Where a good place in Australia to visit? I'd like to go there sometime, but I want to make it count.
You like big cities? Sydney.
You like Metropolitan cities? Melbourne.
You like beaches? Gold Coast.
australia.com has a lot of tour packages.
Begin your trip in Sydney and plan to stay at least 7 days there. Book your airfaire through http://www.priceline.com and book a mid-priced hotel (like the Intercontinental which serves a great full breakfast) at http://www.hotels.com. I recommend staying near Chinatown in Sydney. It is less costly, it's near the main train station, it's in a restaurant/theatre district, and it is safe there. Your first day there pay for a 3-day bus pass with city tour and begin with the tour. For extended travel, use the city trains to get around. There were tons of fabulous oriental (thai food was especially good) and seafood restaurants in Sydney. Make sure you spend an afternoon and buy all of your souvenirs at Paddy's Market. This is a large open air flee market below one of the main shopping centers that is only open on Thursday and Friday. Visit the world-famous Sydney Aquarium. Take a 15-minute ferry ride across the bay to visit the Sydney Zoo. Expect to spend all day at the zoo. A personal guided tour of the Australian animals at the zoo costs a very small price and it is highly recommended. Enjoy riding the aerial tram from the warf up to the zoo entrance. Buy tickets in advance on the internet to a show of your preference at the Sydney Opera House or simply visit for lunch there. Spend a few hours on one evening at the Star Casino in Sydney. Spend a day at Bondi Beach if the season permits. The American winter season is the Australian summer season. Then spend 2-3 days in the mountains near Sydney and the same amount of time exploring the Interior. End your trip with a few days in Melbourne.
Have a GREAT time "down under"!
P.S. Australians love Americans.