Down Under Answers
Blogs
Staff Blog
September 28, 2009
Post Corroboree Northern Rivers & Southern Queensland
Day 1
I don’t think I could have dreamt up a better way to recover from the chaos, energy and excitement of Corroboree, than to arrive into Byron Bay.
The ridiculously early wake up call was well worth the effort, once we had arrived into Brisbane from Adelaide and were making our way down to Byron Bay.
From Brisbane airport, the journey takes about 2 hours, 1 hour if you fly into the Gold Coast airport instead.
Met by Holly & Jane at The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa, we are whisked into the open air restaurant to enjoy a special lunch of refreshing flavors as we settle in the calm of our new surroundings. The property sits amongst 45 acres of sub tropical rainforest, and you can just feel the serenity as soon as you pause and take a breath. Such a great contrast from the hustle of traveling from one airport to the next, and then onto the bus, and then - pause .. deep breath- Calm Mmmm, this is more like it!
What better way to finish a great lunch, than with one of the most beautiful & biggest pavlovas I’ve seen! And delicious too!
While we digest our lunch, Jane leads us on a walk around the resort, through the rainforest on boarded walkways - we pause a moment at the hugging tree, so that we can all share the love! Our rooms are stunning with a beautiful sense of floating amongst the outside environment with two screened sitting areas that let the outside in. The tub is massive and we have true luxury in our room - a washer and dryer! The simple things, like clean clothes, make all the difference on your vacation!
With visions of clean laundry to come, we don our kimono spa robes and head for the spa. There’s a beautiful hot tub and steam room set in tranquil surrounds with rock art, and water feature to relax and unwind as you prepare for your spa treatment. I enjoyed an aromatherapy massage that was simply divine.
After our spa treatments, we all floated to the lobby to meet & head into town for dinner. Russell at Northern Rivers Tourism sacrificed spending his birthday with wife and kids, to dine on Tapas with us at the Balcony in Byron Bay - more delicious food!
Day 2
Awoken by a cacophony of bird song, we enjoyed a great day touring the Byron Bay area with Al, from Australian Wild Escapes. We started with great vistas from the most Easterly point of Australia, at the lighthouse at Byron Bay. The surf & sand stretched for miles in both directions, as we climbed to the top of the lighthouse - learning more about its history and construction with commentary by Andrew, from National Parks & Wildlife. From the lighthouse we watched a pod of dolphins move down the coast, a turtle play in the white wash, and a couple of whales frolicking in the bay.
Next we refueled at the Byron Bay Beach Cafe with coffees and lovely homemade, freshly baked cakes & baked delights. While there, we also stole a quick moment to feel the sand in our toes on Clarkes Beach.
Next stop, the impressive Crystal Castle in Byron’s hinterland region of green, rolling hills. We rambled through the beautiful gardens, admiring the collection of large and colorful crystals placed around the grounds & took a group photo at the base of the largest Buddha in the Southern Hemisphere. While tuning into our zen, we each had our aura photo taken and interpreted! So fun! After lunch we stopped in at Nightcap National Park for another wonderful vista out from a high escarpment looking across the sub tropical rainforest that stretches into the bush land.
We capped off the day with a visit to Bangalow, a quaint village, nestled in the sub tropical rainforest that thrives in the hinterland. We were met by members of the local chamber of commerce for happy hour wine and hors d’oeuvres at the Bangalow Hotel - it was such a treat to meet the locals and learn the town’s history.
Day 3
Feeling rested, relaxed & stretched after morning yoga, it was time to bid a sad farewell to the wonderful hospitality of the Byron at Byron Bay Resort & Spa. We headed back up the coast, a little over an hour, to the Gold Coast. Of course, I should mention that we didnt hit the road until after a bout of retail therapy at the boutiques of Byron Bay!
On the way up the coast, we stopped in at Currumbin Wildlife Park, where we were treated to a quick tour of the park, with time to pat a kangaroo and have our photo taken cuddling a koala! So cute!
