Travel agents Ken Garrity of Ken Garrity Travel and Graeme Brett of Westoe Travel are on a month-long self-funded fam trip to Australia to gain up-to-date knowledge for the UK trade following the country’s reopening earlier this year
Final stop Sydney with fish and chips at Manly
From Thalla Beach we took a transfer limousine to the Shangri La Hotel Cairns situated by the harbour from where the boats go out daily to the Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns is a bustling lively town with plenty to do. Lots of local excursions. TIP: book ahead as they do get full up!
The Shangri La Hotel is an upmarket hotel which caters for families and couples. There are plenty of activities and large pool; ideal for relaxing. In fact this is what we did after all the travelling!
Our last internal flight was from Cairns to Sydney, again with Qantas. The aircraft was a wide-bodied Airbus A330-200 which had a very modern interior, business seats in 1-2-1 configuration and 2-4-2 in economy.
The entertainment in economy came in the form of an iPad which needed to be inserted in the seat back at head height, similar to the inbuilt screens in larger aircraft. Multiple channels including the latest films were installed. A different system but easy to use.
On arrival at the domestic terminal we spied the ‘train’ signs, which was one floor below. So for 14 Australian dollars one way we took the 25 minute service from the airport to Wynyard station, approximately 200 metres from our hotel. It was fairly easy to do if your luggage is not too heavy.
Our accommodation was the upmarket Radisson Blu, an older type of building with a history of newspapers and banking before it was transformed. Lovely, large, up to date rooms with a small balcony. A great central location, a few minutes from Circular Quay, George Street for shopping and lots of eateries and bars close by.
On our final full day we met with our friend Nadine from Tourism Australia, who wanted to hear all about our exploits and adventures in Australia.
We did a lunch time cruise on Sealinks Captain Cook cruises, which departs from Darling Harbour and Circular Quay for a 90-minute cruise around the harbour. The commentary is done using a QR code and you can listen in on your phone or iPad in your own language.
Ken and Graeme’s tips on travel to Australia
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We then split as Graeme went for one of his regular long walks and I took the ferry to Taronga Zoo across the harbour. As this was afternoon it was becoming quieter as I walked around the large site, which overlooks the harbour.
Our very last trip was to Manly, where we took one of our first excursions. We aimed to finish with fish and chips, overlooking the famous beach, which we did. Sailing back in the dark the whole of Sydney was lit up, reminiscent of a Manhattan skyline with the addition of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and of course Sydney Opera House .
This was a magical finish to an extraordinary trip, one we will both remember for a very long time.
Thank you Australia – we will be back!
Journey from Alice Springs to Uluru
A slightly earlier than planned start as the hotel fire alarm sounds at 5am – a guest put the kettle on without adding water and set the alarm off!
The hotel is not allowed to silence the alarm until the fire brigade arrives and will be billed $968 which will be passed on to the forgetful guest.
At 6.30am our AAT Kings coach arrives to transfer us to Ayers Rock Resort in Uluru.
En route in our very comfortable air conditioned coach, our driver highlights many points of interest. First the Finke River, reputed to be the oldest river in the world. Totally dry on the surface as it awaits the next rainfall and also the venue for the annual Tatts Finke Desert Race. This is an off road, multi terrain two-day race for bikes, cars and buggies through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community held each June.
“Finke” as it is commonly known, is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the Northern Territory and has the reputation of being one of the most difficult offroad courses in one of the most remote places in the world. We’re told Finke is unique and the most fun you can have with a helmet on!
Next we see an airstrip on a cattle station, a essential lifeline, allowing the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to land at the cattle station.
Next we learn of the Henbury Meteorite Craters. Located 145 kilometres south west of Alice Springs, the reserve contains 12 craters formed when the Henbury Meteor, weighing several tonnes and accelerating to more than 40,000 kilometres per hour, disintegrated before impact.
