Kings Canyon-An Outback Gem

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August 2015, I once again enjoyed being included on an educational familiarization trip to Australia. The itinerary included several days in The Outback. Most Americans are familiar with the famed Outback either through movies such as “Crocodile Dundee” or the restaurant chain “Outback” or have heard about Ayers Rock (Uluru) that marks the center of this territory. However, I find that few want to take the time to really explore this region besides a 2-day inclusion to explore Uluru.

I am here to tell you that you need to add some extra days to your itinerary and explore Kings Canyon.


Kings Canyon is part of Watarrka National Park and lies about half-way between Uluru and Alice Springs. Kings Canyon is “back of beyond”-way out there somewhere remote. No phone service, no Wi-Fi, no doctors even for miles or a day’s trip away. Despite its remote location, this is the perfect place to escape, relax, and connect.

Kings Canyon’s sandstone walls were formed millions of years ago, and the aboriginal have called it home for over 20,000 years now. With more than 600 species of vegetation, the canyon makes for a lovely hiking escape if you’re up for the challenge. I was, even with being under the weather the day of our climb, I would not have missed this site.

The climb to the rim is a challenging 6-kilometer hike that takes approximately 3-4 hours. The first section of the climb is the most challenging as it is nearly a 90 degree stone step staircase to climb. Once you’ve conquered it, the remainder of the trail is relatively level, and the views are spectacular. Along part of the hike, we saw the famed area where “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” was filmed. Earlier in the week, we had been surprised by a secret performance from Priscilla and her troop. We also took the descending walk through what is known as “the Garden of Eden.” Here there is a permanent waterhole with amazing lush green vegetation and birdlife. After you take a million pictures of the breathtaking landscape and complete your hike, I recommend spending a night or two at Kings Canyon Resort.

Kings Canyon Resort makes for a nice base camp for exploring more of the region. My recommendation would be to stay in the deluxe room with the soaking tub below a clear picture window. You feel as if you are sitting right in the midst of the desert. It is very romantic for couples. During the season (April to October), take in the evening meal “Under a Desert Moon.” There is nothing quite so spectacular or romantic as dining under the Southern Night moonlit sky.

To explore Kings Canyon and Uluru, I would recommend allowing 3-4 days from your trip schedule. Trust me, this is the Australia you imagine, and it is well worth the stop.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslKings Canyon-An Outback Gem
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My Lunch with True Blue Aussie-Bushy and his Wife

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I had a real treat this week when my past client, Jean Lakey, replied to my weekly e-zine to ask if I had any time during the week to meet up with her brother and his wife from Western Australia. Here was her email:

“My brother is here from Perth Australia for 4 weeks. He enjoyed reading your email post this morning.
He said to tell you he is a tru- blu dinky di Aussie
Bushy. He is sitting at my table in Eads, Tn.
He says they spell “bushy” with a y . 😊😃
He would love to drop by and meet the lady who is promoting his wonderful Australia.
I told him you had helped us several years ago when we made our trip to Perth.”

Given my passion for this country and her people, I jumped on the opportunity to spend some time speaking with true Aussies. I immediately responded with a lunch invite. Jean’s email response was:

“Thank you so much for the lunch invitation.
Ken would love it, as would we. I must warn you,
his nickname is “Bushy” and he is a bit of a rounder.
He loves His Western Australia and is a volunteer at the
Round House in Perth. He is a history buff and loves
Sharing Australian facts and history so meeting someone
who is promoting his Country would be a treat.”

Of course, I told her the treat was all mine and we sent a date for lunch.

You see, Jean and her husband Bryan were my first Australia booking in 2011. That same year, shortly after booking their trip to visit their relatives, I was invited to my first FAM (familiarization trip) to Australia to complete my Australia Specialist Certification. It was a booking and a trip that soon changed the path of my life.

Thrilled to have the opportunity to get down and dirty with Australians, we met at O’Charley’s for a leisurely lunch. Ken, a.k.a. “Bushy”, was a wealth of information and a true historian. He and his wife, Madeline, shared all the great spots that you, my clients, should see in Western Australia. What most Americans don’t realize is the size of Australia. Western Australia is the largest state at nearly 3 times the size of Texas. Depending on how long you can escape will determine what you can choose to fit into your itinerary.

