First...

Hi Bruce and Renae!

I thought I'd put some ideas and pictures and links all on a Blog, to help us get organised for your trip.

Neil and I were just away for two weeks on a road trip, so we had an opportunity to talk about what you might like best to do..

We also talked more about the best time of year for you to come..  We still think April is best, although you will probably still find it quite hot and humid in parts, if that's ok?  The house and car will be air-conditioned at least.  We prefer to travel when it's cold, but we're thinking that you might like to go swimming some days too?  April works well for Neil too.

Another item is your travel budget...  We could happily stay in Bris the whole time you're here, and still have a lovely time - which won't cost you a thing.  But, having come so far, it would be great if you are able to see some more of Oz while you're here?  You'll find that Aus is more expensive for almost everything than the US; however - the US$ is worth about Aus$1.30 at present, which is likely to remain stable I think - so your dollars will go further here.

We often book accommodation on Wotif, which is cheaper as we get closer to the dates - actually, I usually find a hotel on Wotif and then call the hotel direct, to get the best price.  Accommodation will depend on where we want to visit.  I love staying at interesting accommodation, if you would enjoy that too?

Where else have you visited in the world so far?  What else have you enjoyed the most so far?

Most people think of beaches when they think of Australia - even Australians.  But somehow the bush or the desert is where our hearts are too.  Many people find that they love the outback, if they get a chance to visit there.  It certainly has its own spirit out there.

Following are some of the activities you might be interested in.  Are you able to put these in the order or what you like most to least?

• beaches
• rainforest
• rockpools
• bush 
• desert
• theme parks
• bushwalking
• shopping
• aboriginal culture
• going to the temple (there are temples in Bris, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth)
• interesting/beautiful accommodation
• road trip
• Sydney
• caves
• white-water rafting
• good restaurants
• koalas, kangaroos, birds, other wildlife
• beautiful scenery
• art and architecture
• history
• other activities - horse-riding, jet-skiing, golf, abseiling, canoeing, paragliding, etc.
• football game/s
• hanging out doing nothing much

So far, Neil are I are thinking along the following lines, if this sounds good to you....

First...

Spend some time at home, to hang out and relax, catch your breath, go for some walks in the nearby forest; visit the koala centre there; go for day drives to Tamborine Mountain (lovely scenery and walks, rock-pools to swim in, a long street of art and crafty shops, sit and watch paragliding from the top of the mountain); day trips to the Gold Coast (beautiful, loads of beaches to choose from); we have theme parks about 30-45 mins away if you are interested, (Dreamworld, Seaworld, Outback Spectacular, Movie World, Wet 'n Wild, TopGolf, etc. - there are lots more too.  All of these have an admission cost and you generally need a full day to see everything.  The one we'd particularly recommend is the Outback Spectacular, which is a nighttime meal and show.  Most of the other theme parks will possibly be similar to other places you've been.)  We can also do day trips to places like Spring-brook National Park, Byron Bay, South-bank in the city, etc.  We can visit the museum, art gallery, take a ferry ride up the Bris river...   (some photos below)

Daisy Hill Koala Centre - free, two minutes from home

Para-gliding on Mount Tamborine.  Beautiful views and lots of lovely walks through rain-forest and bush.

There are some lovely rock pools on Mt Tamborine too.

Lots of stunning beaches along the Gold coast, about 45 mins from home.  Lots of shopping, walks, activities and other attractions too.

Outback Spectacular.   A good Aussie meal and experience, and very good show. About 25 mins from home; costs about US$76 pp.

Springbrook National Park.  Very pretty scenery, lots of beautiful walks, and lots of almost tame parrots.

Byron Bay is the eastern most point in Aus.  You can walk down onto the rocks and stand on the point.  It's a small coastal town, very arty and relaxed.  Home of Chis Hemsworth, Olivia Newton-John, Crocodile Dundee, etc.  

Southbank Parklands, in the city.  It has a man-made beach and really lovely gardens and walks, plus access to museum, art gallery, walk across the bridge into the lovely Botanical gardens and city, etc.

The Brisbane CityCat ferry travels on the river, about 20 mins from home.  Free for some trips; small charge for others.  Very pretty at night.

Ben and Jo live at Redcliffe, which would be a lovely afternoon/evening outing - 45 mins north of us.