Tour 'Down Under'

So envious. We have been to Australia three times, but not to New Zealand.
On the medical theme not all prescription medicines we have here are available in Australia.Taking as many as you need can be important, depending on your medical condition.
DH needed an ambulance twice. Hospital care was free, but the ambulance was not. We had to pay, then claim back our insurance. This took some months, although we did get it back eventually. Hospital care at Cairns Base Hospital was brilliant, by the way. Second visit, in Noosa, good but not as good as Cairns.
Agree about how strict they are at Customs. Unpackaged food and meat products are banned too. You should declare any sweets etc as well.
It can be very hot this time of year. Our friends in NSW reported daytime temperatures of 40 and nighttime 30 plus degrees last week. We have only been in July/August when it is much milder.

You may come across snakes in the outback but don't make a sudden movement, stand and back away very very slowly. They are usually just crossing a path and will head to the other side.

"DO NOT STAMP YOUR FEET WHEN A SNAKE CROSSES YOUR PATH, this will provoke the snake to bite, stay perfectly still and let the snake move along.You should make extra noise as you travel on foot though grass and snake areas as this will give the snake prewarning that something large is in its area and it will move away and try to avoid you. Snakes' eyesight is not the best of their senses, they primarily work on smell and vibration. So if you stomp your feet in striking range the snake will feel threatened by the large vibration and will strike the large blurry object; your foot/boot."

Our old insurance stated that CrazyGran so we changed back to one which we had had previously, although DS does come to stay sometimes.

Check you house insurance. Ours had a limit on how many days the house could be left empty, so when we had an extended tour to NZ we had to get out son to come and stay one weekend to keep the insurance valid. NZ is a fabulous country. The latest earthquake has closed some roads though so check your routes.

Take some anti-histamine tablets as well as cream, enough to start you off because some insect bites can get nasty if you react badly like me.

I like wearing cotton trousers tucked into socks in the outback if it's not too hot, just in case, but other people wander around in sandals.

Some hotel rooms are like mini apartments, open a cupboard door and there is a washing machine and tumble drier!

We have been to Australia many times but never done an organised tour although I quite fancy it, and would love to go to New Zealand. I liked the sound of the Ghan trip but DH is not keen.

Australia has a reciprocal health care arrangement with the UK for emergencies, but anything else would have to be paid for (if a small amount) or claimed through travel insurance.
Oh, Maggiemaybe just said that
Also what Maggie said about luggage allowance - our airline from the UK allowed 30 kgs but internal flight was 20 kgs as far as I remember, however a kind airport official helped us to juggle.

GandT Sun 29-Jan-17 11:53:16
Is that today's date?

Been round the world twice (first on honeymoon and second time a few years later). Those travel cubes are really good for keeping your suitcase tidy. Travel wash for smalls and make use of the hotel laundry rooms when you do have a couple of days in one place. Shops like Rohan do travel clothes that are quick drying and crush proof. Quite expensive but hard wearing.

A pair of comfortable shoes - sketchers are great and lightweight for packing. Take 2 pairs so you're not hammering the one pair (as they will start to smell).

Antihistamine cream is a must as nothing worse than an itch (I'm allergic to ant bites and those drove me mad till I discovered Tiger Balm in Singapore). It's not made from tigers thankfully but did cool down any bites or sunburn

A foldable Sun hat and a decent pair of sunglasses.

Copy of any prescription medicine (local name and what's in it just in case you and your medication becomes separated).

If you're going into the outback, a small LEd torch can be useful if you're out walking / looking at the Southern Cross / stargazing etc

Something to settle your stomach (that you know works) just in case!

Re the laundry aspect, I tend to take some disposable items 'just in case'. They take up very little space. Also do a good mix 'n' match of your very favourite items. Go for lots of comfort (now called smart casual) and one smart. All bliss. I'm envious of all but your journey. Enjoy the anticipation and then the trip. Bravo!

Mind galloping along sorry,

either forgot to take your medicine or forgot it

should read:

either forgot to take your medicine or lost it

Just as an after thought. If you take medicines regularly and have to take a lot with you you MUST declare them. Take your prescription with you to back you up...It is also a good thing to do that because if you are caught out and either forgot to take your medicine or forgot it, then you can get it filled out there. Make sure you fill in the form before you leave UK as someone has suggested.

Also, sorry to harp on, they absolutely are VERY strict on you NOT taking any kind of food, drink or any plants or seeds in to Australia or New Zealand. They can put you off the flight if you try and you could also end up being arrested if you ignore that condition.

spelling: fabulous!

We have been twice for 1 month each time. We had a faboulous time and wish we could afford to go again. We were however visiting our son so not much hotel booking to do.

Unfortunately on both visits I fell ill. We had to pay £70 on our return to England the first time, and £100+ the second time for medical care, which was excellent and the staff were so professional. No worries there at all.

Have a lovely adventure. If you are going where there are lots of flies, such as in the wilderness, take a net which you can pop over your head underneath a hat. That will keep the little blighters away from your face. Mostly there are NO flies, at least no more than in UK. The hats with corks are saved for the tourists we were reliably told by an Australian! :-) New Zealand is a beautiful country with lots of lovely beaches and mountains. I only know because my son sent pictures from their honeymoon there. At least you know the natives will be friendly and speak your own language so no problems with that either.

I really envy you. Both countries are fantastic and the food and wine are good (not that I drink wine myself because I am allergic to it), but I am told it is as good as French wine any day.

