We are always looking for good companies to work with in arranging vacations for our clients. One of our favorite suppliers is Down Under Answers – a company that provides great expertise and planning for the South Pacific. We recently discussed Australia vacations with Kerryn Cook of Down Under Answers.
FamilyTravelGurus: What makes Australia a great destination to visit?
Diversity. With a country the size of the continental USA, you are going to see everything from World heritage-listed rainforests, to the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef, the ever-changing color palette of the outback and Ayers Rock, to the world¹s most resplendent harbor in Sydney. Each icon is hosted within a region that is also unique, fresh and offers plenty of chances to mix with true Aussies, Aussie¹s that love to take you in and talk to you about your experiences, invite you to their house for a barbie and get to know you. You don¹t find that in Europe! And then there¹s our cute and crazy animals, unique to Australia cuddle a koala in Queensland, see mighty red kangaroos on a journey through the outback, search for the elusive platypus in Tassie. All these things combine to make Australia a safe, enjoyable, ever-exciting destination.
FamilyTravelGurus: With so much land to cover, what are your five favorite “must see” areas in Australia?
That is such a tough question to answer because there are so many more than 5, and so many travelers seeking different experiences. 1. Ayers Rock 2. Kangaroo Island 3. Cable Beach, Broome 4. Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef 5. Sydney Could I add one more I would have to add Southern Queensland this region doesn’t get a lot of visitation by North Americans, but those who do love it, it truly is a spectacular and untouched region of Australia.
FamilyTravelGurus: As you know we specialize in family vacations. Is Australia a good destination to bring kids to?
Everything about Australia is family friendly. There are myriad resorts that offer free kids clubs, island resorts like Heron where you can learn about the turtles and the prolific birdlife, cruises to the Great Barrier Reef where the kids will learn all about the reef, how to snorkel and be safe in the water, plenty of family friendly restaurants and café¹s. Australia is a nation of families, and so already Australia caters for that market. Southern Queensland area is a fantastic place to include for your family holiday, renting a car and having the freedom to roam as you want to, stop when you need to is a great idea. There are some upscale resorts that don¹t cater for children under 13 years, but otherwise, everything is open and available and the kids will get the opportunity to meet with other Aussie kids at many of the resorts you choose to stay at.
