Flying within Australia

[phuketbound]

This Sheila was checking out fares to fly from Brisbaine to Cairns on Qantas, and the fares aren't that cheap. Is there a cheaper airline? Have you gotten good deals flying within the country?

Any other recommendations for cheapest travel in Australia? I was thinking of renting a van, but I don't want to have to bring it back to Brisbane. Is it possible to leave the van at another location in Australia?

Cheers, Mates

[chassamui]

Get a horse, a good map and plenty of water.

[kingwilly]

and the fares aren't that cheap.

no they aint.

Is there a cheaper airline?

yes, jetstar

Any other recommendations for cheapest travel in Australia? I

not much in the way of cheap travel in Aus.... perhaps hitchhike

I was thinking of renting a van, but I don't want to have to bring it back to Brisbane. Is it possible to leave the van at another location in Australia?

yes, it is. but again, not cheap.

[phuketbound]

^^I'm afraid a horse is out of the question. Perhaps a kangaroo would work instead. Although, I'm not quite small enough to fit in the pouch.

^Well that's helpful. Jetstar is an option. The thing is, I'm flying into Brisbaine, but I want to get up to Cairns. Best ideas, win a free beer.

[MeMock]

You silly galah PB. The pouch is for your bag, you ride on its back.

try using Cheap flights, accommodation, holiday packages, hire cars - travel.com.au find the flight you want then go direct to the company website to book and pay as it is a litle bit cheaper.

[phuketbound]

^Cheers, Memock. I can't wait to see my first kangaroo.
Hopefully they aren't too viscious.

[jandajoy]

Hopefully they aren't too viscious

Deadly if approached incorrectly.

There are long haul busses from Brisi to Cairns.

[sabang]

Jetstar and Virgin Blue are usually cheaper than Quaintass.

[jandajoy]

Jetstar and Virgin Blue are usually cheaper than Quaintass.

definately. If you sign up for Jetstar specials they do sometimes have pretty good offers.

[chassamui]

Have you ever tried saddling a roo?

[jandajoy]

Have you ever tried saddling a roo?

Who, me ?

I've cooked saddle of roo, if that counts. Oh and I wiped out a mob of the bastards coming into Mount Isa at 3 in the morning in a mates troopy. He wasn't pleased.

[davearn]

How long are you in Bris for, PB, and when do you get here?

I live in Brisbane and am happy tro help you to get around and arrange transport if you like.

Drop me a line and I will be happy to help you sort things out.

[nedwalk]

and i,m just aways up the road also, welcome for a g,day, now re getting up the coast there several options, if you fly you,ll miss out on 2000k of qld coastline, and there are some beaut spots, depends on how long you have, there also buses [they suck] trains, and check out 'wicked' campers .com .au all the backpackers use em, failing all that go into the thorn tree on lonely planet and put up a flare maybe there is someone else doing the same trip and would share the journey, also check out back packer notice boards if thats the way you wish to go, good luck girl and watch out for the bloody ' BUNYIPS'

[Ningi]

There are a couple of places in brisbane on southbank ,where you can hire Budget campervans and drop them off in Cairns, try google mate

[jandajoy]

good luck girl and watch out for the bloody ' BUNYIPS'

Not forgetting the drop bears.

[nedwalk]

and don,t step in the middle of a hoop snake whatever you do..

[jandajoy]

check all clothes and shoes for the redbacks.

[nedwalk]

not to mention the 'death adders' or the bloody 'huntsmen' although they do make a satisfying 'pop' when they are in your boot

[jandajoy]

And swimming, a popular passtime but one to be wary of in Aus.

[panama hat]

Swimming is ok in most areas, the crocs seem to prefer Americans.

Drop Bears and Hoop-Snakes . . . yes deadly but you can avoid them by wearing a sombrero and hopping on your left leg when near trees or bushes . . . or cars in the city.

Brissie to the GC? Nice drive, but the GC is awful, imo. Surfers - yuck. Cairns, niiiice

[phuketbound]

^ You guys are scaring me with all these critter stories..I'm not the biggest fan of snakes, spiders, and crocs. It'll be an adventure.
What is the GC?

How long are you in Bris for, PB, and when do you get here?

I live in Brisbane and am happy tro help you to get around and arrange transport if you like.

Drop me a line and I will be happy to help you sort things out.

