Cruising on our harbours, lakes, rivers and inland waterways is big business with plenty of millionaires. Passengers who feel like millionaires as they sail or motor over the diamond studded water of our favourite parts.
The over 50s are well catered for in this area of the cruise industry. ‘The Over 55 Cruise on Sydney Harbour’ will have you feeling like a zillionaire in not time. Cruise past the luxury homes of this magical harbour, while the world famous icons, the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge look on in all their glory. This 3 hour cruise has plenty to eat, drink and be merry about. It departs Kings Street Wharf at 12.30pm each day.
The popular MN Lady Kendal, cruises the Brisbane Waters, leaving Gosford Public Wharf at 10.15am or Woy Woy at 10.40am every Saturday to Wednesday. This relaxing trip is a favourite amongst our loyal readers, many returning for this popular luncheon cruise. Starship Cruises run this and their 4 Island Cruise which takes in Broken Bay, Lion Island, Barrenjoey Head Land and sails through Pittwater to the Lower Hawkesbury River, Brooklyn and Dangar Island; a 6.5 hour journey of scenic wonderlands with morning teas, buffet lunches and is fully licensed www.starshipcruises.com.au
Cruising of course, takes on a different perspective when it is on a river in Europe and Seniors Holiday Travel have all your options covered on River Cruises in Europe, some with free flights to Europe included. Choose from the huge range of selective options or some of their other trips to South America, Antarctica, Africa or the Galapagos www.seniorsholidaytravel.com.au
If you opt to stay on dry land, you can still do that in Australia and be close to the water, blessed as we are to be surrounded by sea. You’re never far from the beach in Caloundra where self-contained beachside accommodation for the whole family starts at $380 per week. Visit www.caloundraholidaycentre.com.au and design your own holiday.
The glittering Gold Coast can tantalize you and at the same time it can relax you. You have the best of both worlds on the Gold Coast with some action and some relaxation. Accommodation can be a little pricey sometimes, so why not try the Sunset Strip Motel with guesthouses and self-contained accommodation just around the corner from the shops, beaches and nightlife, from $44 for a single room. www.sunsetstrip.com.au
Still in Queensland, the very top of Queensland, the tip of Cape York to be exact. Have you ever wanted to visit Cape York to stand at the northern most point in Australia, well now you can with the Cape York Day Tour – the world’s longest scenic flight, where you walk on top of Australia after a 4 hour 4wheel drive tour of the north end and this is after your low level scenic plane trip up from Cairns with Daintree Air Services, there is nothing like this anywhere else, go to www.daintreesair.com.au
Coach tripping around the countryside has always been a favourite with the over 50s. See new places whilst you meet new friends. ‘Murray Magic Tours’ will take you on a 7 day journey for $625 visiting Echula, Swan Hill, Bendigo gold mine, farms, museums, craftsmen and a paddle steamer ride from your base at the Riverland Motel, Barham and that includes your entry fees, rooms, coach travel and breakfast, morning teas and dinner. www.riverlandmotel.com.au
Longer trips are the way to go for some of our semi or retired 50s something’s. Why not try the ‘Kimberley the Top End’ that goes for 11 or 12 days, staying at some of the world famous locations eating at renowned restaurants and flying and cruising the Top End in style.
‘Broome to Perth’ is another 15 days of exploring this marvellous region full of natural wonders and incredible history; nothing is missed on this unique tour. All these tours are escorted by expert directors whose knowledge is vast. The ‘Lawn Hill, Longreach and Gulf Tour’ takes in the outback to the tropics. Cruising, swimming, canoeing, a barrier reef island, museums and cultural historic sites are included in this 18 day trip of a lifetime. They are so well run with so much to do you need to go to All Australian Journeys at www.aaj.net.au to see the details of these marvellous tours.
To go or not to go, that is the big question. To go is to do and that is the answer. Get up and go – you won’t’ be sorry!
