day and night noises.  There’s a main lodge house, containing all the showers, cooking facilities (if you want to cook yourself), an excellent restaurant with new menu daily, bar, game/reading area, and a beautiful deck overlooking the forest and Coral Sea. We were there last month and it was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable parts of our trip to Oz.  There’s a nearly deserted beach close by(just 3 other people when we were there….), cassowaries in the jungle (one walked right under our hut!), and lots of neat stuff. Just arriving is an adventure – you are picked up in town or in the parking lot by staff in a 4×4 Landcruiser.  When they lock the vehicle’s hubs you know you’re in for a steep drive, and it is!  Just incredible. Have fun! Jim USA

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Question:

Hi all, From Vancouver, Canada I’ll arrive in Sydney on Dec. 15/03 at 11:55 am and will leave for Melbourne the next day.  I know it not much time but that’s all I have.  Anybody has any suggestions such as resonable hotel/motel, attractions, historical places, etc..   Another thing is from Canada what will be a good gift for friends, men and women? Thanks, HQ

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You won’t have much time in Sydney, so get a hotel in the centre of the city and just walk around, be sure to see the Rocks area and the Sydney Opera House. There are several bus companies that do continuous circuts of the city if you don’t feel like walking. >Another thing is from Canada what will be a good gift for friends, men >and women?

Bring Maple Syrup, allways appreicated, and easy to bring some of the smaller bottles that have Canda stamped all over them. Tom

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> Bring Maple Syrup, allways appreicated, and easy to bring some of the > smaller bottles that have Canda stamped all over them.

I thought of suggesting that – AQIS gave it the hairy eyeball when I sent some to friends, although they did ultimately let it through.  It’s more an Ontario and east thing, though, and the OP is flying ex-YVR

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >You won’t have much time in Sydney, so get a hotel in the centre of >the city and just walk around, be sure to see the Rocks area and the >Sydney Opera House. There are several bus companies that do continuous >circuts of the city if you don’t feel like walking. >Another thing is from Canada what will be a good gift for friends, men >and women? >Bring Maple Syrup, allways appreicated, and easy to bring some of the >smaller bottles that have Canda stamped all over them. >Tom

Also go to circular quay and take a return trip to Manly on the Ferry – cheap and spectacular views of the Harbour, Opera House and Bridge. Cheers – Alan

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> Hi all, > From Vancouver, Canada I’ll arrive in Sydney on Dec. 15/03 at 11:55 am > and will leave for Melbourne the next day.  I know it not much time > but that’s all I have.  Anybody has any suggestions such as resonable > hotel/motel, attractions, historical places, etc.. > Another thing is from Canada what will be a good gift for friends, men > and women? > Thanks, > HQ

Do a ferry trip at night – or rather travel out of Circular Quay before dusk & return on the last ferry, just after sunset (before they change to the faster but boring, jetcats).  It is a lot cheaper than a dinner cruise & just as nice to have dinner at Manly. With the gifts, it is the thought that counts – a calendar or diary of scenic views; telephone memo pad with moose or bear picture; shotglass for younger people who drink.  My last Ca visitors gave me a bottle of Niagara Ice Wine – I am saving it for a very special occasion – hope it doesn’t disappoint me!! Vicki

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My mate and I had just 7 hours in Sydney earlier this year, and we took the boat down to Manly, and walked along the foreshore – well worth it – excellent views of the harbour. — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

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Thanks for all the tips.  Any suggestions about hotel for the night, close to Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay?  Just a regular one, I don’t need a fancy hotel. Is AMEX, Visa, Master Card ok to pay overthere? hq

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Yes, all major credit cards are accpted in Australia.  I doubt you will find nothing but higher end hotels close to the Quay. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for all the tips.  Any suggestions about hotel for the night, > close to Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay?  Just a regular one, I > don’t need a fancy hotel. > Is AMEX, Visa, Master Card ok to pay overthere? > hq

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what is the best way to tranfer from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to hotel? Taxi? bus? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Thanks, >HQ

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> what is the best way to tranfer from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to > hotel? Taxi? bus? > Thanks, > HQ

Subway, or the green-and-white busses.

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| | > what is the best way to tranfer from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to | > hotel? Taxi? bus? | >> | >> Thanks, | >> HQ | > | | Subway, or the green-and-white busses. government service …….it is no more. There are hotel shuttles however that are popular. (You don’t necessary have to stay at that hotel.)