After several stops at very Australian roadhouses, where we manage to spot some Emu, we stop to see a familiar sight. In the distance is Mount Connor – nicknamed Foolaru as tourists often mistake it for Uluru.
After a surge of excitement and flurry of photos, it eventually dawns on most of them that this rock actually looks quite different from Uluru’s famous silhouette.
We arrive at the Desert Gardens Hotel, and check into our rooms.
There are 101 tours to choose from. We head to the Bush Yarns, and listen to the stories of Aboriginal culture and tradition and see men’s weapons that were used for hunting and learn aspects about the local Pitjantjatjara language.
Fact: in the 1985 film Crocodile Dundee Mick (Paul Hogan) was revealed as an initiated member of the Pitjantjatjara tribe.
Uluru, Lizard Island and Cape Tribulation
Yulara is the name of the area hotels are located, including Desert Gardens and Sails in the Desert.
A short break this afternoon around the pool and then we head out to see the sunset at the Rock and Sound of Silence Dinner.
We’re greeted at the Rock vantage point by a glass of champagne and photos being taken.
TIP: take photos of the rock every five minutes for half an hour to see the changes.
We were then escorted to our evening meal with the haunting sounds of didgeridoos, an atmospheric setting following a fabulous three-course meal and a spectacular sunset, all while being treated to a star gazing session by an expert who brought the darkened skies to life.
A very early morning call shook us awake so we could enjoy sunrise at the Rock followed by a walk through the canyons of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).
All too soon we were heading to the airport for our flight to Cairns with an aerial view of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta shortly after take-off .
We enjoyed a one-night stay at the lovely Flynn Hotel by Crystalbrook situated on the Cairns esplanade – great rooms with a very modern feel and plenty of facilities.
Next morning we were off on an hour’s flight to Lizard island by East Air from the general aviation terminal. Our 12-seater flight afforded us excellent views of the colourful Great Barrier Reef.
Lizard Island is at the northern extreme of the reef; a “paradise” comprising idyllic sandy beaches, warm clear blue seas and turtles in abundance that you can swim with – we counted nine, some within a foot of us!
Our beachfront rooms were on the large size with sitting area and terrace overlooking the bay.
You can do as much or as little as you want. A La Carte Food is served on the open air terrace with choices served by happy, smiling staff who thoroughly enjoy being there. Who would not smile in paradise?
Our lovely host Sarah gave us an introduction to the resort with its many room categories and facilities. We went to The House, separate from the resort and costing more than 30 million Australian dollars! Priced at 18 thousand per night, it sleeps eight and you get staff, chef, and cleaners!
Good news: Lizard Island accommodation will get a substantial makeover starting next February!
Our time in paradise soon came to an end.
We flew back on a twin-engined private plane where I managed to sit in the co-pilot’s seat affording an excellent view of the seas, reefs and tropical mainland.
After landing at Cairns we were met by a pre-arranged transfer with Exemplar coaches and limousines for a swift, smooth transfer to Thalla Beach nature reserve, some 45 minutes north along the coast where nature meets hospitality.
The owners have arranged the accommodation to be set in amongst the trees in an informal arrangement giving most a view from their terrace and bedroom. Animal life abounds in the area and it is also a dark area at night so stars are easy to spot.
Our excursion the next day took us to the Daintree Rainforest overlooking the Great Barrier Reef. A boat trip down the Daintree River proved excellent to see animals, including two crocodiles. A walk through the forest brought us in contact with a cassowary, an endangered colourful flightless bird, quite rare!
After lunch, a walk on the beach at Cape Tribulation and a dip in the local river – quite safe – just watch for any warning signs!!
Port Douglas and balloon flight
Back at Port Douglas we decided to spend a couple of hours celebrating Graeme’s birthday.
Port Douglas has a large marina, Sunday market and busy main street. We spent a nice couple of hours at Paddy’s bar. The hospitality industry is looking for more staff but they have a shortage of accommodation. We returned to the hotel a little later…a great day’s excursion.