Our home for this evening is at the opulent Palazzo Versace hotel, where everything in the hotel carries the Versace brand, including the teacups & saucer in your room. Simply divine! The Gold Coast is certainly a contrast to the relaxed, laid back hippy charm of Byron Bay. The Gold Coast picks up the pace a little, and reminds some of the group of the atmosphere of Miami Beach.
We ate like kings this evening, feasting on a seafood buffet at the hotel’s Il Barocco Restaurant & topped the night off with a luxurious bubble bath.
Day 4
Time to hit the road once more, and head further north, to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast ‘destination’, Noosa. This took a further hour and an half to reach from the Gold Coast. Here we met Louise from Tourism Noosa, and Amanda from the Gympie Cooloola Region, to join us for the rest of the day’s activities. The Discovery Group took us on an afternoon cruise & tour of the Everglades region where we learn about brackish water, and saw many different birds.
After the tour, it was time again to hop back in the bus, and head further north again, to Rainbow Beach - about 2 hours by road, from Noosa. This stretch between Noosa and Rainbow Beach alternately can be accessed by 4WD along the beach, and shaves about 30mins off the time if you take the beach road.
We arrive on the peninsula of Rainbow Beach, a hip, Aussie surf community protected from urban sprawl as it is nestled on 3 sides by National Park, with a great surf beach out front! We spend the night at the new, Plantation Resort, a beautiful property that is only a few step from the ocean. An all suite, apartment style property with a contemporary, beach feel. We head next door to the beautiful Rainbow Beach Hotel for a delicious meal and to meet more locals for friendly conversation.
Day 5
Is an early start, but well worth it - breakfast picnic on the beach after a quick tour of the Plantation Resort. We then jump on a ferry across to Tin Can Bay where we see wild dolphins coming into the bay for feeding, a few of us get our feet wet and feed the dolphin. We are then given the local creation story by Aboriginal elder Nei Nei Bird. She fascinates us with local stories and history while we enjoy more food! More good Aussie coffee and baked treats!
The remainder of the day we spend aboard the newest member of the fleet for Tin Can Bay Houseboats. Yes, we enjoy a hard day’s work aboard a houseboat, cruising through the Great Sandy Strait - enjoying views of Fraser Island. The houseboat is luxuriously appointed with 3 well-sized cabins, a large open galley kitchen and living/dining areas on the main floor as well as upstairs inside, and on the deck. Plenty of flat screen TVs in case you tire of the beautiful views! The food was delicious, more good food & the company was even better! We were joined for the day with more locals for conversation and local history. A marine biologist, a wildlife expert, and a bush poet also joined us! With a huge spread of seafood for lunch and more good pavlova & plenty of stories, it was time to go once again!
Now we were heading back down the coast, to Coolum, staying at the Hyatt Regency Coolum, the home of the golf championships. We headed back into Noosa for dinner this evening, another great evening with Louise & Amanda.
Could it be, that it was time to bid farewell to the surf & sunshine? After 5 glorious days of beaches, it was time to jump on the plane and head home with lots of new experiences to share.
September 27, 2009
Pre Corroboree Top End & Kimberley Experience
The journey began as I stepped aboard my Qantas flight from Los Angeles to Brisbane - that first welcome & friendly smile from the classic Australia staff, stress melts away and excitement kicks in.
Day 1
We flew from LA to Brisbane, connecting in Brisbane to the domestic terminal for our flight to Darwin. As you arrive into Brisbane, upon clearing customs you exit out into the terminal where you can check in for your domestic flight and drop your bags - no need to lug them to the domestic terminal with you. Once the group was all present and accounted for, we jumped on the short train ride across to the domestic terminal. This train ride is free when presenting your boarding pass, otherwise $4.
Arriving at our gate with plenty of time before boarding, we quickly disperse to check out the shops to load up on our favorite Aussie treats!
Full flight to Darwin, lots of Aussies onboard, excited to discover the top end of Australia that has been on their ‘to do’ list for a long time as well.
On arrival into Darwin, the air just oozes serenity and relaxation. Almost a feeling that you have stepped back in time - although definitely not the case, as Darwin is quite the cosmopolitan, cultural melting pot. Darwin is currently the fastest growing city in Australia, with a booming, hot, real estate market that is most definitely not feeling the pinch of today’s greater market.
