I thoroughly enjoyed melboure...i went when i lived in Auckland and i was overjoyed by the shopping...so much more variety.

Right..might i suggest getting away from the big smokes...If you're only on a short trip why not see something different..For example, instead of sydney and spending all your $$$..why not byron bay..a few hours north.

I'm here in perth and would suggest staying south...QLD, NT and the north of Western Australia are wayyyy too hot at this time of year already....In broome last week temps were up to 36c and summer hasn't started yet...

In regards to Tassie..if you can't get to nz..Tassie will do i've heard.

Cheryl