68 degrees in Sydney today. 70 degrees tomorrow. Perfect weather.

What time of year are you going OP? Sounds like it would be July/August. Remember that is winter for the southern Hemisphere. For example the average temperature in Sydney in July is 45-55 degrees. Some areas of Australia see a lot of rain in July / August.

We're in Sydney now with kids ages 12 - 22. It's wonderful. Lots and lots to do. The weather has been perfect for everything except ocean swimming (mostly sunny, averaging about 70 degrees high for the day). But our flights were about $1900 each, so that nay price you out of a trip here. Other prices here seem similar to any major world city (high but not ridiculous). We're staying 10 days but only plan to see Australia within a day trip from Sydney -- again, seems perfect.

What about SE Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia)? For only 2 weeks I would just pick one, though. SO much interesting history there, and although the airfare is comparable, you get a lot more bang for your buck. I'm sure you'll have a great trip no matter what you choose!!

Australia is a good choice as is New Zealand. For something different, what about China?

I've done all three and all were great for different reasons. If you do China, you must take a day to see the Terracotta Warriors. That might be the most amazing thing I have ever seen.

Two week is not enough time to see all of Australia or New Zealand, but you can see a good mix of things.

Anonymous wrote:it's been a while since i've been to nz or australia, but i loved both (used to go to both a lot, in the late 90s/early 2000s).

i'm not sure why people are so down on australia! it's fun, it's got great food, loads of both city stuff and adventure stuff. it is big - that might be a deterrent - but just choose a handful of places to focus on, then.

my main worry would be that it's going to be winter.

PP who went on to Australia on my honeymoon - forgot to add that we went in August the weather was great. Sydney was 50s-60s (reminded me of San Francisco), and Ayers Rock and GBR were in the 80s (and no bugs, no jellyfish, etc.). I actually think it would be a nice trip in summer/their winter. NZ might be too cold though (that is partially why we didn't try to squeeze it in when we went to Australia).

it's been a while since i've been to nz or australia, but i loved both (used to go to both a lot, in the late 90s/early 2000s).

i'm not sure why people are so down on australia! it's fun, it's got great food, loads of both city stuff and adventure stuff. it is big - that might be a deterrent - but just choose a handful of places to focus on, then.

my main worry would be that it's going to be winter.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered somewhere in Asia? Australia seems like it's so big for a 2-week trip. Someplace like Japan with a couple days in a Hawaii would be fun. Or maybe Egypt and Israel - that's a great family trip.

I'd think twice about Egypt. We currently live in Israel with the fed gov't and no one goes over there due to the unpredictable situation.

Having said that, Israel and Jordan would be a great trip. Petra, scuba diving in the Red Sea, Dead Sea, Masada, Jerash, the list goes on and on. Just go before it gets too hot.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I couldn't convince DH to go to the Middle East. Or any third world country for that matter.

Anonymous wrote:go to New Zealand . . . AWESOME!!

Third vote for New Zealand. Much better choice than Australia -- more to do/see. Prettier. Great Maori culture. Beaches, mountains, great dope in Te Puke.