Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Australia's 10 Greatest Outback Journeys


Feel like doing “a little bit” of driving?

Come to Australia and try one of the 10 greatest outback journeys. From east to west, from south to north the whole of the outback is covered with these itineraries. For more details on each itinerary go to www.For bookings and other information please contact us on info@australiantravel.us or patricia@thetravelcatalyst.com

1. The Explorers Way, from Adelaide to Darwin right through the heart of Australia. It roughly tracks a traditional Aboriginal trading route, following a line of mound springs that provides welcome respite from the endless red and white sand dunes.More details available here
2. The Nullarbor Crossing, from Adelaide to Perth . It is said that until you’ve spent the time making your way across this endless, mostly treeless, plain you’ve not fully experienced the true loneliness – and freedom –that Australia can provide. More details here

3. Crossing the Kimberley – When it comes to crossing Western Australia’s rugged Kimberley region the list of “don’t miss” attractions is as long as the famous Gibb River Road itself. The Bungle Bungle Ranges, Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, Geikie Gorge, the Pentecost and Cockburn Ranges, Mitchell Plateau, the Ord and Fitzroy Rivers, El Questro Station, the ribbon-red road to Cape Leveque, the richness and diversity of the landscape is breathtaking, and anyone who advises you to make the crossing in anything less than several weeks simply doesn’t have your best interest at heart.! Check it out!

4. The Canning Stock Route – We had to include at least one journey for the truly hardcore, masochistic explorers out there. With the sun beating down mercilessly on more than 900 mesmerising dunes, this iconic outback trail has been described as one of the longest, most impracticable and remote in the world. And you SHOULD NOT even think of attempting the CSR unless you’re an experienced off-road campaigner. Prepare thoroughly, read this.

5. Four States, Many Corners. This route takes adventurous trekkers from Broken Hill in NSW through remote Corner Country and the vast Simpson Desert in a dusty 4WD adventure marked by the number of corner posts you’ll pass and the amount of times you cross back and forth from one state to the other. Watch out for the kangaroos !

6. The Red Centre Way – is a classic outback journey saturated with both legendary and less renowned Australian icons. Starting and finishing in Alice Springs, the route covers around 1140 km and runs through the very heart of the Australian outback. Don't forget your fly net !

7. The Longreach Loop. – For many Queensland conjures up sun-bleached beach stays beside crystal waters. Not this time. For this outback journey we’re taking you through the heart of Matilda Country – known to tourism types as the Central West Adventure, but hopefully known forever more by a name we’ve just come up with, The Longreach Loop, which Australian Traveller believes is far catchier. Don't underestimate the vast distances !

8. Cape York Outback Trek. Yes, there is an outback in Australia’s tropical far north…you might not believe it when you set out from lush, coastal Cairns, where palm trees and resort sails sway in the breeze. But drive just 20 km inland and you’ll experience the real outback right here on the Cape York Peninsula. Don't feed the Crocodiles!

9. Outback NSW Loop – It’s easy to divide Outback NSW into bite sized easily digestible chunks – sticking just to Lighting Ridge and surrounds for example, or Silver City with a quick side order of White Cliffs. But an itinerary like that just wouldn’t be worthy of true Australian Travellers. Include a guided tour at Lake Mungo.

10. Overland and Savannah Ways – A quick farewell glance in the rear view mirror when leaving Townsville and before you know it you’ve begun your Overland and Savannah Way adventures – combining two of Australia’s great outback trails into a single 2234 km journey across the north eastern corner of the continent from Townsville to the NT border via iconic Mt Isa before looping back east to Cairns. . Careful with any deep creek crossings !

Friday, July 17, 2009

Three Outstanding Australian Regional Experiences

Exceptional Food and Wine, outstanding coastal wilderness and Island indulgence.

The Louise - Barossa Valley - South Australia
Culinary arts abound at this luxury wineyard retreat surrounded by hundreds of acres of vines in the Barossa, Australia's most famous wine region. The Louise offers absolutely luxury and inspired design with private terraces, gated courtyards and soft contemporary furnishings. Appellation at The Louise, is one of Australia's finest regional dining experiences offering seasonal cuisine and an outstanding wine list.
3 nights accommodation in a luxurious Greenock Suite.
In-suite continental breakfast daily.
Appellation's signature dining experience on one evening - the Wine Flight Tasting Menu ( 10 dishes paired with 7 distinctive wines). Penfolds' Make Your Own Blend experience.
Private winetasting with boutique winemaker.

QUAMBY ESTATE - Tasmania
Embrace the romance of days gone by without compromising today's modern comforts. Quamby Estate near Launceston, Tasmania, is a picturesque 64-hectare country estate with superb 9-hole golf course and magnificent heritage-listed homestead that has been converted into a luxury lodge. Enjoy all the extras offered in the Indulgence Pakcage.
3 nights in a Deluxe Room
Dinner and breakfast daily
Sparkling wine on arrival
1 hour massage
Round of golf - 18 holes.