Our accommodation this evening is at the Medina Grand Darwin Waterfront, a beautiful & spotless new property in the heart of the new waterfront precinct in Darwin. A new area of parklands, hotels, restaurants, shops, convention center & even a large lagoon style wave pool - all on Darwin’s waterfront.
I enjoyed the view from my room, watching people tackle the big waves in the pool with their rubber inner tubes! While the hotel and new precinct is all on the waterfront, the heart of Darwin’s retail therapy is only a few minutes walk away thanks to a new walkway.
I took the time to stretch my legs after the long flight, to walk around the shops in Darwin before returning to my room for a little shut eye!
Day 2
Today we discovered Litchfield National Park with AAT Kings. I was thrilled to see that over three quarters of those on the day trip were Australians, plenty of locals for the Americans to mingle and chat with. Litchfield was a great option for a day tour outside of Darwin, to experience the remote beauty of the top end. It took little over an hour to get out to the park, whereas Kakadu & Kathryn Gorge tend to be a much longer day for the one day exploration. After an early start, we pause at a bush cafe to recharge the batteries with a little caffeine. Your bathing suit and a towel are an absolute must on this tour, we pull into two different amazingly beautiful, natural water holes that you can swim in. We also visit and learn about different termite mounds, and stop at other vista points to soak in the striking beauty of the National Park.
This evening we are joined by some friends at Tourism Top End for dinner, where some of us are lucky enough to try the local Barramundi fish.
Day 3
Flight from Darwin to Kunnunura. We are welcomed at the airport by Chris & Mick from Home Valley Station, and Keith from 2KTours, a local legend in the area, who is our guide to take us out to Home Valley Station.
Before heading out to the Station, Keith takes us on a fascinating tour of the outskirts of Kunnunura to learn more about the irrigation lines. I cant express how surprised and intrigued I was to learn about the scope of farming done out here, I had no idea! A greater portion of the vegetables and produce found in Australian grocery stores come from this region! Particularly the cucumbers, rock melon & squash. There is also a huge production of Indian Sandalwood. After digesting all this new information, we start the journey out to Home Valley Station, our home of 2 nights. The trip from Kunnunura out to the Station takes a little over 1.5hrs, 1 hour of that time traveling on unsealed “dirt” roads. A little bumpy at times, but I thought the trip out to the Station by road was great as it truly gave you a sense and better understanding of exactly how far from “no where” you were.
I found a great description of the region, on the Home Valley Station website: http://www.homevalley.com.au
The Kimberley region of Western Australia is a magnificent ancient land as famous for its majestic ranges and stunning gorges as it is for its dusty cracked mud flats.
It is a land of extremes throughout the entire year - from the temperate dry season with its flawless blue skies and cool nights to the dramatic wet when everything in the country comes alive.
A region of breathtaking contrasts, the Kimberley is located in the far Northwest of Western Australia. From the stunning pearling coast of Broome in the state’s West through to the rugged landforms of the East Kimberley, no two experiences are the same.
The Kimberley region covers and area of approximately 423,000 square kilometers and is one of the least densely populated areas in the world. Home Valley Station is located in the East Kimberley - 120km from Kununurra, 643km from Derby.
It is here travelers experience a unique connection with an ancient land largely untouched. Discover the generous and easy-going nature of the locals, unforgettable scenery, and the inspiring spirit of the region’s Indigenous people. You may even discover a little about yourself.
This is the true Australian outback.
I couldn’t agree more. As a group, we experience a truly memorable time out at Home Valley Station. Upon arrival we were given time to simply soak in our surrounds.
I had the privilege to stay in one of the Station’s “Grass Castles” accommodation that was similar to a tropical bungalow, only in the heart of Australia! Instead of a lagoon, my little abode overlooked the Bindoola Creek. If you shone a flashlight along the banks at night, you could see the reflection of fresh water crocodile eyes flash back at you! Chris claims these guys are the friendly ones! The castles themselves were beautiful, modern & complete with all the luxuries and comforts one could ask for.
