Hi!

I am also from Oz, and lived in Dahab in South Sinai for a year and a half. It is pretty easy to get about Egypt really, especially if you are not in a rush (as no buses ever run on time!)

It is possible to catch a train from Cairo down to Luxor. I did this overnight and it was quite comfortable. I would recommend going down to Aswan on the train. From there you can catch a short flight (day trip) to Abu Simbel, the temple of King Ramses. This is amazing and well worth the effort! From Aswan to Luxor it is possible to do a two night felucca trip up the Nile. This is one of my favourite experiences from Egypt, and so relaxing.

If you do not wish to go back through Cairo, the best way to get from Aswan to South Sinai is to go to Hurgurda and catch the ferry across to Sharm. If not it is a monster 16hr bus trip from Luxor to Sharm!

I would not bother with El Tor. Apart from a hot springs, there is nothing there. People only really go there to renew their visas.

As far as Sharm and Dahab go, it depends on what you like. I lived in Dahab and worked in Sharm. Dahab is very laid back and much cheaper than Sharm, which can be quite touristy. Sharm does have some nice spots like Ras Mohamed and Shark Bay though. Diving is good in either, but again, much cheaper in Dahab.

You can arrange a trip to St Katerine from either Sharm or Dahab. It is a few hrs drive, and you leave at about 11pm. The mountain is climbed at night. be sure to take something warm, even in summer, as it's quite cool at the top. You can hire a little mattress and blanket to have a little kip before waking to watch the sunrise.

Sorry, just back on bus travel from Cairo to South Sinai. You can travel on the cheaper East Delta buses. These are usually quite dirty and unreliable. I would recommend using the slightly more expensive (80l.e.) Superjet. This bus is up to Western standards and won't be stopped at all the checkpoints like the East Delta. You buy tickets at the station.

To get from Sinai to Aquaba is quite easy as well. You have two options. You can catch the bus to Neweiba, and then catch the ferry to Aquaba. The ferry only takes an hour, but is quite expensive. From memory about $US60, which has to be paid in US dollars. Visas are given on the ferry.

The other option is to go through Israel. You can catch the bus to Taba, and then walk 200m down the road to the border. Once through the Egyptian side, you then walk and go through the Israli side. You then catch a taxi through Eilat to the other border, and go through the same process. This doesn't actually end up costing much less, and can be a hassle. Both times I've been through the border I've been held up for over an hour. Also, be aware that if you have a stamp from Israel in your passport, you won't be able to go to countries like Syria and Lebonon. That said, if you have time, I would recommend Israel. Jeruselum is amazing!

If coming back to Egypt after Jordan and you need a full Egypt visa (for outside Sinai) you can get this at the port in Neweiba. If you go through Israel just be aware that before you exit passport control on the way out just tell them that you want to come back in. They will then give you a renewal stamp. Otherwise you will have to go to the embassy in Eilat.

Be sure to go to Petra in Jordan. It is a short bus ride from Aquaba, and a must see.

Sorry, I seem to have written an essay! Hope it helps some. Have a great time, and let me know if you need any more tips.