Bushy grew up around the aboriginals and currently volunteers and teaches at the Round House. The Round House is outside of Perth in Freemantle and is listed as a World Heritage Site. It is the oldest building in Western Australia and was first a prison in 1829. It didn’t actually house any convicts until 1850. In 1900, a dropping time ball and signal were erected. It was used each day at 1p to signal the correct time to navigators on ships entering Fremantle Harbour. While the procedure was discontinued in 1937, the Fremantle Volunteer Heritage Guides now re-enact the ceremony, and a member of the public may be invited to be the Honorary Gunnery Officer to fire the sound signal. The chance to fire is free, but a nominal donation is nice. It is the only place in the world remaining where you can have the opportunity to fire the sound signal. The person receives a free certificate as well. Upon her visit in 2011, Jean said this was an absolute highlight of her trip.

Lunch continued, and I must say I could have spent the whole afternoon listening to Ken, “Bushy”, and Madeline. It got a bit fun when “Bushy” decided he was going to test a bit of my Australian slang. I told him if he slowed down I might make out a bit, but if he spoke at full speed I wouldn’t be able to get enough of the context to decipher. Once he slowed down, I was somewhat fair. The Aussies like to do a lot of rhyming things and often shorten words. Truly, learning their slang is like learning another language. Just like here in the states, the different regions have different ways of saying and pronouncing things. Apparently, I speak more Eastern Australian, but no surprise since most of my friends and colleagues are from Sydney. Here is one he said in reference to our day at lunch:

“Bloody wind would blow a brown dog off a rusty chain”, meaning the wind had picked up quite a bit since we had entered the restaurant.

My favorite from Madeline was the Fremantle Doctor, aka “the sea breeze”. I think we could all use treatment from this doctor.

I compiled a list of must do’s from our conversation. To learn more about them or how to include Western Australia in your vacation plans contact us!

Western Australia Top “To Do” Items from an Aussie Perspective:

In Perth, Kings Park and the beaches (some the of the best beaches Australia has to deliver)
Go North to see the Lancelin Sand Dunes
A 2 hour run outside of Perth is the Pinnacles
Rottnest Island– take a ferry over and see the famous Quokkas
Freemantle War Memorial
4-5 hours visit the Natural Bridge
Go North to Broome to see the Stairway to the Stars
For wineries, stop by Margaret River or Swan River
See championship surging at Margaret River
Visit wildlife at Kahuna Wildlife Park
Visit the Living Rocks
Go to the Lighthouse where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet

I’ve certainly got Western Australia on my radar and with an open invitation to visit my new friends, I can’t wait to make it a reality.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslMy Lunch with True Blue Aussie-Bushy and his Wife
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Cleland Wildlife Park-An Adelaide Animal Experience

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Many of you may have realized koalas are my favorite. But, it is not just the koala. I am wild about wildlife. I have been since a child. Koalas, along with the other amazing Australian wildlife, have been my inspiration for years. It is no wonder that Australia’s animals rank high for traveler’s top reasons to visit, and Australia does not disappoint with nearly every imaginable encounter you can think of.

Truly, no matter which state or territory you decide to visit, you will be able to include a wildlife experience in your itinerary.


Upon my most recent visit Down Under to Adelaide, I enjoyed introducing my son to my love of Australian wildlife. Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, which is “wildly” know for its wildlife experiences. With this visit, I made sure that our first full day in the state would be filled with an experience he wouldn’t forget.

We were staying in the heart of Adelaide near Cleland Wildlife Park.

Being close to the city center, the park can be reached by public transport or even a cab. We decided to opt for having the hotel desk call us a cab. A note to the wise, be sure your cab driver actually knows his own city before leaving the hotel. Our ride over to the park was a bit like an episode from “The Amazing Race,” where the driver says, “Yes, I know where that is.”, and then you find yourself pulling up to the wrong park. After that, you find the clearly has no clue where he is going. Fortunately, I kept a global data plan on my phone and was able to call up maps and guide the cab driver to our destination.

The park is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (except for Christmas). What makes the wildlife parks in Australia a bit more unique than the familiar American zoo is the close and personal encounters you get to have with the wildlife. Imagine yourself in a giant kid zoo. Different educational and close encounters are scheduled throughout the day. The park has an eatery and gift shop as well. When buying your ticket (which runs about AUD 22), you can pick up a map along with food for the animals.