During our stay we dined at the Dusty Bar & Grill where the food, service, drink selection were all second to none! I recommend the salt & pepper squid!
But before we settled into the Dusty, we received a special treat - sunset champagne & cheese platters while soaking in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges. The changing colors over the Ranges will have your camera working over time. Sitting, soaking in the silence and sipping champagne - now this is hard work! (Thank you Kirk, thank you Chris!!)
Day 3
Today I embarked with a few from my group, in the more than capable hands of JR, on a muster experience. Yes, that’s right - I rode a horse, for nearly three hours! First time in the saddle without a lead on the horse and a ring for it to walk about - this was a big deal! And so much fun! JR, who is more than qualified for the job, has represented Australia on the rodeo circuit, will not leave the stables until you are confident in the saddle. We rode through the bush in the morning sunlight before finding the cattle, and mustering them to a new watering hole. A very rewarding experience indeed! While we were mustering and I was channeling my inner Lady Sarah Ashely, the remainder of our group had been trying their luck down at the Pentecost River. Unfortunately the barramundi wasn’t biting for us, so we left with a good dose of sunshine.
Each evening at the Dusty Bar & Grill we were treated to entertainment by Big Mick on the didgeridoo, and Mick is quite well known for his musical talents throughout Australia so it was a great treat.
After dinner tonight, we were in for an even bigger treat with stories around the bushfire with local personality and Aboriginal elder, Diesel.
Day 4
While only a short stay out at Home Valley Station, we left with a lasting impression and strong attachment to the land and the Station. We had a quick minute or two to stop into the two diamond stores in Kunnunura before boarding our flight to Broome. Flying into Broome you are struck by the contrast of colors. Red dirt roads, seemingly heading from the middle of nowhere, to meet in Broome, green eucalypt treetops & the aqua marine blue of the Indian Ocean is spectacular!
We are met by Bec from the Cable Beach Resort, and transferred the short distance to our new home at the luxurious Cable Beach Resort. As in the case with so many fantastic places in Australia, it truly is this excellent level of customer service that really makes the Cable Beach Club so special. We were lucky enough to be joined by Sue, the guest relations manager at Cable Beach Club for some of our stay, she really is a fantastic institution at the Club and certainly a delight to be in the company of!
This afternoon we toured Broome with Australian Pinnacle Tours, visiting Sun Pictures - a unique open air cinema experience, a quick shop in one of many lovely pearl outlets in Broome, Matso’s charismatic Brewery where the Ginger Beer is excellent, as well as very several beaches and look out points. We finished driving down onto the beach, in our tour bus, for a truly relaxing afternoon - a sunset BBQ on the beach. With speckled cloud cover, we enjoyed a spectacular show for sunset & all enjoyed our good food, good wine & good company!
Day 5
We meet this morning to head out to Willie Pearl Farm where we learnt more than we could ever imagine possible, about the South Seas Pearling industry and how a pearl is formed. After a few purchases we head back into Broome. We enjoy a sumptuous lunch of delicious flavors from the Middle East and Mediterranean at Pinctada, the newest luxury resort in Broome.
This afternoon we enjoyed an iconic activity, famous to Broome, we rode camels at sunset on Cable Beach. Just when I think we have had our fill of amazingly beautiful sunset experiences, we find a new way to enjoy it!
What fun - riding camels! Like a roller coaster as they stand and sit, but so much fun! And quite a smooth ride once you get used to the motion. And they are so cute! The staff at Broome Camel Safaris are so friendly, fantastic and great with cameras! They are more than happy to take your camera and snap photos of you riding along on your camel, they run ahead and take group picture and they wait until just the perfect moment to get that spectacular and iconic sunset shot! Off the camels after the sun had set we witnessed the Broome rush hour traffic, as all the vehicles head off the beach and back onto the road once the sun has set.
Day 6
Sadly we leave Broome, all wanting to stay just a little longer to enjoy this remote paradise. We arriving into Perth and it’s quite a culture shock - wind and rain instead of sunshine in warmth! Making matters worse, there is construction happening at the airport and we have to walk through the rain on the tarmac and into the front entrance of the airport instead of via a jet bridge! Instant shower! What a welcome to the city!
