Bruny Island Cruise, Tasmania, Australia

This multi-award winning three-hour eco-adventure cruise takes you through some of Tasmania's unspoilt coastline like nobody else. Our safe, fast and comfortable boats ensure you're right in the adventure – seeing everything up close, feeling every thrill and experiencing nature first hand.

Bruny Island boasts stunning natural cliff formations, among the tallest in the world. The awesome 'Breathing Rock', the towering 'Monument' and the lush emerald green forests of South Bruny - you will fall in love with this island paradise. The impressive array of sea and coastal wildlife rivals many national parks throughout the world. Meet the Bruny Island seals, dolphins, whales, albatross, eagles, gannet, shearwater and petrel who live in this delicate ecosystem.

Our highly trained interpretative guides love what they do – they’ll make your experience fun, enjoyable, entertaining and informative.

After an unforgettable three hour 50km journey, you’ll return you to shore knowing you’ve been involved in a remarkable voyage of discovery – not just Tasmania's best, but simply one of the world's great environmental travel experiences.

That was straight from the brochure and here are my personal comments; this is a definite must when travelling to and in Australia and Tasmania. It shows you a part of Tasmania that you can’t experience from ashore, the beauty of the ocean with its different colour of blue and green and white, the most fantastic caves and cliff formations, amazing kelp forests all the way down to the Great Southern Ocean. On our day we were surrounded by Shearwaters and Albatrosses who majestically sailed along without the slightest movement of their wings, they just glide on the air and dive down to catch a fish now and then. The playful seals which we saw a lot of both the New Zealand fur seal and the native Australian seal and to top it off, on the return we were surrounded by 100s of dolphins diving and swimming along the boat. Spectacular !

Bring warm clothing the brochure reads but the operator also supply you with a wind and waterproof jackets that covers you from top to toe and, This was most appreciated as it gets rather cold out there on the Tasman Sea.

The staff is 100%. They know what they talk about has a fountain of knowledge and keep you spellbound throughout the cruise. . They look after all the clients on the boat very well indeed and make sure they are fine. Ginger tablets were available for those a bit apprehensive about sea sickness and some other snacks were also distributed during the trip. Again I must really commend them on their service and attitude. Absolutely tops !

We were so impressed with this cruise that we decided to take the Tasman Island Cruise as well, slightly different but again fascinating. Check it out at www.brunycruises.com.au and www.tasmancruises.com.au

Tasmania December - March

As much as we love Tropical Queensland, sometimes it gets a bit too humid during December-March so this year we decided to spend a couple of month in Tasmania instead enjoying the lovely temperate climate down there.

We took the car across from Melbourne to Devonport and on arrival it was raining and it kept raining for a couple of days. Who cares. One could use clothing that has been unused for some time. Dress up warmly, nice open fire etc. etc.
We rented a small house for AUD 280.00 per week and it has everything down to dish washing liquid, bed linen etc. but everything else you need to supply, like food and drinks. On top of that we had to contact the Energy company to put the bill in our name as well as Telstra which has the best coverage in Tasmania. We also had to lodge a bond of 1120.00 with the local authorities which is refundable once you've had the real estate agent inspecting your lodging.

Two months in Tasmania might seem a long time but if you are a pensioner and live in the Tropics I can highly recommend a change of scenery during the humid period.

It is essential to have a car so if you don't bring your own, rent one.

December-March is a lovely time in Tasmania with fresh product like cherries, raspberries, blueberries etc. in abundance, try some great meat from the Cape Grim area and don't forget the seafood here. Actually, everything seem to taste better down here.

For more details of our stay, have a look at the website: www.australiantravel.us where we have inserted a program for your stay.

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