Another bright, sunny day today and our transfer back to Cairns took approximately 50 minutes via Palm Cove.
Our hotel, the Shangri La, overlooks the marina from where the boats sail out to the Great Barrier Reef for day excursions. Plenty of choice here.
We also signed up for the hot air balloon trip. The downside is the pick up is 3.45am. The upside is we saw the sun rise as we floated over the countryside looking for kangaroos and wallabies at dawn . Our pilot Frank gave a running commentary, quite hilarious, and we had a very smooth landing, Champagne and a certificate to celebrate before returning to the hotel in time for breakfast.
Tonight was to be a rest but travel agents never stop! So now on the lookout for a dinner cruise -which is proving elusive.
TIP: book early for any excursions in Australia.
Tomorrow, we fly to Sydney for our last two nights at the Radisson Blu and an interview….
Port Lincoln: Sea food capital of Australia
After an early fight we were met on arrival by David “lunch” Doudle owner of Australian Coastal Safaris who has put a comprehensive two-day tour of this part of the Eyre Peninsula just 45 minutes flight from Adelaide.
We were taken straight to Lincoln National Park where we stopped for healthy lunch on a dramatic cliff top vantage point with views overlooking the ocean with white breakers, golden beaches, blue sky and a moderate breeze.
The afternoon continued “dune bashing” in his 4×4, a great experience for all his clients. With the sun going down he set up a camp fire where we watched kangaroos with joeys, koalas at head height, easy for photos, and emus with chicks scratching for food.
A brilliant sunset and a couple of drinks finished off a satisfying day. Not another tourist in sight!
Next morning bright blue skies greeted us for our oyster sailing. Onboard we sailed out to the oyster beds where we tried that day’s catch plus a locally made gin!
Our afternoon was at Yarn Bala Learning what plants helped with skin problems, stomach aches, colds , learning bush tucker and a didgeridoo do and a guitar ending by our host .
A meeting with the tourism minister for South Australia Zoe Bettison arranged by Dave was a highlight as we discussed our trip promoting tourism back to Australia together with next year’s FIFA World Cup trips we are promoting.
Our final morning gave us time to look around town and the esplanade, which is small but ideal for weekends or short breaks. We arrived back in Adelaide for our one night stay at the Majestic M suites, which were used for the Australian Open tennis players.
Excellent standard in a huge 86sq m two bedroom appartments with own kitchen facilities , lounge and washing machine…a bonus! We were also shown around by Shaun Brennan, director of sales leisure, and other Majestic properties, – five in total and all great standards and well placed for the city.
The Ghan train
Our treat today saw our check in for The Ghan train, which operates three times a week from Adelaide to Darwin and visa versa at Parklands Station.
Champagne reception and a brief introduction to some of the 45 staff who work on this 35 carriage train with 267 passengers.
Very informal but great to meet them and to get to know other passengers. The train is pulled by two huge diesel engines and offers both gold and platinum standards.
We were allocated two single cabins gold class, comfortable efficient use of space – a day room which converts into a bedroom for the overnight journey. We enjoyed complimentary drinks in the lounge car followed by a sumptuous three course evening meal and then some after dinner drinks.
Talking with our passengers from many countries we found you had to book really early to get on as Australians themselves have taken to using The Ghan, some more than once, and The Indian Pacific between Sydney and Perth. So early booking is essential. Journeys Beyond also operate The Great Southern between Adelaide and Brisbane and The Overland from Melbourne to Adelaide.
Our early morning sunrise call came. We were given teas, coffees and egg / bacon sliders whilst log fires burned as we watched the sun rise over the desert. A great outback experience . On board brunch was served 10 through to 1 pm.
And our arrival into Alice Springs was to be 1 .45 pm where we were taken to our accommodation The Alice Springs hotel.
Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions operate these trains and offer off train experiences on the way .