Our first stop was to head to the kangaroos. We were there during spring and got to see so many little joeys in their mom’s pouches. My son was amazed at how close you could get with them. You could even lay or sit beside them. It was like pulling teeth to have him move onto the next area where the wallabies were because he was so intrigued by all the little joeys popping their heads out. He had great fun taking selfies and making videos on the Go-Pro. Nearby the wallabies were the wombats. Now, these guys you could not feed, but the enclosures still made for great viewing. They even had white ones.

After a good hour or more feeding the kangaroos and wallabies, we finally moved on to explore the rest of the park with birds galore, reptiles, and the koalas as the main attraction. South Australia is one of Australia’s remaining states that still allows a “cuddle with a koala.” Of course, I couldn’t wait. I could never get enough koala cuddles in my lifetime. What was really the best for me was to see my son’s delight and watch him fall in love with my passion as well. The cuddle was a grand experience as we got to hold an adult male. Having only cuddled young ones of 1-3 yrs, this guy was a hefty fellow but loved it all the same.

We worked our way back through the park and stopped for some lunch before heading back to the kangaroos, which proved to be one of my son’s favorites. With still one bag of food left, we couldn’t let it go to waste. We spent nearly six hours at the park that day. With souvenirs for his friends in hand, we had the ladies at the entry call us a cab for the ride back to the hotel. Luckily, it was a much shorter trip this time. If you ask either of us, we would definitely recommend a day trip from Adelaide to this wonderful nature reserve.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslCleland Wildlife Park-An Adelaide Animal Experience
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Your Palate is Immature!

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During a recent visit to Australia, I had the pleasure of finally visiting the Hunter Valley. The Hunter Valley is one of the most visited places in Australia. An easy day or overnight trip north of Sydney, you can not only wet your palate with the various wines of the region, but you can enjoy local cuisine, golf, or a restful day at the spa. Wine tours and tastings can be set up in advance. They can be done by vehicle or even by bike if you are up for a pedal. Most of all, the Hunter Valley offers a taste of the countryside and the hospitality of the locals.


I was graced with the opportunity to travel with AEA Luxury tours for my wine tour. I love this company and typically use them when arranging my client’s tours. We visited four wineries my day out, beginning with Mount View Estates. We lucked out with an absolutely gorgeous spring day in Australia for our wine tasting. The scenery was spectacular, and they were able to have our wine tasting outside, looking over the vineyards. I am not a huge wine drinker, but I am always game when I travel to try anything once!

We were introduced to Melissa, who would be our hostess and “educator” for the tasting. The table was already set with glasses, spit buckets, and a lovely cheese and cracker plating with selections from the local area. As we began the tasting, she described the first white wine and remarked about how our palates change with age. I decided to raise my hand for a question, letting her know I had never really become much of a wine drinker and still preferred my wines to be sweet. She politely asked my age and discovered we were the same.

Her next comment was, “My friend, you have an immature palate, but that’s okay because we can fix that.”

I then became the example of the day, much to my fellow travel professional’s enjoyment, as she continued to make her selections. She had me keep an open mind and mouth as we went through the selections of the day. She had me try various things such as smelling the wine first, trying it from different size glasses, and holding my nose so I couldn’t smell it. She was good! By the end of our time with her, she had actually found me a red wine or two that I didn’t mind.

The best part, which made everyone laugh, was the homework she gave me. She said, “Dear, you need to drink more!” A roll of laughter erupted from our group as they knew I would have no problem following up with that assignment.

Our afternoon continued onto three more wineries that day, the last having a lovely lunch with pairings. Another lesson I learned on my wine tasting trip is to be sure to eat breakfast before you go. I spent most of the day inebriated to a high degree, and lunch was more than a welcome sight before we headed out to spend the night at a local homestead. The Hunter Valley experience was truly one not to be missed on your Australian vacation.

Cheers!

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslYour Palate is Immature!
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Why I Like to Fly Qantas

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Being an Aussie Specialist, I am privileged to travel to Australia more often than most for continued product and knowledge updates. I recently found myself on one of those training trips and had the pleasure of flying Qantas Airlines both internationally and domestically during my stay. A favorite choice of mine, Qantas, continually ranks as a #1 airline for customer satisfaction.