Our friends out at the Toga Hospitality group help us again as we stay at the Medina Grand Perth - spacious, modern, beautiful apartments a step away from the convention center in Perth and only a few moments away from the heart of Perth.
Tonight we meet up with a few other groups who have been touring various regions of Western Australia. We get together for an amazing meal at the esteemed Richardson Hotel & Spa in Perth. We taste the flavors of Western Australia in an amazing meal, with one of the most deliciously intriguing desserts I’ve ever tasted!
After dinner we head back to our hotel, for a quick cat nap before the 4am wake call jumps us out of our Western Australian dream & calls us to Corroboree - the annual Aussie Specialist Travel Agent convention that is being held in Adelaide this year.
September 27, 2009
True North Cruise
What a fantastic cruise! Pure Luxury, helicopter on board, attentive, intuitive staff and state of the art facilities, staterooms were superb and offered all the creature comforts you need. I joined the 7 night cruise from the Mitchell Plateau to Broome. As I was whisked away in the helicopter to join the boat I knew I was in for an adventure. (Yes, there’s a helicopter on the board).
Day 1- on board in time for a gourmet cooked lunch, fresh baked bread and a cleansing glass of champagne (alcohol is extra, but all soft drinks and tea and coffee is included). True North takes 36 passengers, our cruise only had 30 passengers and 20 crew. There are tenders (aluminium motorized boats) for excursions that seamlessly deliver you to beaches, waterholes and all your fishing and sightseeing cruises. This afternoon we are over to a secluded bay for oyster shucking. We actually opened oysters and ate them right there with some lemon ( and a bit of tobasco). what a treat! Back in the tenders and onto the boat for a relaxing afternoon before boarding the tenders for sunset cocktails on a nearby beach. Mud crab was served (caught by the guests and crew that morning), along with barbecued Barramundi. I had Sex on the Beach, the cocktail and was in awe that a few hours ago i was in Darwin, and now here I was, relaxed and surrounded by gorges and turquoise water about to embark on this amazing adventure around the Kimberley. As the sun set we made our way back to the boat to freshen up for dinner (and pre dinner drinks the bar lounge). I learnt that they download the photos taken by the staff of the days’ events and so you can watch them as you have a drink before dinner. Fresh sashimi was served while we had a drink and watched the incredible pictures of the rock art sites visited in the morning. At dinner, the cruise director, Amelia recaps the day and prepares us for what is in store the next day. When you return to your cabin there is also a write up of the itinerary for the day and a description on the reef system or environment you will be entering. I head to bed at 9pm, I’m exhausted and breakfast is served at 6am tomorrow.
Day 2 - Before you retire for the night you sign up for the activities you want to do. there is always fishing in the morning and afternoon on most days, sightseeing cruises up the river, or to a gorge and my favorites are the helicopter sightseeing flights. Today i am relaxing on board with a coffee and a book, and have opted in for the 10.30 sightseeing cruise to a waterhole. the boat is so well stocked, there’s tea and coffee available on the boat deck, along with myriad bottles of sunscreen to lather up with. There’s a no shoes on board policy, so everybody is relaxed and in their barefoot chic. You leave your excurision shoes outside and grab them if necessary for the different excursions (you need a covered in pair like sneakers and also reef shoes or thongs). everybody on board is friendly and just wants to enjoy themselves and see as much as they can. ages range from 50’s - 70’s. The staff are so wonderful and for the few older ladies worried about climbing up over rocks, the staff were always there to assist. the hardest thing is coming to terms with being surrounded by all this amazing water, being so hot that you just want to dive in but knowing that there are salt-water crocs everywhere just waiting for you. this is no joke and safety on board and within the tenders really must be adhered to. no dangling your hand out in the boat. it is so beautiful to be in this fresh waterhole, the water is refreshing and crisp, the paperbarks and eucalypts surrounding it add to the atmosphere. the staff always bring a huge supply of snacks and drinks to keep you hydrated, all you need to bring is your camera! Andy the marine biologist on board is laden with information on the areas we visit and throughout the cruise provides lectures in the bar lounge on the species we will encouter, the reef systems, or the fauna. they are highly educational and give you a true sense of the complex and dramatic systems that surround us.