Have fun! Let us know what it was like. Spend some time in the wilderness and see all the lovely flowers you cannot get anywhere else in the world....and the birds well what can I say! So many differences to the ones we get here and such beautiful colours. On our first day we were woken by parrots and kangaroos in the garden!

Forgot the link.

www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/forms/3101

You may already know that the UK has a reciprocal healthcare arrangement with Australia. Of course you'll still need health insurance to cover your trip, but there's always an excess to pay. If you're anywhere near a Medicare Centre it may be worth filling in the enrolment form and taking it with you (you just have to hand it in and show your passport to register before needing any medical care). We found this out, too late, when DH needed his ears syringing after the flight . We just popped into a local doctor's office and it was done on the spot for about £100, the same as our insurance excess. Not a huge amount, but he'd have had it done for free if we'd registered on arrival.

Sounds fabulous. Sorry can't offer any advice but we are planning a similar trip just as soon as I can get DH to retire and plan on being away for two months. Enjoy.

I felt exactly as you did granfromafar. We went round the world - Singapore/NZ/Cook Islands/LA. It is along way from home but have to say that the holiday (5 weeks) went without a hitch and it was all fabulous. Try not to be apprehensive and just enjoy.

Sorry hot pools

No one seems to mention NZ. So lovely. Must sees are mainly in the South Island. Wine area at the top. Hanmer in the centre lovely hoy pools in the middle of mountains. West coast with fantastic flora and pancake rocks. Gold panning there too. The drive or train through the southern alps is wonderful. Try whitebait patties if you can. Mount Cook. Milford Sound. Blue penguins on the south east coast. Moereki boulders on the way to Dunedin. Love NZ

Oh and get a prescription for any glasses you wear in case you need any specs in a hurry. I broke mine in Hobart and was so relieved I could just hand over a script for replacements.

Firstly a minor but important detail, check your travel insurance covers you. Most polices are for 31 days, and make sure you have it from the date of booking. It sounds an expensive trip and you need cancellation cover. Also check the medical repatriation cover. It is far more expensive from Oz.

Oz is just so easy and the Aussies friendly. Driving is easy but can be tiring with the distances. If you can add The Ghan train trip. Sydney is great but very busy nowadays and the traffic can be really bad. Food wonderful!

Tasmania is wonderful too and I have been there many times too. Car hire good and the roads virtually empty. Hobart, Port Arthur great. Many small towns such as Deloraine, Sheffield etc. Look nothing when you drive through but the food is wonderful. Go up to the mountains too.

We know NZ like the back of our hands as relatives there and have been many many times. Going again next year. AGain I would recommend the many train journeys there as they mean everyone including the drivers can relax and see the wonderful scenery. If you want more specific help am happy for you to PM me.

Most hotels have a laundry room where you can do your own washing etc we found. They really cater for people travelling and are more than helpful

Check on your luggage allowance for internal flights. We had a bit of a drama at one airport because the airline didn't allow as much in the hold as the one we'd travelled out with. Luckily they let us repack and board the plane with 10 kilos each of assorted belongings in various carrier bags as extra hand luggage

Also, after you've had a good laugh in the gift shop at the weird hats with long nets down to your bosom, buy one. It's better to have the flies at Uluru crawling on the net than walking all over your face.

Did 42days in NZ last February as a retirement present to me, and I'd never travelled far or for a long time before. Did 2, 3 or 4 nights at each place, travelling around, north to south and back. Went straight there (4hrs in Singapore, perfect for a change of underwear!). Take big headphones (ear buds hurt after a while), and for some airlines (eg Singapore) you need a link plug to use own headphones (see website?).

NZ motel rooms each have little kitchens, which is great as eating out 3 meals a day is a pain after a while.

Take onboard a small backpack with a change or 2 of clothes (your bag could be delayed), Android, paperback, tissues/loo roll, deodorant wipes, photocopy of passport and health insurance. Audible and electronic books were great. 2 pairs of reading glasses?

It will be brilliant

We are off on a similar trip leaving on 5th Feb although we are not doing New Zeland. Singapore on the way out and Hong Kong on the way back with about 5 destinations in Australia. I must admit living out of a suitcase is of concern so the tip about 'pockets' is fab, thanks.
I will try to post my experience and any tips on my return. Also thanks about the tip re prescription drugs, I would have faced a lecture for sure?.
I wonder if you are using the same travel company, they are quite new but seen to be gaining a great reputation.

I did Australia 10 years ago with my then 5 yr old son. We spent 6 weeks there. Started in Perth, then flew to Brisbane, then onto Cairns and then back to Brisbane before getting a flight to Dubai.
I loved the country, and really wished we had stayed longer. I would go back tomorrow if I could afford it.

With any medication put it in your hand baggage in case your bags go to to a different place to you Take a prescription list with you and a doctors note.
Have a fantastic time.

We are regular visitors to Australia as DD1, SiL and GD live in Victoria. We visit for a month or so usually and try to take a trip to somewhere new each time - in fact I am posting from there now, and we are off to Tasmania next week for a few days. I am sure you will love it, the scenery is spectacular and the people very relaxed and friendly. And excellent food too! As to laundry I don't have to worry as we stay with DD, but most hotels will turn it round for you in less then 24 hours, though it can be quite pricey. Exchange rate is not too good at the moment, so we do find things quite pricey here, but by next year it could be a different story, and I suppose if you are on an organised tour much of it will have been paid up front.
Enjoy!