Australia/New Zealand
Top 10 Highlights of Australia
10. Sky-surfing
through the Daintree Rainforest
9. Driving golf carts (on the left!) down the palm tree-lined paths of Hamilton Island
8. Cuddling a koala bear before breakfast
7. Learning to surf in Noosa
6. Hiking through the rainforests of tropical North Queensland…and actually seeing the illusive southern cassowary bird
5. Star-gazing in the quiet shadow of Ayres Rock (Uluru)
4. Watching sail boats pass during a leisurely champagne cruise around Sydney Harbor
3. Riding on the southern hemisphere’s steepest train in the scenic Blue Mountains
2. Watching rainbows appear over the Sydney Opera House after a light spring shower
10. Bungee jumping over scenic Lake Taupo TWICE!
9. Digging sand “hot tubs” at Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula –our tubs were heated naturally by the thermal activity underground!
8. Blackwater rafting in the Waitomo caves with the glowworms – just as whacky as it sounds!
7. Zorbing in Rotorua – look it up if you don’t know. I felt like a human hamster.
6. Leisurely days in and around Nelson and Abel Tasman beachcombing and sunbathing
5. Taking the Milford Sound sightseeing flight and cruise from Queenstown to the Tasman Sea.
4. Hot Air Ballooning outside of Christchurch – watching the sun rise from 1000 feet up was magical.
3. Nightlife in Queenstown, Wellington, Christchurch, Nelson, Rotorua, Whitianga, Auckland, etc….
2. Fun new things to eat and drink! Meat pies, Hokey Pokey ice cream, long blacks and flat whites, pavlova, lamb, and plenty of Speights beer!
1. Helicopter landing and glacier hike on the Franz Josef Glacier followed by a soak in the Glacier hot pools – bliss.
Qantas now flies non-stop from Dallas-Fort Worth to Sydney and Brisbane, Australia!
Call Joy to discuss your Australia itinerary!
Australia has made headlines of late for a certain American talk-show icon’s adventures, as well as its many weather woes. This massive country has certainly seen its share of excitement lately. Despite the drama surrounding this stunningly beautiful country, Australia remains one of the safest, easiest to navigate, and diverse countries in the world. Their doors are always open. I always recommend Australia for those who want to begin their world travels with a comfortable, secure experience. Are you an experienced traveler who likes a bit of adventure? Australia is a fine option to consider. We can tailor your trip to fit any time frame and budget.
How’s this for a compromise?
For our adventure-loving traveler: Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the tallest steel-arch bridge in the world
For our not-so-extreme traveler: Taste some of the best wines of Australia on a Hunter Valley wine tour (transportation provided!)
Adventure-lover: Ride camels around Uluru (Ayres Rock) at sunrise
Not-so-extreme: Learn the ancient Aboriginal art of dot-painting at the Uluru Cultural Centre
This is just the beginning…
Why not combine your love of road trips with the excitement of exploring a new country? New Zealand is the perfect place to explore via car or RV! Renting a campervan is a breeze, and the roads are safe, well-maintained, and easy to navigate. From the lighthouse at Cape Reinga to the cosmopolitan city of Wellington…from the rugged coastline of Marlborough Sounds to the glaciers of Mt. Cook National Park, New Zealand has something for everyone. Want someone else to do the driving? Ask us about escorted travel. We can tailor your journey to fit any time frame and budget.
Travel through the vast diversity of Australia via rail. Rail journeys offer an authentic experience with locals and travelers alike. The choices are endless, and the experiences will live in your memory forever.
Indian Pacific: Sydney-Adelaide-Perth
From the Blue Mountains of the east to the beaches of the west, the Indian Pacific offers vast, impressive landscape from coast to coast. This train offers overnight sleeper cabins for singles, couples, and small families and comfortable day seats with stunning views. Fares start at $341 per person, and your trip can be customized with sightseeing stops along the way.
The Ghan: Adelaide-Alice Springs-Darwin
The legendary voyages of the Ghan are known throughout the world. Voted as one of the ten best train trips in the world by National Geographic, the Ghan connects the fertile lands surrounding Adelaide to the rusty earth of the Red Center. This train offers sleeper coaches for singles or couples, as well as day seats with lots of leg room. Fares start at $396 per person, and your trip can be customized with sightseeing stops along the way.
Tilt Train: Brisbane-Cairns
The fastest train in Australia, the Tilt Train links travelers to the popular destinations of Australia’s east coast. From Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, the Tilt Train is perfect for quick getaways from the major east coast cities. This train offers business class and economy class seating, with fares starting at $82 per person.
The Sundlander: Brisbane-Cairns
An alternative for travelers to the east coast of Australia, the Sunlander offers a more scenic option for those traveling between two of the most popular areas of Australia. A range of seating and accommodation options offer something for everyone. This train features the indulgent Queenslander class with a sleeper cabin, first class sleeping berths, or economy class seats. Fares start as low as $208 per person.
Call us today to customize your Australian rail journey!
New Zealand has some of the most unique and surprising landscape in the world…and the best way to see it is by walking! Perfect for those who want active or moderate hikes (not too strenuous!) New Zealand offers a variety of breathtaking walks to suit every person’s taste and ability. Don’t want to camp? No worries! There are plenty of lodging options along the way!
Milford Track (South Island)
Perhaps the most famous walk in New Zealand, this 5-day hike takes you around the Milford Sound via beech forests, prairies, waterfalls, and Fiordland National Park. Perfect for those visiting Queenstown.
Routeburn Track (South Island)
This 3-day walk takes you through Fiordland National Park and Mt. Aspiring National Parks. Moss-forests, crystal clear lakes, wide vistas, and beech forests will astound you. Perfect for those based in Queenstown.
Abel Tasman Track (South Island)
This 3 or 5-day coastal track offers an in-depth look into Abel Tasman National Park. Located in the northern part of the island, this walk is perfect for those wanting only a few hours of walking each day. Perfect for those based in Nelson.
Queen Charlotte Track (South Island)
Located in the Marlborough Sounds, this 4-day walk requires moderate fitness to trek over majestic hills while looking for dolphins. Perfect for those based in Picton.
Hollyford Track (South Island)
Located with the Fiordland National Park, this 3-day walk takes you through lush rain forests, around snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes, and past cascading waterfalls before you experience the awe of Milford Sound. Perfect for those staying in Queenstown.