Australians are intrepid travellers. From the back o’bourke to the Bimini Islands you will bump into an Aussie on tour. Our wanderlust is never truly satisfied. The need for a walkabout embedded in our souls.
To see the “real Australia” you could head north, south, east or west in this vast continent. Some places have an aura all their own and one of those is the mighty Kimberley. All Australian Journeys have a 12 day holiday to the region with every detail is taken care of. How does 3 nights at El Questro, scenic flights over the bungle Bungle, a gorge cruise smorgasbord, staying in a safari lodge at Fitzroy Crossing visiting Aboriginal Art gallery’s, war cemeteries, pearl farms, the Ord River, Broome, a Darwin seafood dinner and Cable Beach sound. Well it’s all that & more!
If you decide to head south, their Tasman Tours range from 6-16 days and take in the wildlife with Tasmania Devils as the star attraction, Heritage tours, Cradle Mountain magnificence, the Edge of the World and Arthurs River Cruise, poppy fields, the Gordon River cruise, a walk in the treetops at Tahune Airwalk, a chairlift ride, Launceston and the Tamar Valley, Port Arthur and much much more.
West is best. Explore West Australia’s Margaret River region drinking wines and eating chocolate from the local vineyards, through fields of wildflowers, feed dolphins at Monkey Mia, see Wave Rock, Albany’s Whale World, Kings Park, Freemantle with most meals included, chose from 4-19 days, you will not be sorry – go to http://www.aaj.com.au/ for bookings and details.
Cruises are a booming part of the travel industry. Australians love a cruise and we are most partial to a really nice day cruise. Blessed as we are with bays, rivers, harbours and ports there is always somewhere to cruise. People of all ages are regulars on the popular Starship Cruises socialising on-board while taking the magnificent scenery around the Brisbane Waters and 4 Islands, just north of Sydney. These easy to get to cruises will surprise, excite and delight you.
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
The USA is a favourite country for travelling Australians who love the history, romance and land marks of this great country.
Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota is a work in progress. Started in 1948, this carving out of mountain rock will be the largest of its type in the world.
The Crazy Horse Memorial is open all year with laser light shows, museums and native American performances, this memorial is not to be missed. Showcasing Native American culture and the grandest of modern engineering projects this tribute to the legendary leader has a 10km trek to the carvings arm which is 500 feet above the ground. The head is 87.5 feet high and the whole sculptured will be 641 feet long. Step inside the Indian Museum of North America to see the collection of historic pieces from this unique culture. A monument in the making from granite and iron to live on in the future, proudly displaying the legacy of the might crazy horse – go to https://crazyhorsememorial.org/
FJiji is a wonderful destination only a few hours away in the nearby South Pacific. A popular destination with Australians and world travellers, Fiji with its smiling happy people, great weather, islands galore and tropical geography is one of the world’s most lush and exotic spots.
Paradise is how many would describe Fiji and literally paradise exists here. Paradise Taveuni is a secluded and remote boutique oceanfront resort on the southern tip of Taveuni Island. Here you are surrounded by sparkling water in magnificent tropical rainforest with flowers and gardens of nature’s rarest colours. Here you can relax and enjoy spa treatments of a tropical persuasion, snorkelling in crystal waters, scuba diving surrounded by the thousands of colourful fish, swimming, walking and fantastic food. Paradise Tavenui welcomes the lovers, the adventurers, all groups and caters to the single, married and the senior. Do yourself a favour – go to http://www.paradiseinfiji.com/ for bookings.
Still overseas Italy is an unforgettable experience, an addiction of well-trodden travellers who cannot wait to be seduced by the beauty of her landscapes, architecture and the exuberance of her people.
