Australia Vacation Expert Kerryn Cook
We are always looking for good companies to work with in arranging vacations for our clients. One of our favorites 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 world’s 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, Aussie’s 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 there’s 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 5 favorite “must see” areas in Australia and why?
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 (pictured above) such a spiritually moving place, it has an aura of peace. The magnitude of the rock, the magnificence of the area, and just hearing all the dreamtime creation stories really allows you to appreciate the ancient culture and struggles of the Aboriginal people. At sunrise or sunset, up-close or overlooking from a distance, it will captivate you.
2. Kangaroo Island as an Australian, it wasn’t until I visited Kangaroo Island that I appreciated wildlife in the wild, and not at a sanctuary, or a zoo. Kangaroo Island is considered Australia’s “Galapagos”, it has everything you could want from wildlife experiences. Over 40,000 Seals basking in the sun and against the wild crashing waves at Cape de Couedic; and go in search of koala¹s, and wallabies in the bush. Pristine beach environments, farming areas, and masses of bush. It was so educational to learn about the history of the land, the flora, the fauna and the diversity of the farming industry and why there aren¹t any Aboriginals on KI. I think what also makes KI exceptional is the passionate locals, like Craig Wickham from Exceptional Kangaroo Island, our main tour operator for travel to KI, who have made it their goal to showcase Kangaroo Island to a select number of visitors, keeping the environment clean and green at the same time. Then, moving on from there you have the beautiful accommodations such as The Southern Ocean Lodge, which everyone should get to experience at least once, the boutique Stranraer b&b and the local produce that is coming from the island (honey, sheep¹s cheese, meats) – everything about Kangaroo island is world-class, but don’t tell everyone, because we want to keep it for the special few.
3. Cable Beach, Broome Just like America has the East Coast/West Coast rivalry if you like, so does Australia with their East and West Coast. If you live on the Queensland/NSW side, you tend to think that this is the best area to be, so it never occurred to me that Western Australia would offer so many experiences, and so many unique icons. In Broome, I stayed at the Cable Beach Club. Broome is a charming coastal resort village, during the years before World War 1, pearling luggers operated out of Broome. Today, you can take a camel ride to sunset along Cable Beach, what a fantastic experience that is! Meander through the pretty town for antiques, souvenirs and of course, exquisite pearls, or savor the sunsets from any number of sunset bars and restaurants. For adventurers, I highly recommend a full day tour to Cape Leveque, 4WD up onto the beach for swimming, a barbecue lunch and turquoise, warm waters with no other person in site. Along the way you can stop at Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community. Here you can meet the local Aboriginal school children and visit the famous 90-year old pearl shell altar built by the Pallotine Monks. Broome reminds me of a quintessential Australian experience, relaxing, enjoying the outdoors and being healthy and happy.
4. Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef this is our most popular island
resort in the Great Barrier Reef. I like the mix of the 24 powdery white beaches, all secluded
and exclusive to Lizard Island, with the National Park, walking trails and history of the region. When I travel, I want to learn about the destination, the environment, I want to try new things like scuba diving, or photography and Lizard Island gives you all those experiences and more. There is a day-spa, beautiful beaches and my favorite activity was taking my own motorized dinghy (boat) to a secluded beach with a picnic that the staff had packed for me the picnic comprised of whatever you wants ( I had smoked salmon, crusty fresh bread, dips and cheeses, strawberries and mangoes, along with French Champagne and sparkling mineral
waters) – whatever you want, they will get for you, pack it up all nice and chilled and off you go. No set schedules, just time to unwind and get back to feeling yourself again. There is plenty of activities to join in, but mainly I enjoyed relaxing, swimming, snorkeling and learning to dive. Dinner was a casually elegant affair, with seafood and light sauces, and an extensive wine list all included. The snorkeling was fantastic on the island too!