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Some places won’t take AMEX, but Visa is accepted "everywhere" Anette – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks for all the tips.  Any suggestions about hotel for the night, > close to Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay?  Just a regular one, I > don’t need a fancy hotel. > Is AMEX, Visa, Master Card ok to pay overthere? > hq

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > | > | > what is the best way to tranfer from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to > | > hotel? Taxi? bus? > | >> > | >> Thanks, > | >> HQ > | > > | > | Subway, or the green-and-white busses. > government service …….it is no more. There are hotel shuttles however > that are popular. (You don’t necessary have to stay at that hotel.)

Ah yes, humbly corrected on the busses.  The subway isn’t so bad – bit of a bastard of a layout (go upstairs and downstairs more times than necessary, which is a bit of a yomp with baggage) but a fraction of the price of a cab (without the diversions and traffic and airport-to-downtown-by-way-of-Adelaide rorts).

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Oh, just go ahead and take one of the many "shuttles" that cost around $10. They are right out front of the baggage claim area.  You can’t miss them, the drivers will chase you down.  They take you right to the front door of where ever you are staying.  My best laid plan involved taking the green and white Sydney bus but I couldn’t find the right bus stop anywhere.  I even had the route number with me and just couldn’t get any help.  Ended up paying for the shuttle.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> what is the best way to tranfer from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to > hotel? Taxi? bus? >Thanks, >HQ

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> Hi all, > From Vancouver, Canada I’ll arrive in Sydney on Dec. 15/03 at 11:55 am > and will leave for Melbourne the next day.  I know it not much time > but that’s all I have.  Anybody has any suggestions such as resonable > hotel/motel, attractions, historical places, etc..   > Another thing is from Canada what will be a good gift for friends, men > and women? > Thanks, > HQ

Try to get a Bed in the Wake up Hostel near the Central Station. It’s central and you can walk around and see many intresting things. Greetz Sam

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Question:

Hi All, Our recent trip to Namibia has finally been uploaded onto the web site below. It covered Etosha and Caprivi. Hope visitors find it interesting. Cheers — Sue & Jeri Drake UK Shark Tagging Programme http://www.ukshark.co.uk

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> Hi All, > Our recent trip to Namibia has finally been uploaded onto the web site > below. It covered Etosha and Caprivi. Hope visitors find it interesting.

Hi – I tried your Etosha page the day you posted, but it was taking too long for the pix to ‘come down’, so I tried again today when telephone access is cheaper…. About eight minutes after I’d clicked on your link, my  (non-’standard’) browser told me that 36 images were waiting, 6 were fetching and 41 were ‘fetched’ – however, none of the pictures showed, and strangely neither did the usual ‘empty boxes’ where the picures will come. I’m on dial-up, so I don’t expect lighting-fast access, but usually the first pix load up fairly quickly and I can look at these while the others load….Now ten mins since I clicked the link and still no images showing. Have you set your page so that no pix show until they’re all downloaded? …a minute later, while I was still writing this, my browser crashed. Liz — Virtual Liz at http://www.v-liz.co.uk Kenya; Tanzania; India; Seychelles Coming RSN: Namibia

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Hi Liz, The settings are as for the rest of the site, with no restriction on all pics being downloaded before being displayed. The pics are set to download and be displayed in near sequential order, as portrayed in the text. Unfortunately there are 80 images to go with that particular page, and so will probably take a little while on ordinary ‘dial-up’. Most of the pictures are in small format, and only between 20-30kb each. There are no ‘trick’ codings used in the formatting of that page, so it might just be a matter of time, or something else. Reluctant to suggest anything else, though we use MS Internet Explorer for our browsing, and have few problems. Shout if you as still having trouble, and we will check the page out from a remote station tomorrow. Regards — Sue & Jeri Drake UK Shark Tagging Programme http://www.ukshark.co.uk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi All, > Our recent trip to Namibia has finally been uploaded onto the web site > below. It covered Etosha and Caprivi. Hope visitors find it interesting. > Hi – > I tried your Etosha page the day you posted, but it was taking too long for > the pix to ‘come down’, so I tried again today when telephone access is > cheaper…. > About eight minutes after I’d clicked on your link, my  (non-’standard’) > browser told me that 36 images were waiting, 6 were fetching and 41 were > ‘fetched’ – however, none of the pictures showed, and strangely neither did > the usual ‘empty boxes’ where the picures will come. I’m on dial-up, so I > don’t expect lighting-fast access, but usually the first pix load up fairly > quickly and I can look at these while the others load….Now ten mins since > I clicked the link and still no images showing. Have you set your page so > that no pix show until they’re all downloaded? > …a minute later, while I was still writing this, my browser crashed. > > Liz > — > Virtual Liz at http://www.v-liz.co.uk > Kenya; Tanzania; India; Seychelles > Coming RSN: Namibia