Day 3 - Helicopter Picnic
this is unbelievable! the highlight of my trip (actually one of the highlights, there were so many). the heli and Pilot Rob ( a real character and total Aussie bloke) whisks you away for a 10 minute flight to a hidden waterhole. there’s a few rocks to climb up and over, and even a short drop that you must abseil down (you could almost jump it, but not quite, this is my first time doing this and i’m amazed at the agility of some of the guests as they do this effortlessly), it’s all part of the experience. You start to smell the steaks and prawns on the barbie as you get closer to the picnic site. What you find is an incredible waterhole, overhanging trees providing shade, sandstone will brilliant colors and waterfalls providing a pummelling massage to your shoulders. everything has been set up by the staff who have worked tirelessly to bring everything here that we would need. fresh mud crab is served while the beers are open (including fresh lime), chairs have been set up in strategic locations under shady spots, and all manner of drinks are served. everybody is in their cozzies (australian for swimmers) and looking relaxed. the crew have brought our beach towels, sunscreen and inflatable pool toys for us to lie on in the water. lunch is cooking (fresh fish, prawns, steak, sausages) potato salad, fresh bread, chicken skewers, and so much more. I venture up with guest and crew to the higher waterfalls and another rockpool where there is a steep dive ledge which some of the guests and a few of the crew jump from.
On the way home the helicopter pilot lands on the rugged and vast land and we are shown an ancient rock art from the Windjana people. This is like rockart I have never seen before, the paintings are huge and are of people and very vivid in color. These were only discovered a few years ago by True North crew as they have been operating in the Kimberley for the last 22 years, this is their backyard, this is their home and each time they make a trip they discover new areas to explore.
Day 4 - I join a morning sightseeing cruise to spot for crocodiles and birdlife. We see a magnificent bird of prey attacking in mid flight, the birdlife is prolific and what I especially love about the staff is that they are all so knowledgeable on the flora, fauna and eco systems that we travel through. this is not their job, it’s their passion. throughout all my travels I have not seen a more dedicated, passionate team. they truly cater for your every need, but more than that, they want you to experience everything that they know and love. We cruise through mangroves, we see a turtle breeding ground and marvel at the magnificent sandstone gorges and overhangs. Lunch on board, time for a nap and then this afternoon we head out for a scenic flight on the heli. There’s whales breaching right near the boat and as I click away I think that this is the most incredible day and it can’t get better than this. Tonight venison is served followed by grilled pears in red wine. Lunches normally are lighter with fish or seafood, salads and the delicious bread cooked on board. The menu is always written up the night before so if you don’t like anything that is served, you can go into the kitchen to see Irish or Jamie and ask for a substitution. the boat is yours, and the crew encourage you to chat with them. they are there to interact and engage, but also are such professionals they know the exact times to be there with you.
Day 5 - i can’t believe how quickly the time is going. i decide that for the rest of the cruise i’m not going to nap during the day so i can take advantage of everything on offer. Today i decide to go out fishing for the first time in my life. i have always been a city girl and didn’t think i would enjoy fishing. was i wrong. the owner and the manager of the boat took me out and showed me how to bait my line, we stopped near a rocky enbankment and within minutes the GM’s little son Lochy had a bite, and reeled in this amazing fingermark bream. that was the start of our successful fishing trip, we filled our esky with cod, salmon, fingermark, we even caught an eel (which was promptly released back into the water). we moved spots a few times and i lost my whole hook and sinker to a shark a couple of times, but then victory for me. I had a bite and as I struggled to reel it in (not knowing what to do) i lost a huge salmon. with some instruction and training on how to reel in I had another bite and this time pulled in a Mangrove Jack, a prized fish and really big - I was so proud of myself and was really hooked on fishing (excuse the pun). I wished I hadn’t left it so late into the cruise to experience this! Now each night at dinner they had a hat called the fishing award that was given to the best fisherman/woman of the day. it could be for your efforts, it could be for the amount you caught, or a hard win that you overcame, whatever it was for , it was coveted by the guests on board who went fishing. each fishing guide would stand up and tell the stories from their boat and the winner would be decided. this night, the fish hat award was mine and i couldn’t be more proud. tonight Mikey, one of the crew took us to the back deck after dinner for star gazing and a talk on the planets and galaxies. I thought I had seen some star lit skies in my time, but this was dazzling. just to be outside on a balmy night witnessing shooting stars, the Milky Way and learning about the incredible planets light years away from ours.
