After 6 years I finally came back to Down Under. The main reason was to attend NIME 2010 - however I ceased the chance for a small trip around the Northern Territory and to Queensland.
northern territory
Bring a lot of time ;-) I drove roughly 4000km in 11 days from Alice Springs down to Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park and back up again to the tropical top end. Here some places you should not miss.
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Uluru and Kata Tjuta:
Even though Uluru is probably the most popular spot on the continent, you should not miss Kata Tjuta and its Valley of the Winds - a 2 hours walk takes you along beautiful valleys and waterfalls. However it is - as the name indicates - very windy.
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West Macdonnell Ranges:
West of Alice Springs, the road takes you to West Macdonell Ranges (if you have a 4WD you can take the Meerenie Loop Road). It offers lots of wildlife and hikes along the rim of the ranges. Don't miss Simpsons Gap and the Ochre Pits. Glen Helen is less spectacular.
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Kakadu National Park:
Probably the most spectacular national park in Australia with its hikes, wetlands, and rock art. Take the Yellow River cruise (pricey) - best for wildlife spotting are sunrise and sunset tours. Bring insect repellent!!
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Elsey National Park:
My insider tip - visit the Bitter Springs, some thermal springs which form a small river along which you can swim. There are more springs around.
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Nitmiluk National Park:
Also known as Katherine Gorge, this park allows for canoeing along the river - at least as long as there are no salties... Walks along the gorge's rim offer nice views. Not as spectacular as Kakadu.
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Litchfield National Park:
Just outside of Darwin, Litchfield offers fantastic swimming spots and nice rainforest hikes. A nice one day excursion.
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Darwin:
Darwin is located at the tropical top end and is the gateway to the Northern Territory. There are lots of hostels - however, even considering that you are in Australia, rooms are quite expensive.
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Alice Springs:
Most of the travelers going to Uluru probably arrive here. There is nothing really special in Alice Springs, only that it is the only town of a size between Adelaide and Darwin ;-) However it is still a 1500km return drive if you want to visit Uluru and Kata Tjuta (allow at least 1 week).
queensland
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Trinity Beach:
One of the northern beaches of Cairns. There is not too much around there, but it is a good starting point for daily excursions. There is a small car rental close to the beach, which offers good deals. The guy was also very helpful recommending things to do and see around.
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Daintree National Park:
I made a one day excursion driving up the coast past Port Douglas to Daintree National Park. I skipped the river cruise (did it in 2004 - could recommend it though) and then went to the Daintree Discovery Center. Best time to visit is in summer/fall (March/April).
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Cape Tribulation:
Continuing further up the coast takes you along several beaches the last of which is Cape Tribulation (before the dirt road to Cape York begins). A breathtaking beach in a fantastic rainforest setting. Don't miss the tropical ice cream in the Daintree Ice Cream Factory.
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Great Barrier Reef:
One of the main attractions of Queensland is the Great Barrier Reef. I went now on several tours and here are my recommendations. (1) Go to the outer reef, e.g. Agincourt Ribbon Reef. The variety and colors at the continental shelf are definitely worth the one hour longer drive. (2) Bring an underwater digicam. There are shops in Cairns for rental - or bring your own (there are cheap skins which are maybe not as comfortable as the large cases, but cost only 60$). (3) The best cruise so far was the Quicksilver Silversonic, leaving from Port Douglas (pickup from Cairns and all Northern Beaches). It cost around 200$ and takes your to three different sites. Very modern vessel, friendly staff and 30-40 people.
sydney
Finally I made it to Sydney again - and still I consider it the most beautiful city on earth. Views of the harbor are just breathtaking and there is so much to see that one week is hardly enough.
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Sydney Harbor Bridge:
You can climb the bridge (pricey though) or you go to the Pylon's lookout which offers spectacular views of the harbor, Circular Quay and The Rocks.
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The Rocks:
The "original" Sydney - visit the market on Saturday and Sunday. The Rocks Discovery Museum provides very interesting information on the history of Sydney.
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Royal Botanic Garden:
My favorite botanic gardens ;-) Walk along the shoreline, relax at one of the benches offering beautiful views of the Sydney Opera House, or visit the Flying Foxes.
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Bondi Beach:
Take the bus 513 - ride time approximately 30 minutes. From Bondi Beach you can stroll along the Eastern Beaches Coastal Walk (2-3 hours). The walk takes you across Tamarama and Bronte Beach. Spectacular!
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Watson Bay:
A nice day excursion - take the ferry from Circular Quay. There are several walks, e.g., to Macquarie Lighthouse.