Australia
Australia is a vast land with beautiful beaches, unusual bush animals, more than 60 wine regions and fascinating cities. Join a Cairns dive tour to swim among the Great Barrier Reef’s colorful fish and coral. Explore rainforests and watch crocodiles in nearby Daintree.
Surf and swim on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Walk along Brisbane’s pretty river. At the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, watch the cute creatures eating eucalyptus or sleeping. Let colorful rainbow lorikeets land on your arms at feeding time.
In Sydney, ride the train to Circular Quay to shop, dine and meet new people. The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb provides glorious city views. Attend a performance at the iconic Sydney Opera House and stay after dark as it lights up in brilliant colors. Ferry to Taronga Zoo and spend the night. Swim at Coogee Beach’s ocean pool. Then do the Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Walk in reverse to reach famous Bondi Beach, where you can surf and sunbathe on golden sands.
Watch sports at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Bike through Melbourne to the Royal Botanic Gardens or cruise along the river to enjoy the city’s magnificent skyline. The Great Ocean Road drive offers many stops to view the rugged shoreline.
Stop in Canberra, the national capital, to see the Royal Australian Mint, the High Court and numerous museums, monuments and galleries. Learn the meaning of ANZAC and reflect upon many important contributions of the Australian military.
Inland, visit the Blue Mountains, with ridge after ridge of beauty. Travel north to national parks to see exotic wildlife, including kangaroos, emus and large goanna lizards. Uluru, previously known as Ayers Rock, is an unbelievably massive red sandstone formation rising from flat plains near Alice Springs. Visit Adelaide for watersports on the Great Australian Bight. In Perth, look west to a sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy Australia’s friendly people, delightful wines and warm weather throughout the year. Ocean waters are warmest during the Southern Hemisphere summer, December through February.