Vita Italia Tours can take you away to the rustic countryside, medieval hill villages, sampling local cuisines, fine wines and the legendary hospitality. Their tours run all year with a Grand Tour of Italy taking in the landmarks of this historic country or try a Northern Lakes & Dolomites tour, an Opera and Food specialty tour, the best of Tuscany, Umbria and Le Marche Tour and many more – go to www.vitaitaliantours.com
The Northern Rivers has long been a hot spot for baby boomers, surfers and grey nomads who roam our east coast. The Clarence Valley is the green room of the Northern Rivers, encompassing Islands, country towns, the Clarence River, Yamba, Evans Head and lush green hills and farms, this area is always revealing new secrets. Clarence Valley Escape Tours includes accommodation, some local dinners, beaches and towns, seeing famous surf spots, fabulous swimming holes like the Blue and Green Pools. National park outings to sacred far away lookouts, visits to museums, Evans Head, and rainforest walks. Visit Grafton and Maclean art galleries, Olive and Summerland farms, some morning teas and lunches, Yamba Marina and all points of local culture and history. A fantastic way to experience a diverse region with expert local guides – go to www.yambatours.com.au
The outback has always been a great adventure for the Australian travellers. Its lure of nature and desert, gold and gemstones, history and ancient dreamtime has a strong magnetic force. Tri State Safaris Outback Tours have everything from a 1 day Broken Hill/Silverton excursion to an 18 day Kimberley extravaganza .
Suitable for all travellers, Tri State specialise in small group award winning 4WDrive tours. You’re in expert hands all the way and no small detail is left out, try their NSW corner country tour of 4 days, the Flinders Ranges – 5 days, Birdsville Outback Loop at 8 days, the Simpson Desert which runs 12 days and many many more visit www.tristate.com.au for all details.
In sunny Queensland, many of our grey explorers like to find a central location where they can base themselves with access to many attractions. A fine choice is the beautiful Sunshine Coast where you’re never far from the beaches, the inland waterways and lakes, the renowned restaurant strips and the many attractions for the action packed seniors. Caloundra Holiday Centre has a huge range of self-contained accommodation in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. You can cook at home in the finely appointment apartments or stroll to restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes and hotels for a meal or drink. Seniors can take advantage of heavily discounted weekly prices starting at just $380, so bring the family for a well-earned getaway – check www.caloundraholidaycentre.com.au
The south coast towns of Central Tilba, Tilba and Cobargo is where you hit gold on a drive through the south coast of NSW.
Only 360km from Sydney, these historic gold rush towns are like stepping back in a bygone era. Located close to beautiful sandy beaches and many natural attractions, these towns are a must on any grey nomad pilgrimage.
Mount Dromedy or Gulaga Mountain is a major attraction in the area and is of special importance to the Aboriginal people of the far south coast. Take the walking track from Tilba Tilba up the mountain.
The villages showcase the grand style of our architectural past with houses and buildings as fresh and colourful as when they were built. A great place to stay or visit with all the unique shops and galleries.
Many of our grey nomad readers are quiet about their past, when many of the baby boomers enjoyed what could be called an alternative lifestyle. Well an old hippy never dies, so for those of us not unfamiliar with the free thinking of our youth, get yourself along to the Gulaga Gallery and Bookstore, the best new age hippy shop this side of Venus and Mars. Hemp anyone? Clothes that is, cool shades and all sizes. Great one off clothes for the lady, handcrafted jewellery in a crafts town and enlightening books and candles to let the hippy back into us. 7 Bate St, Central Tilba, open 7 days, 9-5.
You can drive through to Cobargo as green hills roll away into mystical valleys. Cobargo is a working town of artisans, craft people and painters. A bustling, friendly village of rural and art, of farm and sculpture. A great place to stop, visit and stay.
This atmospheric town has a laid back vibe that only the south coast could produce. There is a wealth of talent in this cute, quirky Austrian town and you’ll find all you want in good, Australian made leather at South Coast Leather, from Akubras, R.M. Williams, Driza-bone to handmade leather belts, bags, boots and heaps more. You know you look good in leather! Go to www.southcoastleather.com.au or pop in at 68 Princes Hwy, Cobargo.
Cobargo is close to the beach and rivers for surfing, fishing or boating, you have to stop here. It’s surrounded by wilderness areas, National Parks, rugged mountains and is a buzzing vibrant place. Pop in for a coffee and a freshly baked pie, pastry or croissant at the Working Dog Bakery and café – famous for their kronuts which are the best bits of croissant and a donut with jam and cream filling. The pies are legendary throughout the area or have a sandwich, roll or pot of tea. Shop 1, 36-40 Princes Hwy Cobargo. http://www.workingdogbakery.com.au/
The choice of travel options available here are breathtaking, from a home base or abroad, tell your friends that you’re going again. They can’t keep a nomad home. Bon voyage.