Hey, that sounds great. I'm not 100% yet of the dates, but it will be in mid-August. A tour guide would be helpful.

nedwalk

and i,m just aways up the road also, welcome for a g,day, now re getting up the coast there several options, if you fly you,ll miss out on 2000k of qld coastline, and there are some beaut spots, depends on how long you have, there also buses [they suck] trains, and check out 'wicked' campers .com .au all the backpackers use em, failing all that go into the thorn tree on lonely planet and put up a flare maybe there is someone else doing the same trip and would share the journey, also check out back packer notice boards if thats the way you wish to go, good luck girl and watch out for the bloody ' BUNYIPS'

Cheers, where are you on the coast? I may be renting a van and driving up. Thanks for the link, and tips. What are Bunyips?

Ningi

There are a couple of places in brisbane on southbank ,where you can hire Budget campervans and drop them off in Cairns, try google mate

Good to know this..cheers mate.

Thanks Sabang, I'll check the prices of the other airlines.

jandajoy

And swimming, a popular passtime but one to be wary of in Aus.

Yes, I've read about the croc infested waters, and the jellyfish that can kill. Thankfully, in August, I don't have to worry too much when swimming at the great barrier reef area near Cairns.

[jandajoy]

Thankfully, in August, I don't have to worry too much when swimming at the great barrier reef area near Cairns.

Are you serious ?????

[jandajoy]

DANGERS ON THE REEF.....Don't let the beauty fool you.
The reef has many species of marine life that can be potentially fatal to humans. Hazards abound that you should know about before venturing out. We have listed some here.
As with most dangers, if you take the right precautions and are aware of them, you can take steps to minimize the impact of the danger and still enjoy all the wonderful beauty of the reef. The specialised dive operators will take all precautions necessary to ensure you have a safe and rewarding day out on the reef.
Irukandji Jellyfishclick for more info
Unlike Chironex fleckeri (Box Jelly Fish), Irukandji are found mostly in the deeper waters of the reef, although they may be swept inshore by prevailing currents. Divers and snorkellers are particularly at risk.

Box Jelly Fish.(click for more info)
Possibly one of the most dangerous creatures on the reef. The box jelly fish gets its name from the shape of its body. A box-shaped bell with clusters of tentacles extending from each corner. It has the potential to inflict fatal stings to humans. Found mainly around river mouths and muddy shadow water, they rarely inhabit the reef islands. "Stinger Season" is from November through to March. All swimmers on the beaches are encouraged to swim within specially provided "Stinger Enclosures"

Blue Ringed Octopus(click for more info)
With a beak that can penetrate a wet-suit, they are one little cute creature to definitely look at BUT Don't touch. The blue-ringed octopus is the size of a golf ball but its poison is powerful enough to kill an adult human in minutes. There's no known antidote. Residing in rock pools and coral, the blue ring octopus' rings will "glow" an electric blue when provoked or is on the defense. This is when it is most dangerous, especially to children, as it looks very pretty and harmless.

Cone Shells (click for more info)
Cone shells look very pretty, but several types are known to be very dangerous to humans. The venom of some contains the most potent neurotoxins known to man.

Lion Fish (click for more info)
Lion-fish have venomous fin spines that can produce painful puncture wounds. Fatalities, however, are rare. The fish have elongated dorsal fin spines and enlarged pectoral fins, and each species has a pattern of zebra like stripes.

Stone Fish (click for more info)
With 13 dorsal spines that release a poisonous toxin when pressed, the Stone fish can inflict excruciating pain and possible death to the unwary. They dwell on stony, muddy bottom areas. Visitors walking on the beaches (especially at low tide) should always wear covered shoes with a sturdy sole.

Sea Snakes
Approx 15 species of sea snakes can be found on the reef. ALL OF THEM PRODUCE LETHAL VENOM. Having small fangs, they are not normally aggressive. There have been no reported deaths from sea snakes, however they should still be treated with respect.
Stingrays (click for more info)
Fatalities reported from stingray deaths are few and far between. Barbs on the stingrays' tail whip up when trodden on and can inflict serious lacerations and deep wounds. Tetanus is also a possibility if the wound becomes infected.

[phuketbound]

^Well okay, but I'm sure there are many people that dive there and take the risk. I'll take the risk, but thanks for the heads up on the possible dangers.

[Marmite the Dog]

Are you serious ?

Yes. She's really dumb, isn't she?