day 6 - today we visited a really special place called Montgomery Reef, this magnificent reef formation formed in the water with gushing torrents of water flowing through the mounds of live coral. in our tender we were able to get up close and personal to this ancient reef system. we saw brain coral, turtles and we were on the lookout for the elusive dugong, but didn’t see one in our boat (another tender did),. this area could be the 8th wonder of the world ,it is that incredible. back on board, we prepared for a trip to Croc Creek and a beautiful waterhole for swimming and sunbaking. At Croc Creek, this area is known by all the visiting workers and miners in the region and as such the miners put down a concrete slab and a shaded roof by the waterhole for guests to enjoy some shade. visiting boats from the last 10 years have all left a piece of memorabilia here to signify their visit. we then went through this sandstone arch with brilliant earthy colors of red, and burnt orange and subtle pinks, it was like the Hole in the rock in NZ but on a tinier scale and more intricate. back on board for more food. tonight, the staff laid on an italian feast outside on the bar deck, we all dressed up in fancy dress that the crew had on board and it was just so much fun. there was dancing and bubbly and everybody was enjoying their new found friends and the bond that we shared on this journey.
day 7 - it was an early start this morning and a few guests including myself were feeling depressed that this was about to end. we had to make the most of today and for many, this was the best for last. firstly we arrived at Horizontal Falls, it looked the lost land with whirring water and waterfalls which were like a thundering waterfall but horizontal. our tender had to go full throttle to get us through to the other side. lives had been lost in this area so we were all kitted out in life vests. this was a true highlight, a huge cavernous area that had water like a white water rafting trip. there were 2 areas to pass through , but safety prevailed and we could only pass through one area. lots of photos were taken and a great time had by all. we then cruised for a few hours while we enjoyed lunch before making our way to Hidden Island (Silica Beach) for an afternoon of swimming in the Indian Ocean (the only spot that we could do so safely without fear of the crocs), we swam in the water, sunbaked on the beach under umbrellas set up by the crew, played beach cricket and relaxed. later that afternoon we saw more whales breaching off the side of the boat, a miracle of nature and truly overwhelming. the sunset tonight was particularly spectacular. tonight after dinner Captain Kev would be making speeches and we had a special treat in store for the crew too. we had written a song about them that we were all going to sing tonight. all the guests had been instrumental in this and when our performance was over we were met with wonder and applause. i don’t think they had quite heard anything like it.
what an amazing part of australia. one of the staff had said it was like their backyard, their playground and all i want to do now is share this with every American I can so that they too can see the real Australia as i did.
March 19, 2008
sofitel queenstown
What a wonderful location, the staff were attentive and the rooms were rich and inviting. Each room had a proper espresso machine, spacious bathroom with deep sunken tub for relaxing in after the adventures and activities of the day, plus the patented Sofitel MyBed helping you to have a peaceful and relaxing sleep. What I enjoyed the most is that the resort is right in the heart of queenstown. Within minutes we were surrounded by café’s, shopping, all the adventures on Lake Wakatipu as well as a short drive to Arrowtown. I definitely recommend this hotel.
March 19, 2008
O’Reilly’s
Stayed in the 2 bedroom brand new mountain villas. They are separated from the main house by a short drive but have everything you could possibly need to enjoy a relaxing stay. The new 2 bedroom Mountain Villas come complete with a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, 2 or 3 master bedrooms that are configured exactly the same (so no fighting over who has the best room or en-suite) and a deck that offers a jacuzzi tub and bbq. The views are simply stunning and my favorite part of the day was breakfast to the sounds of the bird-songs and evening wines on the deck as the sun set through the eucalyptus trees.