On my own list of 'Dream Vacations' is to experience Australia, and I am gathering information as I go along since my “empty nest” is coming upon me.
In my early days in travel – I made sure that I listened and learned not only about destinations – but how to help clients plan vacations. I recall a time when a very seasoned travel consultant had a client that claimed she always wanted to go to Australia, and she will one day, but claimed it is just too far away. The consultant very politely replied “Well, I can guarantee that it is not going to get any closer anytime soon!” The woman eventually traveled to Australia and loved it. That has stayed with me.
The bottom line is that Australia is an incredible destination and one that you may want to put on your 'Bucket List' (movie comedy The Bucket List- about two men with a terminal illness that head out to experience things they always wanted to do).
Unbelievable sights, adventure, history, and culture abound, Australia awaits you. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Outbacks, from Sydney to Darwin you can experience Australia's natural wonders by many means of travel. Choosing how you see Australia is half the adventure, since it is such a vast continent you will need to have some plan of action.
What sights or experience do I want? There are almost as many options as there are experiences. You may fly to one area stay a few days, see the sights, move onto another area. Or you may choose to tour with a group of like minded folks who enjoy seeing as much as they can. Another choice is to cruise the area and add a tour package to see the inner parts of the continent as well as cruising the waters. Whatever 'suits your fancy.'
Most fly into one of Australia's great coastal cities and start a tour or cruise from there. If you are adventurous you may want to take a train. The main rail line connects from north to south, Darwin to Adelaide and on to Melbourne. From east to west, Sydney to Perth. There are other public rail systems that can take you on shorter distances along the coast as well.
A visit to The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most requested for Australia travel. Regarded as one of seven wonders of the modern world, it is the only living organism that can be be seen from outer space. Stretching 1500 miles along the coast the reef is actually comprised of 2500 individual reefs and is home to over 2000 species of coral, and thousands of tropical fish. The colors of the reef and its inhabitants are so vibrant it takes your breath away.
Second on this list of Australia's natural wonders is Ayers Rock or Uluru an intensely colorful monolith, considered sacred by the Aboriginal natives. This phenomena gives a spectacular light show at both sunup and sundown.
You may choose to take in the cultural experiences that the cities offer as well. The famed and distinctive Sydney Opera House offers various performances from famed artists to Opera Australia, to Sydney Symphony, to ballet and theater performances.
Since you are going to be in the area – should you include New Zealand? Or maybe some of the other South Pacific jewels, such as the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, or Tahiti. So many places to see, so many options to choose from and it is your personal preferences that make the difference as to what to include in your itinerary.
Although there are many options to choose from here are a few you might consider that are more inclusive therefore saving you from some the woes of the declining US Dollar:
Collette Vacations offers a 20 day tour 'From the Outbacks to the Glaciers' that starts in the south and move north inland to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, then east on to Cairns and The Great Barrier Reef. Sydney is next on the agenda with a three night stay before heading to New Zealand. The fare is $3099 pp (land only) and includes 26 meals.
Celebrity Cruises offers a 14 night Sydney to Auckland cruise aboard the Millennium from $1895 pp (pl. tax-land only). Princess offers a 12 day cruise from Auckland to Sydney from $1495 pp ( pl. tax – land only). Both offer a land add-on package at an additional cost.
Whatever the form of travel that suits your taste – Australia is a must see destination.