Here are the reasons why Qantas continually satisfies its clients.

Comfort- Qantas seating is some of the most comfortable you will ever sit in. From economy to premium to first class, the seats offer some of the best cushions in the air. A major bonus is that even in the economy for your international flight, you have a leg rest. A net drops down from below the seat in front of you, giving you the ability to stretch your legs. Or, in my case, being only five feet, then drop down lets my feet have a place to rest instead of swinging above the floor. You also receive a pillow and blanket for the long haul flight from the economy on up. Of course, the blankets, size of seating, and types of the leg rest all improve, and you increase the class of service.

Service- The Qantas airline crew are some of the best in the air. They service the flights with smiles and humor that I find unbeaten, among others. They take care of your every need, starting with a water bottle to keep you hydrated through dinner, late-night snacks, and breakfast. Yes, 3 meals with beverages (alcohol included) during your evening flight. It is not your cookies and peanuts but full-on meals with a main, side, and dessert.

Entertainment-Each seat from the economy on up has its own viewing screen. Options include the latest in the movie world, TV, music, and games. There are more than enough options even to cure the most sleepless of passengers. This last trip alone, I was able to watch movies such as “The Age of Adelaine,” “Fast and Furious 7”, “The Longest Ride,” and “Insurgent.” Typically, the best way to manage your flight is to pop on a flick, eat a meal, take your rest, pop on a second flick, enjoy breakfast, and then watch your flight land on the inflight live viewing screen. It is pretty amazing to see the city of Sydney as it is just awakening.

Similar things can be said about their domestic flights between the cities. Many of you may not realize that Australia is the same size as the United States and to get from Sydney to Perth is like going from New York to Los Angeles.

And Qantas is the number one choice.

Again, comfort and service cannot be beaten. You even get a full-on snack on flights as short as an hour.

The next time you are headed Down Under, I highly encourage you to request to fly Qantas. They have several major domestic partners, such as Delta, where you can earn miles as well.

Discover for yourself why Qantas is a world favorite.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslWhy I Like to Fly Qantas
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2 Meals, 2 Movies and a Nap!

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How to survive a long flight.

The long flight is the biggest obstacle or objection I often face when planning an Australia vacation package.

I have never met a person yet who hasn’t wanted to go, but the first thing they say to me is “the flight is too long”. Granted it is longer than a shot to the Caribbean, but what it lacks in convenience it makes up for in luxury and service. Truly, airlines such as Virgin Australia, have brought an art to crossing the oceans. After flying domestic for so long, you will think the economy on these flights is “first class.”

I know, I know your saying, but still it is so many hours in the air. I don’t know if I can be in a plane that long. My answer is you need to change your mindset and think as we do, “2 Meals, 2 Movies and a Nap” and voila you are there! Seriously, if you break it down into chunks the flight is quite manageable and the rewards of your Australia vacation make it well worth the effort.

Here are several of my tips on surviving a flight overseas.

Fly First Class! Yes, this is one time if you are going to splurge you should. The design of first class seating, business and premium economy make it well worth the upgrade.
Can’t fly first class, no worries. Try some of these other tips and enjoy the freedom of travel.
Break the flight up. There are several options where you can stop over on your way to Australia such as Hawaii, Fiji or the Cook Islands. Spend a night or two exploring these islands before arriving in Australia
Drink your Water. Staying hydrated while flying is key.
Consult with a physician. Do you have anxiety. Can’t sleep. Consult with your doctor before flying. I personally take Melatonin when flying after my dinner meal to help me get a restful sleep . I have had clients who have been prescribed something stronger to ease their nerves during the flight. They said it worked like a charm.
Creature comforts. Wear clothing the moves with you and doesn’t bind. If you have the option to slip into a pajamas or lounge wear do so. Take off your shoes and put some slippers on. This will help your body realize it’s time to rest.
A neck pillow. I love mine. Even though the headrest are now designed to keep you from falling on your neighbor, I like the comfort and support of a pillow.
Adapt to the time zone. For example, if you have a 15 hour flight and it will be morning when you arrive at your destination, do not go to sleep when you first get on your plane even if it is evening time. You want to work your way back from your arrival. So, in this example, I would want to stay up until I am about 10 hours from my destination and then take my sleep.
Stretch. Get up and move about the cabin when you can. These longer flights often have an area on board where passengers can walk grab a drink do some stretches. Great spot for making new friends.