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I am hoping to visit the Nelson Mandela museum in Umtata; does anyone have views about whether it’s worthwhile to do that, pro or con? And any recommendations where to stay? Figuring I like funky-with-character, as opposed to upmarket, but probably have a few too many years to go the hostel-route. Many thanks, Joe Luttrell

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Question:

Hi. Just booked for 20 days hols to Cape town, arriving this Saturday. Although we are mid 30’s we like the atmosphere of Hostels. Going to do some tours etc. Our guide book recommends the Backpacker- but this looks a little expensive. We need safe, clean double room. Also looked at the train coaches-which look superb, but on our map they look out of town.? any help/advice much appreciated. Thanks — Regards, Stu Devereux. Fax no. 08701339568 (Outside UK fax 448701339568)

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My daughter stayed at hostels almost all the time on her trip to South Africa last year.  She booked the "Baz bus" from Port Elizabeth to Capetown. This bus picks you up at one hostel then drops you off an another.  I believe you are completely open as to the hostels you visit and the timing. The only hostel she booked in advance was a couple of nights at Jeffreys Bay where she wanted to stay at a particularly popular hostel and take surfing lessons.  After that she talked to people she met at the hostels and only booked one or two days in advance as she went along. She had a wonderful time, met a lot of people from all over the world and did a lot of interesting things from horseback riding on sand dunes to kayaking with crocodiles. Scott Elliot http://www3.telus.net/selliot/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi. Just booked for 20 days hols to Cape town, arriving this Saturday. > Although we are mid 30’s we like the atmosphere of Hostels. Going to do some > tours etc. Our guide book recommends the Backpacker- but this looks a little > expensive. We need safe, clean double room. Also looked at the train > coaches-which look superb, but on our map they look out of town.? any > help/advice much appreciated. > Thanks > — > Regards, > Stu Devereux. > Fax no. 08701339568 > (Outside UK fax 448701339568)

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>My daughter stayed at hostels almost all the time on her trip to South >Africa last year.  She booked the "Baz bus" from Port Elizabeth to Capetown.

The Baz Bus is extremely expensive, for 2 people that trip is almost certainly more expensive than hiring cars for journeys and definately more than picking up lifts, it’s generally pretty easy to pick up lifts at hostels since the garden route is a popular short term holiday route with lots of people there for a couple of weeks with a hire car the whole time (I even managed to pick up a lift in a private plane from Plett to Cape Town) >This bus picks you up at one hostel then drops you off an another.  I >believe you are completely open as to the hostels you visit and the timing.

No, not the timing, the Baz Bus is also very limiting on when you can travel, I think between CPT-PLZ there is at least one every day, but only 1 and it will pick you up in a period sometime over 4 hours, so you’re stuck sitting in a hostel for hours doing nothing.  Also because it stops at every hostel it’s very slow.  If you’ve only got 20 days I definately don’t think the Baz-Bus would be sensible. Pickups at CPT and PLZ are also at around 7am, so you need to be up and out before that.  Arrivals at those tend to be after 10pm too. > After that she talked to people she met at the hostels and only >booked one or two days in advance as she went along.

Certainly there’s little need to book hostels unless there’s some major sporting event (PLZ for AUS-ENG WC game was quite tough for example)  The Coast-2-Coast freebie booklet of hostels is very good, and being now 4 months out of date, probably won’t be too bad on prices. 20 day car hire with Swans in CPT was only 120 Rand per day, against which is pretty similar in cost to the 2000+ rand cost of a roundtrip baz bus for the route, Petrol is reasonably cheap, and for the flexibility I’d certainly pay that difference. (especially as you’d not need the car for 20 days, but more like 15 even if you want to stay in CPT for 5 days (madness!)     Jim.

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