We were fellow travelers of Lee and Sachi for a wonderful cruise of Doubtful Sound, New Zealand.  It doesn't sound like Lee and Sachi plan to go to Tasmania, but here is a food idea for anyone going there.  Kate's Berry Farm (just south of Swansea on the east coast) has wonderful treats and a setting with a beautiful view overlooking Great Oyster Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula.  I am attaching a photo of a fruit and almond tart and scones.  Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeal nice!  We stopped there twice because it was totally delicious.

John & Michele Weddle

Lee, since you are a big nerd (like me) you might be interested to note that Melbourne museum has one of the  oldest surviving  computers in the world. Bring your punchcards :-) It was the fourth computer ever created.

AU$6 to the Museum. 

 

Justin www.withoutdirection.org 

 

hi guys! 

 

found you from lee's site.  i'm in melbourne so if you are headed this way, let me know and i can give you some ideas of stuff to do and meet up for a drink.

 

seems you're flying into brisbane so here's my 2 brissy tips... go to NY Slice at 360 brunswick street in fortitude valley if you're craving nyc pizza (as i do).  that area is also big for night life and shops.    for great coffee check out merlo.  you'll probably smell the warehouse before you get there (which is what i did). they sell beans and will make you a free coffee to check out the beans.  the factory is also in fortitude valley (104 mclachlan st i think).  

 

sounds like a fantastic trip!!  i'm jealous! jen 

Cairns has the most dive boat options; here are 3 I've liked. All have resort-dive options, for first-timers

1) Reef Magic - typical medium-size boat, amenities, friendly crew, can get in two dives if not too crowded. Can get a video of yourself diving, photos boarding, but like most everything in Australia it's low-key.

http://www.reefmagic.com.au/ (hmm, seems more commercial now)

2) I took a small sailboat with 6 pax, 3 crew, and stayed overnight on the reef. Unique experience. Can't remember the name, but you should be able to find it or something similar by asking some knowledgeable booker (booking places all over Cairns). Book this early if you can, as soon as you know your dates, it can fill up. I got a spot a few days ahead of time but it was the low season.

3) Big boat, day trip to Fitzroy Island (I'll try to stay overnight there next time). You can make a quick stop there and then go on to a dive spot, but I spent several hours, took a snorkle trip near Little Fitzroy Island. Islands might not be novel to Seattlites, but to me it was very cool.

www.fitzroyisland.com.au/

 

In general, you can find great diving/boating experiences if you look a little deeper than the very common short little trips.

We had a spicy lunch at one of the many Southbank Parkland riverside eateries: Chez Laila - Lebanese 'fusion' cuisine
We had some lebanese 'rolls' or wraps. Cheap and tasty!

We try to visit as many botanic gardens as possible, if we visit a place. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens is again another nice example, with lots of palmtrees and large bamboos, and even mangrove boardwalks, along the Brisbane River.

Must do, take a 'City Sights' bus tour to get to grips with the city. And if you're lucky you have a fabulous busdriver, who goes the 'extra mile', literally!
In between you can jump off and back on again at any stop. In the evening, use your City Sights ticket to jump on the CityCat ferry (it's free, or rather included), back up the river, at night. Great view of Brisbane skyline at night.

The Quicksilver caramaran is much larger than we expected. We are a bit dissapointed. This is mass-tourism. At least 200 or more other passengers embark on this.
Lots of seasick japanese tourists though, which was kind of funny...
Try to look for a smaller, more personalised Great Barrier Reef experience.

This is the place indeed! Incredible fusion food!
We later find out it is the hottest bar/restaurant in town. Former US president Bill Clinton was having his dinner here on september 11 last year, when he was informed about the terrorist attacks. Also Aussie pop queen (love her or hate her) Kylie likes the Salsa's cuisine and the Port's relaxed atmosphere ... We are treated to: smoked barramundi spring-rolls, grilled tuna fillet, seven spices kangaroo, mango and Macadamia Parfait, chocolate mousse and praline tart.