These are just several of the tricks that have worked for me. I have to say I have been very blessed and experience minimal jet lag when I travel. Find what works best for you because the experience that awaits is to good to miss!


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa Rossmeissl2 Meals, 2 Movies and a Nap!
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Follow My Amazing Aussie Adventure

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Follow My Aussie Adventure

My #amazingaussieadventure is about to begin…

you will be able to see what I am up to by following my social media pages as well as popping over to Travel2 ‘s facebook page. Follow the following hashtags #amazingaussieadventure, #myhappyplace, #boomerangescapes. I along with 60 other agents are headed Down Under for an #amazingaussieadventure.

We have been divided into 6 groups. Each group will be experiencing a different Australian experience. My adventure is “Reef, Rainforest and City”. My trip includes two world heritage sites located next to each other, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Great Barrier Reef.

My journey begins by traveling from Memphis to LA via Delta Airlines to catch my Virgin Australia flight that will take me across the dateline. Once we land in Sydney on August 20th, we will catch a domestic flight and head to North Queensland.

Hello, Australia! Let the adventure begin.

Day 1- The first stop will be the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa. The Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa is a five star resort located on Four Mile Beach-gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. This spacious retreat features a range of Port Douglas accommodation styles, situated around one of the largest lagoon pools in the Southern Hempisphere. Once checked in, the remainder of the afternoon is mine to rest, relax, have a swim in the pool, or take a walk on famous Four Mile Beach.
Day 2- Kicks off with a leisurely breakfast. After breakfast, I will be picked up from the hotel for my Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Cruise. This will be an experience of a lifetime as the Quicksilver’s wave-piercing catamarans and friendly crew take me out to the reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf, to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of color and brilliance. I will be located on Agincourt Reef, where I will not only snorkel and explore the living natural wonder below the waters, but I will also be going to see this amazing world from above in my helicopter tour. The day will end with a casual dinner and site inspection at the beautiful Thala Beach Resort before my return to the Sea Temple for a good night’s rest.
Day 3-Pack my bags and grab some breakfast and prepare for my Down Under Tours Daintree Walkabout including Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Walk a Mossman Gorge. A unique expereience as I join the Kuku Yalanji Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge, learning of dreamtime legends, bush tucker sources and traditional plant use before tea, damper and question time with my indigenous guide. The tour will include a delicious lunch at Silky Oaks Lodge overlooking the beautiful Mossman River, before taking an informative cruise on the Daintree River before returning to Cairns. Upon arriving in Cairns we will check into the Pacific Hotel Cairns. After a dinner, sponsored by Pacific Hotel Cairns, I will be able to walk the Esplanade and experience Cairns by night. Possibly picking up some bargains at the Night Markets, or win a fortune at the Reef Casino, all 5 minutes walk from the hotel.
Day 4-After breakfast, I will be picked up by Down Under Answers Tours Kuranda for a an all inclusive tour. The morning will begin at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where an indigenous guide will show me the park, including bush food demonstrations, didgeridoo demonstrations, movie theatres, fire making demonstrations and the famous Tjapukai Dance Troupe. All followed by a buffet lunch at Boomerang Restaurant. The day continues with a rid on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Eventually arriving in Kuranda Village with free time to explore. Finally, I will board the Kuranda Scenic Rail, winding through hand-hewn tunnels, across bridges and around curves, all the time appreciating what an amazing engineering feat this is. The evening returns us to Cairns with dinner at Barnacle Bill’s Seafood Restaurant and free time after to further explore the Esplanade.
Day 5– Time to grab my bags and catch my flight to Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays Islands in Queensland, Australia, positioned approximately 887 kilometers north of Brisbane and 512 kilometers south of Cairns.
Day 6-Time for agents to work as we spend a day in Trade Training with a dinner hosted by Tourism Queensland.
Day 7-Play day. After breakfast, I will take a cruise out to the famous Whitehaven Beach for a day of snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. Plus, a highlight as I get to partake in a scenic flight over the Whitsundays. The evening is free as I get to explore and select one of Hamilton’s Island’s restaurants with one of my new friends.
Day 8– Time to depart this amazing island and head for Sydney. In Sydney, I will be checking into Holiday Inn Old Sydney. Located in the heart of The Rocks, this heritage-listed hotel enjoys spectacular view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera house. My dinner will be aboard Captain Cook Cruises on Sydney Harbour. The evening will be spent exploring some of the famous old pubs in The Rocks with my travel mates.
Day9-Grab a good breakfast before being picked up by AEA Luxury Tours for their full day Blue Mountains tour. Here I will get to revisit Featherdale Wildlife Park, view the famous 3 Sisters and lunch at Blackheath Golf Club. After lunch, I will spend the afternoon visiting a selection of lookouts including the famed Govett’s Leap. The remainder of the afternoon will be left open for some souvenir shopping before heading to Lavendar Bay for dinner.
Day 10-Time to return home. Goodbye Australia!

