Believe me, we would LOVE to visit again. We had such a great time there and would love to see more. The big hurdle is the cost of airfare. I checked a few months ago and it was about $2,000 per person round trip. When we cruised in early 2020, it was about half that price (we got a good deal). When we make it back, what do you suggest we put on our "must-do" list?

@@backroadstourist I wouldn’t know where to start. You can circumnavigate both Australia and New Zealand. Both countries are stunning with a vast range of climates and ecosystems. Tasmania is also absolutely beautiful again and often gets forgotten to see. Definitely check out far north QLD (Cairns, Port Douglas) or Darwin NT in our winter June, July, August. If you saved some money taking one of the train journeys across the country is an experience but expensive. I have the same problem regarding flights the other way. So many beautiful cruises to do from the USA but flight for family of 4 is huge. You have some amazing ships over there. My sister lives in California so going to get back there one year. Edit, I forgot you already seen Hobart, love it there.

Thank you SO MUCH for commenting. I'm envious...you're taking my dream cruise! The southern half of Australia was a great cruise, but I'd love to see up north, too! We had such a wonderful time in Hobart and the next time we're there, I really want to see MONA. It sounds like a wonderfully weird place to visit. Have a wonderful cruise!

@Backroads Tourist "weird" is a good word for Mona. The owner also does Dark Mofo, which runs for 2 weeks through winter, has the public jump nude into the Derwent River, has dark alley shows throughout Hobart, lots of pagan stuff, all as weird as his gallery. Aside from that, it is a great port to visit. We have done Sydney to Hawaii and back twice, lots around the South Pacific and many trips to New Zealand. I am personally ready to jump further afield, like fly to Singapore and do South East Asia, but have to keep close to home these days for hubbie's medical reasons. Hence, our wonderful Australian tour (again). I can still feel the balmy evening, the waves lapping, sitting at a bus stop on Waikiki Beach, to take us back to the ship, a beautiful place.

@backroadstourist yes, I'd also recommend a visit to MONA