Melnq8

Diamantina -

I like how you think.

CounterClifton

$14 for a chocolate bar, Mel? You should have brought a caramello koala or something. Not unless Icelanders have some secret choc making knowledge no one knows about.


Northie, I've been "taken" to Panneys like 3 or 4 times now for birthdays out. With her along, it's fun still. At least for 20 or 30 minutes. I think we spend most of the time trying to get the little balls into the right slot or through the hole, etc. Down side is, they don't use actual chocolate balls anymore! You can't wolf down the choccies as you earn then. You get wooden balls, max 20, to take to the counter when you're done and they exchange them for choc. As if they're going to run out.

elbegewa

We've now booked 2 of our hotels: Pioneer Outback in Uluru/Ayers Rock and Port Douglas Outrigger in Port Douglas.

Now looking for places in Hobart and Queenstown. Any suggestions?

Great spot on suggestions Diamantina re Melbourne and Queenstown.

Diamantina

Regarding Queenstown, your hotel, motel, B&B, AirBNB, or hostel choice will depend on whether you plan on renting a car, what you plan on doing while there, and budget, as you are "frugal by choice". Trip Advisor shows several under US$125 a night choices in central Queenstown, including Bella Vista, Caples Court and Lomond Lodge. Read reviews carefully.

Having a car would give you the option of staying farther from the center and expand your accommodation choices, but as I mentioned before, if you only have two free days, the cost of a car rental may not be worth it (but I don't know your plans for your two free days).

In October, the operator for your all-day coach tour to Milford Sound will probably leave from Queenstown between 7:15 and 7:30 (at least this is the case with Real Journeys). Real Journeys and, I expect other operators as well, will pick up from your accommodation, providing you're not too far from Queenstown or too far off their route.