Before:
I had never been to Australia before although we sold quite a lot of holidays there. I knew Cairns was the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef but I imagined it was the kind of place you just passed through – quite undeveloped and basic. I had heard Australian cuisine had become more sophisticated in recent years but I did expect a lot of barbecues and quite a limited choice. Clients were always quite positive about the idea of visiting Australia but they were always put off by the long flight – I wanted to go, but I admit I dreaded the journey.
After:
Cairns is far more cosmopolitan and built up than I imagined, with a lovely promenade but no real beach. Palm Cove is a lovely location if you want to be set on an idyllic beach but within easy reach of the reef. The weather wasn’t too good when we went out to the reef so it wasn’t as bright and vibrant as I imagined but I certainly recommend going and trips there are very well organised. Queensland is very clean and everywhere seems very well kept. The people are very pleasant and the food is very varied and of an incredibly high standard. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back – even for just a week. The thought of the flight is far worse than the reality, it is truly bearable and well worth putting up with.
Joy Masters, Highway Travel, Essex
Before:
I had never been to Australia before but a colleague in the branch was very enthusiastic about the place so I was keen to go. I had always planned to go to Australia some day, but was put off by the long flight. I knew what the main attractions were – the reef, the rainforest and beaches – and I expected Queensland to be very hot and sunny. We book quite a lot of holidays to Australia and clients usually need help in organising an itinerary which allows them to see a fair deal without being exhausted by the large distances involved. I thought personal experience of the place would help a lot.
After:
The journey isn’t so bad although I would recommend a stopover if possible. Dunk Island is really idyllic and peaceful and a great traffic-free place to recover from jetlag. The rainforest is more lush and green than I had expected – the area around Silky Oaks Lodge was a real surprise to me – and the weather isn’t always as hot as I’d imagined. I won a day trip to Sydney while I was there and toured the city by Harley Davidson motorbike. Sometimes the reality of a place is a disappointment but Sydney isn’t and the motorbikes are great fun and a really good way to beat the traffic and see a lot in a short space of time.
Rhonda Burley, EST Travel, Bucks
Before:
Australia had always been on my list of places I wanted to visit but with four children I had never been able to afford it. I was a bit worried about the length of the flight but we were selling quite a number of holidays to Australia and I knew personal experience of the place would be very helpful. I had a fairly open mind about Queensland, although I felt more familiar with Sydney and Ayers Rock which seemed to get more media coverage. I had seen the golden beaches and lovely islands in the brochures but you never quite know how accurate these images are until you have been.
After:
I love Australia and can’t wait to go back. Cairns is a bit of a disappointment – you could be anywhere really and it doesn’t have much character – but Port Douglas and Palm Cove were really lovely. The Coral Princess is an excellent way to travel from Townsville around to the reef area because you really get to see how beautiful and pristine the beaches and islands of Queensland are. The rainforest is incredible – quite different from anything we have here and really interesting. Everything is very eco-friendly to ensure tourism doesn’t spoil the natural beauty and that really impressed me. I firmed up a booking to Australia within days of my return and am certain bookings will continue to increase.
Sue Huntingford, Ickenham Travel, Middlesex