I need travel tips for Australia and New Zealand!?

I'd like to visit both Australia and New Zealand during my winter break. I've looked into booking flights and it's overwhelming because I don't know much about the region. First of all, which cities are the best to visit? Second, is it easy to travel between the two countries? Anyone gotten any good deals? I know it's an expensive time to go.

Most visitors to Australia would start in Sydney and the travel to central Australia to experience the " outback " see Uluru and experience some indigenous Australian culture. From there they travel to Queensland and base themselves somewhere on the east coast like Cairns or Port Douglas. From there you can travel by boat to the Great Barrier Reef and go diving or snorkelling. You can also travel into the coastal hinterland and experience the tropical rainforests.
You should look at some internet sites to try and get some good deals. Jetstar is a cheap means of airtravel within Australia. Try their website.

Keep this in mind.

New Zealand is the size of California.
Australia is the same size as the United States (48).
Most of Australia is what we call "The Bush".

Sydney is the usually port of entry, however there is a direct flight between LAX and Brisbane in Queensland. If you want to see the Great Barrier Reef, fly to Brisbane then fly to Cairns, further north.

Remember the seasons are reversed. December thru March is Summer time and it is very hot in the outback, like Phoenix Arizona.

Don't plan on driving from Sydney to Alice Springs, it will take four days.

In my view Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne is the best to visit. Cairns (Tropical North Queensland, http://www.welcometocairns.com.au) has an international airport so you could fly there, visit the Great Barrier Reef http://www.greatadventures.com.au or http://www.quicksilver-cruises.com and do the many activities offered here that's unique to the area.
You can actually take a train http://www.railmaps.com.au/ from Cairns all the way to Brisbane, then on to Sydney and Melbourne, although just a tip, sometimes it's cheaper to fly !
National airlines are mainly Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin to get an idea on prices flying within Australia
http://www.qantas.com.au
http://www.jetstar.com
http://virginblue.com.au/
to compare all flights from those 3 airlines and search on the one site go to http://www.webjet.com.au/

Flights to New Zealand from Brisbane to Christchurch, - a 3 hour flight, you can usually get a bargain from $199 one way. (Virgin) It's a matter of checking in daily and seeing how the prices on the airfares work. They also have happy hour prices at lunch time AEST.
In NZ - they have only just started a new website called 'grab-a-seat'. They sometimes have fares for a dollar. Take a look and refresh your page every few mins while looking because prices can change and seats are sold out. But it great, as it tells you how many seats left at a certain price, not like other airlines. This would be the cheapest way to get around NZ. http://flightbookings.airnewzealand.co.nz/vgrabview/ Specials can change a few times a day between different cities.

Hope this helps you. I’ve live in both countries so know my away around.

New Zealand. DO everything this great country has to offer.

Australia: check out the good beaches

K Bear's got the best answer.

Don't miss out on Queensland!
http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/

As far as flights and costs of flights is concerned, I think K Bear has a great answer. Booking online is always cheaper - so if you can do that, it's best to.

As for Australia typically people would fly into Sydney, but don't forget about cities like Brisbane and Melbourne also. The East Coast of Australia is typically hot for beaches and a lot of touristy things, but don't discount heading into the Northern Territory and Alice Springs, Eyres Rock and The Olgas. Coober Pedy (in South Australia) would be a real experience for you - but you wouldn't need to spend more than a day or two there; so unless you absolutely MUST visit the place, the info on the internet will suffice. I am yet to visit Western Australia so can't talk much about it.

Point about weather in Australia over the time you're looking at coming; the 'out back' will be very, very hot, like much of Australia over summer...

New Zealand is a must see country while you're down here too. You can visit the whole place in two weeks, but a week in NZ to major cities/sites will suffice also. The North and South Islands of NZ are very different. The South is quite ruggard and largely untouched given the Southern Alps and Fiordlands (National Parks etc). Both are equally beautiful with bountiful activities, sites etc.

Travel between the two countries is by plane, normally 3 and a half to 4 hour flight depending on the aircraft and wind direction, and route. The major cities to fly into from Australia are Auckland (top of north island), Wellington (Capital and bottom of North Island) or Christchurch (east coast, mid South Island). Smaller carries like Jetstar would fly into cities like Hamilton (about an hour south of Auckland) or Palmerston North (About an hour and half north of Wellington). Either location is fine to fly into as you will be able to find accomodation, public transport, hire cars etc.

For visitors to NZ I would recommend heading to the Bay of ISlands, especially during Summer. There are NO traffic lights north of Whangarei (2 hours north of Auckland) which is an indication of the pace of life etc. I recommend taking the "Cream Boat Tour" with Fullers at Paihia if you want to have a good look around the Bay of Islands. Loads of really interesting history and beautiful sights. It is a whole day tour which includes going through the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett? and lunch at one of the small Islands (and there are activities you can do). Additionally there are major historical sites in the Far North.
You also can't go past 'The Mount' (Mt Maunganui) in Summer and the many vineyards throughout the Wairarapa.

Be mindful however, the cost of touring both countries will be particularly high because of the summer/high season travel times so book online where you can; be prepared to pay more or stay in cheaper accomodation (backpackers, hostels etc). You may find a challenge finding accomodation at this time of the year, but have a look around - it will be available.

Self driving is good in either country, the road laws are the same (though the GIVE WAY rules are slightly different in each country). If you have the confidence to drive, then do so, but be mindful of the volume of traffic, speeds on the open roads and be a courteous driver (pull over if you have lots of cars behind you) as you become more of a risk to other motorists if you're too slow or are hesitant. The cost of fuel in both countries is relative - and VERY expensive.
Personally, I'd go with public transport/buses, trains etc - you dont' have the worry of driving yourself and you can pay attention to the scenery.
You can hitchhike in NZ - but obviously always consider your personal safety, NZ is a relatively safe country, but don't take risks unless you really have to.

Have a fantastic time, I think you're coming to the best part of the world!

In Perth, the notable attractions the Pinnacles, Fremantle (short trip from Perth city, about 20 to 25 minutes by train), along the Sunset Coast (many beautiful beaches such as Rockingham Beach, and then proceed to Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach, City Beach, Trigg Beach and finally ends at Hilarys Marina Beach. Cottesloe Beach), Swan Valley is Western Australia’s. There are many more.

In Melbourne, you can visit the Phillip Island and see the Penguin Parade. The scenic Great Ocean Road to view the 12 Apostles (I heard one of the Apostle already been destroyed by the waves). Also visit the Grampians National Part and Sovereign Hill. If you love to taste wine, you can visit the Yarra Vally Wineries.

In Adelaide, visit Hahndorf, the Australia’s oldest serving German Settlement. Next visit the Barossa Valley, Australia’s most famous wine producing area. Also visit the Kangaroo Island and see the seal and sea lions. And finally, the Victor Harbor.

Hope that the suggestion helps in your year end planning.

If you need any other information, see if this website can help you.
http://www.fibcool.com/cheap-flights/