QUALIA - Great Barrier Reef
Located on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island, surrounded by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, Qualia sets a new pinnacle for luxury in Australia. This world-class resort immerses you in a relaxed atmosphere and is a truly special place where everything has been meticulously considered to relax the mind yet completely spoil the senses.
3 nights in a Leeward Pavillion
All food and non-alcoholic beverages consumed at The Long Pavillion and Pebble Beach Restaurants.
1 x 2 seater golf buggy.
VIP return transfers Hamilton Island/Marina
PLUS: Gourmet Wine Tasting in QUALIA's private cellar. Discover the passion and talent of the Oatley family, owners of Hamilton Island, for producing premium Australian wine.

Price: From AUD 4460.00 per person. Available for new bookings until 31 March 2010.

The Louise
Quamby Estate
QUALIA

Luxury Australian Experiences

Welcome to the new era of Australian Luxury.
Include these three exceptional properties in your itinerary and we provide you with a luxurious and distinctively Australian experience with an additional value of AUD 600.00.

Southern Ocean Lodge – Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
This is Australia’s first true luxury lodge. Offering a unique and exclusive travel experience on Kangaroo Island. Floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge commands peerless views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine Kangaroo Island wilderness. Sensitive, intimate and sophisticated, Southern Ocean Lodge is a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxe, Kangaroo Island style.
3 nights accommodation in a Flinders Suite.
Gourmet breakfast daily, light lunch, 4-course dinner, all beverages (cellar masters list additional)
Island airport transfers meeting scheduled flights.
Plus 2 x $ 100 Southern Spa treatment vouchers.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa – Blue Mountains, New South Wales.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Australian wilderness at Emirate’s conservation-led Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, located in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area. With 40-stand-alone suites, each with its own private swimming pool and 4000 acres of nature to explore, enjoy a memorable break with distinctive dining and spectacular scenery.
3 nights accommodation in a Heritage suite.
Gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, all non-alcoholic beverages and two nature based activities per person per day.
Plus: complimentary in-suite private deck dining experience.
One night of guests stay enjoy a gourmet dinner, served by a personal waiter in the romantic setting of a private deck under the stars.

QUALIA – Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Located on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island, surrounded by the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, Qualia sets a new pinnacle for luxury in Australia. This world-class resort immerses you in a relaxed atmosphere and is a truly special place where everything has been meticulously considered to relax the mind yet completely spoil the senses.
3 nights in a Windward Pavilion, with private plunge pool.
All food and non-alcoholic beverages consumed at The Long Pavilion and Pebble Beach restaurants.
1 x 2 seater golf buggy.
VIP return Hamilton Island Airport/Marina transfers.
Plus: Sunset Cruiseindulge in an evening cruise onboard Qualia’s 45ft luxury vessel, Atomic. Includes canapés and selected alcoholic beverages.

Price from: AUD 7965.00 per person. Valid for travel between 01OCT 2009 until 31 MAR 2010.

Southern Ocean Lodge
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa
QUALIA

Friday, July 3, 2009

2009 Promotion

With immediate effect we are starting a promotion for our travel services in Australia. Any client booking and paying their land arrangements in Australia through us will be sent the exclusive crystal glass, The Australian Wine Glass which was designed "in situ" and then hand blown and etched by master craftsmen.


Have a look at the glasses by clicking on http://www.2ecm8.com The promotion applies to the Australian Wine Glass only.


Here how it works;

Any arrangements costing AUD 2000.00 and up qualifies for one glass. From 4000.00 we will send you two glasses and 10.000 and up we will send you the ultimate presentation box with 6 glasses.

Australian Travel

I hope this blog will be of use to anyone contemplating a trip to Australia and New Zealand. I've been working here since 1986 (before that in Papua New Guinea since 1974 and before that in Middle East, Africa, Canada and Europe, being born in Sweden).

What we specialise in is personal itineraries for our clients, be it individuals or groups and we take care of everything from arrival to departure.

Many prefers to travel on a package tour in a group but we have come up with a solution where you can travel at any time of the year as an individual and still enjoy being "looked after" Basically it works like this. You get on your flight to Sydney for example. On arrival we meet and great, organise your local touring and take you to the airport for your departure for your next destination for example Ayers Rock. Here you are again met by a local representative and join fully guided tours for a day or a couple of days. Then off again to say Cairns and similar arrangements.
'
The advantage of this is that you are not bound to any specific departure date. You can travel any time of the year.

So if you are planning a trip to the Land Down Under, just send us an email with your proposed dates and itinerary and we will come back with our suggestions and a costing.