The isolation of being ‘down under’ seduces the Aussie traveller to the far away destinations of ‘up top’.
Long distances mean nothing to us. A thousand kilometres is ‘just a day’s drive’. The size of the magnificent island continent is massive, around the same size as the USA, so we are used to ‘going to faraway places’ without leaving the country.
Travelling to New Zealand is referred to by Australians as ‘going for a trip next door’ or traversing the Tasman Sea as ‘across the ditch’ so familiar have they become to one of Oz’s most popular destinations. In summer of the peak of winter snow, Queenstown is visited by many. Blue Peaks Apartments are located here, ideal for families equipped with Sky TV & Cartoon channels, cots, highchairs, these fully furnished 2 & 3 bed apartments are everything you desire. Great views with ensuite bathrooms, don’t miss out book at www.bluepeaksapartments.co.nz
Known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, Dunedin is the country’s city of the south, wearing its Scottish heritage with pride. Surrounded by dramatic hills & at the foot of a long, picturesque harbour, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian & Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Be sure to head out & explore Dunedin’s fantastic museums, discover scientific gems at the Discovery Centre at the Otago Museum, visit New Zealand’s only castle Larnach Castle & step back in time at Olveston Historic Home & Theomin Gallery. This pristine historic home has much to offer with its magnificent artwork in every room. Olverston reflects the wealth & influence of its founder; Dunedin businessman, collector & philanthropist David Theomin. Opened as a historic house museum in 1967, Olveston is an authentic & original historic home depicting the life of a wealth merchant family in the early part of the twentieth century http://www.olveston.co.nz
Another island close to Australia, but a little less known is Niue, a proud nation on a limestone island full of caves & rock pools, lagoons & cliffs. Somewhere different, somewhere unusual. It is here where they have the Stone Villas, charming villas built out of limestone, so it cools in the heat. Situated near fascinating coral swimming pools, coconut trees & passing whale, this unique place to stay is perfect for a romantic getaway. www.stonevillas.webs.com
Australians love to travel to the USA, with opposing seasons Aussies tend to head up to the northern hemisphere as the weather starts to cool at home. The California Trail Centres is a one place of historic interest to all. Hosting 15,000 square metres of exhibit & interactive experiences, this Historic Centre follows the overland Trail Migration, the largest voluntary migration in history, to the Gold Fields & Coast of California from the East Coast.
Free Admissions means it is a must stop for Australians holidaying in the USA, & has a common relationship to our own home grown Eureka Gold Fever. Inside you will find a book shop a wagon trial, a Native American Camp & much more.
Try panning for gold & hear Native American Tales in this unique centre 8 miles East of Elko Nevada. This state is full of wonders both manmade & natural. A taste of the true cowboy trail awaits you & Elko boasts all the creative comfort the American Experience can offer. Go to www.californiatrailcenter.org for more information or go to Elki County Visitors Authority at www.elcova.com
Cruising in American Waters has a huge appeal to the Australian traveller as the landscapes are so different to the landscape at home. Viewing mountainous coasts & icy locations is not really possible at home. Nexus Holidays has an 18 day Alaska & Canadian Rockies cruise from $5,499 which includes return airfare, 8 night’s hotel accommodation, 7 nights on board Explorer of the Sea, entries, tours, most meals, transport, tipping. From $5499 they also have incredible cruises in the Far East & Grand Tours of China. Go to www.nexusholidays.com.au
Europe is about as far away from Australia as you can get, yet you will find the intrepid Australian traveller in its most remote reaches. Cruises in Europe are an ever-popular way to have a look in luxury. How about a Deluxe European River Cruise of 16 days visiting all the classic spots with a discount of $1560 pp. if you book now. Cruises include an outside cabin, meals with drinks, sightseeing & if you sign up now, you can win greet prizes go to www.gate1travel.com.au for more information.
India is one of the world’s most colourful, interesting places. A land of mystery & intrigue, poetry & wonder, a very special land. You can visit the Taj Mahal, the metropolis of Dehli, the other worldly Jaipur, Mandaway, Agra & Pushkar for only $999 for 9 days & 10 nights staying at Crowne Plaza, Four Points Sheraton & other deluxe hotels – a marvellous tour at a bargain price. Go to www.tasteandtravel.com.au for more information.
CH Cruises has a 31 day cruise from London to Lisbon including flights & 7 tours in 3 countries with visits to Scotland, Iceland, the Shetland & Orkney Islands from $14,395 or A French Riviera Cruise for 14 days at $4570 & the Italian Adriatic Highlights of Rome to Venice for 15 days. Cruise include all meals on board, complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks with dinner, excursions, expert speakers, tips & port fees, transfers & baggage handling. Call 02 9369 4466 to book early for a 25% discount.
