Austrila

[oldgrunt0311]

Has anyone ever been to Australia for vacation or New Zealand?
Which would be better. If saying Australia Sydney or Melbourne

Comments would be appreciated

[doctalay]

You really can't go wrong with either city, but its really all about what you want to do there.

Sydney - go there if you love beaches. I mean fucking beautiful beaches with hotties everywhere. Also, the people tend to be more laid back and hipster like. Also great are the Sydney Opera house, markets, and anything outdoors. The chinatown there is phenomenal for world class affordable food. Most things are expensive here but slightly cheaper than Melbourne.

Melbourne - go there if you like cultural stuff. Great food, especially fusion food all around. Great music with tons of talented live bands throughout the day. Museums are really good. People are a bit more sophisticated. Public transport there is way better than Sydney.

[Dfwgent]

I've been to both, and if I had to choose which one to go back to, it would be Sydney. It is an incredible city and you can easily spend a week and not run out of things to see and experience. The Opera House is a fantastic architectural wonder and photos do not do it justice. There is a world class zoo - perhaps best in world. The aquarium is equally good. The Royal Gardens are 20-30 times the size of the Dallas Arboretum, and are amazing. Public transportation is excellent - buses, light rail, trains, and ferry service. I would recommend one of the small apartment hotel operations as a place to stay, and Surrey Hills is a wonderful part of town - convenient and eclectic, somewhat reminiscent of Greenwich Village in NYC. The Australian people are great The population of Sydney is truly international with as you may expect, a lot of Asians, and some absolutely stunning, mostly Asian, women. The previous comment about Chinatown is spot on - a great place. Also---spend the sunset hours in the bar on top of Sydney Tower enjoying bacon infused Makers Mark -- especially if you are in the company of a pleasant lady. One thing to be aware of is that tipping is not customary in restaurants - just be aware so that you are not shocked by menu prices - as their minimum wage is very high. Transportation to Sydney is great from DFW--nonstop flights and you cannot go wrong with the level of service provided by Quantas. One other thing---make sure you allow time to get your travel visa in order as Australia takes that seriously. Goodaey

[Brass Balls]

I work for an Australian company and have been there more times than I can count. For vacation Sydney is fun but you want to follow up with a trip to the Gold Coast. The Aussies are some of the best and most fun people you will ever meet but be prepared for a very expensive destination. Shockingly expensive, that's why I don't transfer there.

New Zealand is awesome but in a different way than Oz. If you like incredible natural beauty NZ is the place. If you like beaches, cities, and fun people Oz is the better choice.

[~Ze~]

But what we all want to know about are the brothels!

Totally different attitude on that side of the world about sex work than here. *Sigh*

[Brass Balls]

Originally Posted by ~Ze~

But what we all want to know about are the brothels!

Brothels are legal and I've never been disappointed. My favorite is one in Melbourne that's next to the Siemens factory. I love the irony.

[equipeeler]

Originally Posted by Dfwgent

I've been to both, and if I had to choose which one to go back to, it would be Sydney. It is an incredible city and you can easily spend a week and not run out of things to see and experience. The Opera House is a fantastic architectural wonder and photos do not do it justice. There is a world class zoo - perhaps best in world. The aquarium is equally good. The Royal Gardens are 20-30 times the size of the Dallas Arboretum, and are amazing. Public transportation is excellent - buses, light rail, trains, and ferry service. I would recommend one of the small apartment hotel operations as a place to stay, and Surrey Hills is a wonderful part of town - convenient and eclectic, somewhat reminiscent of Greenwich Village in NYC. The Australian people are great The population of Sydney is truly international with as you may expect, a lot of Asians, and some absolutely stunning, mostly Asian, women. The previous comment about Chinatown is spot on - a great place. Also---spend the sunset hours in the bar on top of Sydney Tower enjoying bacon infused Makers Mark -- especially if you are in the company of a pleasant lady. One thing to be aware of is that tipping is not customary in restaurants - just be aware so that you are not shocked by menu prices - as their minimum wage is very high. Transportation to Sydney is great from DFW--nonstop flights and you cannot go wrong with the level of service provided by Quantas. One other thing---make sure you allow time to get your travel visa in order as Australia takes that seriously. Goodaey

I will thoroughly agree with all said by DFWgent. I prefer Sydney for all the reasons stated above. I would include staying in the area called "The Rocks". It is located in and around the Opra House, Gardens, museums, and all the food and entertainment one could want. All of this is writhin walking distance. Hotels are great and I particularly like ShangriLa. Top notch in all respects.

As for New Zealand, Queenstown is by far the best place to go. NZ is the polar opposite of Sydney and is pure natural beauty. It's pricey for sure. The primary activities are on the thrill side. Last time I was there was in August this year. Winter just breaking and spring on its way. Temps were wonderful, cool needing a jacket at night and up to mid 60's during the day. By the way, spent a few days in Auckland and really did not like it very much. Comparing large cities, Syndey far exceeds what Auckland has to offer.

[micktoz]

I'm from Sydney Australia, so I am biased. Prostitution is legal. I prefer independents over the brothels. The brothels, everything is covered by law. The independents range in price. Check out puntersplanet.com.au

[oldgrunt0311]

Thanks for the input...think Sydney it is