sabrinamari | Getting serious about Australia

I'm starting to get serious about planning for Australia. It's late in the game: I've been juggling work, a winter cold/sinus infection and lots of household and book-related tasks. It's been a challenge to find the time, energy and mental acuity to focus on the trip.

I still don't know exactly what I want to do, but I've sketched out a series of options, looked up some two-and-three day tour operations and made peace with staying flexible on the ground. I'll have the ability to plan several days ahead, but I can change my mind if I decide I want to stay in one place longer than expected or head in a previously unimagined direction.

The first part of the trip I'll be traveling like an adult: while I'm facilitating the conference, I'll be staying in the ritzy Hotel Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula. The Rough Guide makes it sound like a well-heeled resort area, heavy on the luxury. I'll enjoy that while I can, then attend another day-long conference near Melbourne, and after that I'm free.

At this point, I think I shed my adult identity and switch into grad student travel mode.

I'm planning to stay in hostels and ask around to find out what longer-term travelers and local people like to do. I'm packing light---as light as I can. Chances are good that I'll do at least one short, small group trip: I'm eyeing a multi-day trek along the Great Ocean Road. I'll need to take a 1-or-2 man tent (Michael's is 4.2 lbs; Meagan's may be lighter still---Meagan, are you open to loaning it?). I'll have to carry my own supplies, but that's not a problem. I'm strong and confident that I can carry whatever I need in order to do this.

I'm still thinking of taking a flight across the continent to scuba the Great Barrier Reef. This will require a little more of an investment, but I don't think I can pass up the chance to experience it.

elphaba_of_oz, the certification I got for your wedding should come in handy. We'll see what I'm able to do with it.

I'm not taking a computer---the tent is more important. I'll probably take my iPhone and see if I can switch it around to use while I'm there. I'll hop on the net when I find access, call the states when I can, and make sure I'm at the airport well before my departing flight takes off.

Otherwise, I'm curious, open, flexible and starting to get excited.