5. Sydney this is a must see, on everybody’s itinerary, because it is Australia’s oldest city. Here you will find the famous Sydney Opera House hosting international acts from around the world. With its Mediterranean climate, rich blend of cultures, and vibrant lifestyle, Sydney is perfect to start or end your vacation to Australia with. A 4d/3 night visit will entail a Harbor view room, if you are going to splurge, splurge in Sydney for fantastic views from your window, a day trip with Australian Wild Escapes to the Blue Mountains homemade Anzac cookies, experienced and knowledgeable guides and only 6 or so passengers, means that your requests for photo stops and interaction will be easily achieved. They know where to go to find the kangaroos in the wild too, and the Three Sister¹s Rock formation is spectacular. You need at least a day to shop (Opals from Costello’s, souvenirs like a didgeridoo from Darling Harbour, international shopping at Double Bay, and Sydney city is home to all of Australia¹s top brands I like to explore the Queen Victoria Building just because it¹s so beautiful), some type of experience at the Sydney Opera House, I suggest the Red Carpet tour, including tour, dinner and performance it is a fascinating building and to learn of the history of the development makes you appreciate it even more. Then you have a day free to choose there¹s BridgeClimb; a cruise on the Sydney Harbour; a bike tour around Sydney, or seaplane to Doyle’s, Australia¹s first seafood restaurant or it might be more shopping, art galleries and high tea at your hotel. Sydney has something for everyone!!
6. Could I add one more I would have to add Southern Queensland this region doesn¹t get a lot of visitation by North Americans, but those who do love it, it truly is a spectacular and untouched region of Australia. Starting with the Hinterland area, you can stay at O¹Reilly¹s in a Mountain villa, be woken by birdsong every morning and breathe in the distinct eucalyptus smell of the trees, perhaps spot a koala, take a nocturnal tour of glowworms, walk the Treetop suspension bridge, and feed the birds each evening. The contrast of the rainforest canopy and the vivid sunsets will take your breath away. Within the region, there is natural rock pools, beautiful climbing trails scattered all through the area. At Fraser Island, the world¹s largest sand island you¹ll have the opportunity to walk through ancient forests, see freshwater lakes and famous Seventy-Five Mile beach where you can 4WD. At Kingfisher Bay Resort, you can join in many guided ranger activities, such as nature walks, bird watching, stargazing, and fishing clinics. There’s also plenty of water based activities. From Jul-Oct you can go on a whale watching cruise. Then on Moreton Island, you
can feed the wild dolphins, this is a thrilling experience! 2 last things Byron Bay for wellness retreats, and to have a drink at Paul Hogan¹s (that¹s not a knife, this is a knife ) famous Byron Bay pub and then all the way North Australia Zoo, home of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. Visitation has tripled at the zoo since his tragic accident and visitors are flocking to learn more about Steve’s Zoo, his foundation charities and of course, the infamous crocs!
FamilyTravelGurus: Sounds wonderful! How does Down Under Answers differ from other Australia tour companies? What makes you stand out?
Everything we do, is about our traveler. We have the passion for Australia and we know the ins and outs of the destination, the hotels, the tours on offer but you have to be more than that. You have to care about the fact that this is people’s precious vacation time we don¹t get a second chance to make that right. We want to know our traveler, what experiences are you after? What new things would you like to try? And then we build upon that. Each vacation we create is unique to the traveler. Just like an artist, we will start with a blank canvas and create something that is unlike anything else out there, to suit your style, taste and budget. That’s how you know that you¹ll enjoy it, because you are getting exactly what you want. The beauty of Down Under Answers is that all of our staff are extremely experienced, they aren¹t just fed which products to promote, they use their skills to create what is right for you. We are the experts when it comes to constructing beautiful itineraries that are off the beaten track, or might include a little b&b that your work colleague recommended to you…. We know how to do that and still ensure you get the right service, at the right price! We are diverse enough that we can offer escorted tours, to self drive to flop and drop vacations, to honeymoons, golf vacations and more… Down Under Answers are also a multi-award-winning travel wholesaler. We have taken the Best Travel Wholesaler award from Tourism Australia, as voted by Aussie Specialists 5 of the 6 times the award has been announced. We care about our travelers and our clients, you the hard-working Travel Professional who entrust your clients vacations to us. We do go that step further, and this results in our travelers getting exactly the trip they want!!
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 café’s. 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.
We¹ll recommend some apartment style accommodations so you can have the freedom to make your own breakfast in the morning, and do a load of washing just to keep up with the kids outfits, although most of the time in Australia, they can live in their swimmers! If your children love animals, love playing with other kids, beaches, swimming and having fun you¹ll love Australia!
FamilyTravelGurus: Thanks Kerryn for this glimpse into the best vacation spots in Australia. We’re ready to take the next plane to Sydney!