The Islands of Malta, Sicily & Sardinia are a major drawcard for travellers from nearby Italy & abroad. Travel Directors tours of these islands include visits to Mt Etna, the catacombs, staying in medieval cliff top towns, flights, accommodation, transport, transfer, meals, guides & all tips & gratuities. This 27 day extravaganza is $17,750. Other faraway places they can take you to include their Himalayan Express Tour on the worlds highest railway. The Baltics & Beyond – a 29 day tour of historic beauty, architecture & more or the Road to Mandalay; a Chinese, Burmese Odyssey through exciting Chinese towns into Burma, cruises, temple visits & much much more. Go to www.traveldirectors.com.au for more information.
Asia Discovery Tours is a well-known specialist of the Far East, one of Australia’s favourites. They have a huge choice of sensational tours from a $2480 13 day Vietnam Holiday Tour to an 18 day China Garden Tour from $4150. Destinations with great value packages include Sri Lanka, Mynamar, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau & fantastic water & river tours of Russia & Scandinavia. www.asiadiscoverytours.com.au
Travelling around Australia is very rewarding. Holiday homes, outback tours, apartments for rent in coastal resorts & history tours are fun, fascinating & fulfilling.
At Palm Beach in Sydney you can join Fantasea for their whale watching cruise off the coast. Operating on Sundays from 26 June – 9 Oct, these cruises depart from Palm Beach Wharf or Ettalong Wharf. Tea & coffee are complimentary & there is a licensed bar on board. Go to www.palmbeachferries.com.au
Close to Sydney is the fabulous Forresters Beach, a central coast location with a sunny outlook over the beach & its famous surfing reef. A stay here is refreshing & rewarding. Beach Paradise is a holiday house with Sydney weekenders in mind. A deluxe style home right on the beach with view, modern furnishing & designer style, just 90minutes from Sydney do yourself a favour & book at www.beachparadise.com.au
Further up the coast or ‘just a little drive up the road’ is Grafton, the jacaranda capital of Australia & here the Hilldrop Motor Inn has a 5 night motel accommodation, all breakfast & dinners, 4 full day bus tours & 4 morning teas for $549. This AAA rates motor inn overlooks the valley & is close to all amenities go to www.hilldrop.com.au
On the sunshine coast in Queensland The Moorings Beach Resort has a stay 7 pay for 5 deal at $665 with 7 nights in a one bedroom, fully equipped apartment in a superb location .The Moorings Resort has heated pools, spas, steam rooms & a gym & you can walk to top restaurants & shops. www.mooringsbeachresort.com.au
How about a trip to the top of the Australian Continent, 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 & 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.daintreeair.com.au
The outback holds a unique fascination to travellers from here & abroad. The light & landscape are different to anything else on earth. The sparkle of ores, sprinkled through the rocks & sand twinkle with the dreams of those who came here for their fortunes. Gold, gold & more gold or silver has lured men from all over the world to our historic gold rush towns & cities. Broken Hill is one of them & you can see it all here with Sliver City Tours, that take you back to the 1900’s with a 6 day tour from $999 including all tours, accommodation meals & transfers. Visit grand old pubs, heritage architecture, mining cottages & village, historic mines, unforgettable landscapes & much more. See the outback in super comfort everyday & then enjoy this fabulous city www.silvercitytours.com.au Eureka!!
Imagine seeing wales up close in one of the best places on earth to view them – the Humpback Highway at Port Stephens. Known for the frequency & activity of our huge friends, Port Stephens is a delight & you & a friend can see the whaler on an Imagine Whale Watch Cruise & stay for 1 night in the boutique accommodation at Marty’s at Little Beach for only $190 for 2 people. Included are free hot chocolate or soup, a free beanie, cap or scarf & binoculars go to http://martys.net.au/ or www.imaginecruises.com.au
For all travellers whether domestic or international, there is always the chance of something unpredictable happening. Being unprepared for hospital bills or evacuation is not good planning. With the ever present danger of accidents on the road, at sea, or delays & layovers for flights or connections, travel insurance is a necessity that must be included in all trip planning. The unwanted appointment in emergency or at the dentist overseas can cost a small fortune. For seniors you can get your cover hassle free at Seniors Insure – make sure you do – go two www.seniorsinsure.com.au for all your needs.
So if you’re on a cruise in Alaska or Iceland, exploring the outback or the USA, on a bus or a plane in the Far East or the Northern Rivers, say g’day to your fellow Aussie traveller, there is bound to be one on-board.
Pic 1 Marina in Lipari Island, Sicily, Italy