Any or all of these experiences can be customized for your own Australia Vacation Package. I would love to talk to you when I return and tell you about my #amazingaussieadventure!

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslFollow My Amazing Aussie Adventure
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The Australian War Memorial

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The Australian War Memorial is located in Canberra, Australia’s capital.

Canberra is a beautifully laid-out city with about 350,000 people making it the 8th largest in the country. A stop in Canberra is something you should consider for your Australia itinerary, and the Australian War Memorial is a must-visit.

I was fortunate to visit this fine city in October of 2011 as part of a Southern Capitals Tour offered by AATKings. Our tour took us from Sydney to Melbourne with an overnight in Canberra. The coolest thing about our arrival that day was that we had just missed the Queen of England who was in town to pay her respects at the Memorial. We got to see the wreath she left behind during our tour.

The Australians use the red poppy flower as a symbol of remembrance for the fallen soldiers. The walls are lined with poppies stuck amongst the names. We were actually given poppies to show our respect at the tomb of the unknown soldier. That is where the wreath above was laid by the Queen.

A visit to this place will show you just how similar the histories of Australia and the United States are. It also gives history and insight into our alliance during the war. The Australian War Memorial has three parts. The first is the Commemorative Area (shrine), including the Hall of Memory with the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier. The second is the museum. The third part is the Research Centre. The Memorial also has an outdoor Sculpture Garden. The Memorial is currently open daily from 10 am until 5 pm, except on Christmas Day. A unique thing about this place is you have a direct view of the Parliament House despite no roads that provide a direct link. Each year on April 25, they celebrate ANZAC Day. Anzac day is a day to remember the Australian who served and died in all war, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Not unlike our own Memorial Day.

Be sure to consider a visit to one of the world’s greatest museums. It will be a moving and unforgettable experience you are not to forget!

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslThe Australian War Memorial
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Sydney at New Years-No Better Place to Ring in the New Year

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Sydney at New Years-No Better Place to Ring in the New Year!

Sydney New Year’s Eve is as world famous as the city itself. It is believed to be the capital of New Years, hosting the best New Year’s Eve party in the world! The Harbour is the premiere location for this event. This spectacular evening boasts more than a 1000 fireworks to light up the sky. Sydney is also one of the first cities to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

More Than Just Fireworks
Each year there are plenty of events leading up to the fireworks extravaganza. There as many as 55 different vantage points around the Harbour for viewing. Here is a list of what is expected at they event.
Aerial Acrobatics above Sydney Harbour

  • Fire Tug Water Display
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Smoking Ceremony
  • Pylon Projections
  • Acknowlegement of Country
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge Effect
  • Family Firworks Display
  • Harbour Light Parade
  • Telstra Design-a-Firework Show

To learn more about this event and the planning behind it visit www.sydneynewyearseve.com

Many hotels offer special meals and packages for the event. Booking early is essential for planning a trip to Sydney for the New Year. January is peak season and planning a year in advance is essential. You’ll want to be sure to extend your stay and explore more of Sydney and its surroundings while there. You don’t want to miss any of the fun!

*Photo credit www.dailytelegraph.com.au

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslSydney at New Years-No Better Place to Ring in the New Year
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