Tip: With travel on the increase to Australia now is an ideal time for agents to develop their knowledge of this great country. Tourism Australia has put together an Aussie Specialist Program with an online self paced interactive learning module. This will attract more potential clients with a higher value spend. Additional courses cover luxury holidays , indigenous and sustainability models. Find out more here
We spent a night in Alice Springs where you can visit the “flying doctor HQ” and “school of the air”, a radio system teaching children on remote outback farms .
Another early start and a five hour trip to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and tonight the “Sounds of Silence dinner.”
Today we say goodbye to Paul Cooper from Sydney Melbourne Touring after our excellent trip together, and Canberra which is celebrating Floriade flower festival and full off colourful flowers. We are heading south again today over the mountains back to the coast and spring is now showing its colourful head with flowers, blossom and leaves appearing.
Travelling via Batemans Bay our morning stop is at the Mogo Wildlife Park where we were shown around by Sara, director of sales, who told the story of how the animals were saved by the dedication of the staff when fire encroached the grounds . Luckily no animals or humans were hurt. A delightful stop.
We followed this by a late lunch, in fact scones with cream and jam, at Central Tilda, an historic town which was a delight to the eye, very picturesque.
The destination for tonight was Merimbula and Robyn’s Nest accommodation, mainly two-bedroom apartments situated in acres of grounds overlooking a lake, just outside the town.
Kangaroos and a wombat appeared at sunset. Tip: drivers be on alert after dark for animals.
A Delicious evening meal was had at Wheelers Oyster Restaurant where we were served by the very attentive owner Jacqui Smith and her staff.
Breakfast was taken en route next morning after a look around the port area. We stopped at Aslings Beach, a huge white sand beach which was virtually deserted. Bliss. Graeme decided to go for a paddle! We then went to a lookout area and spotted whales and a seal.
Next, a quick stop at Quarantine Bay where a local man had his catch of the day and a huge octopus. We were surrounded by pelicans eyeing us over.
Today was our longest drive day , approximately five hours as we did a side trip to visit Karbathong Lodge at Malacoota and Jenny and Graeme who had a film crew in. A cooking programme may be aired in the future from there!
We were now at the furthest south east part of Australia and heading via Malo on to our destination at Lakes Entrance, a fishing port with long esplanade. Scenic views galore en route. Note: we found most restaurants close around 8pm! Waverley House Cottages were mostly two bedroom and have kitchen facilities and washer / dryer – a must when planning a fly drive! We took advantage and thanked our host Jan and Barnie the golden retriever.
An early start took us to a rather special stop at Metung Golf Course, which is where we met Rachel who is establishing luxury Metung Hot Springs Spa centre with glamping. Really superb luxury “tents” five-star standard will be ready for occupation from the end of October and international bookings from April 2023. This is first stage and more will be added. The accommodation has superb views over the lakes with walks around the area. More is planned for the next few years. We partook in the spa, barrels with bubbling hot water around 40c – really pleasant and relaxing .
Our second last night beckoned at Walhalla and our hosts Michael and Russell. A really quaint village tucked away in a valley full of fern trees , colourful flora , animal life , scenic railways and plenty of history . We stayed at the charming Star Hotel built by the owners to represent the style in gold mining days , from mid 1800 s to 1910, when gold was mined for over 50 years until it ceased to be affordable to mine.
Trips around the gold mine can be arranged. The village walk can include a cemetery visit. Note: there are plenty of ghost stories to be had here! A wonderful evening meal with plenty of stories followed by an early start and walk around the village including the olde world post office, church and cemetery!
We then headed west towards Chadstone, a suburb of Melbourne . An easy drive just over two hours brought us to the biggest shopping centre in the Southern Hemisphere snd the Chadstone hotel. Our host Anne gave us a quick tour of this high end hotel including roof top pool. Ian was our host for the Chadstone Shopping centre and yes it was huge with all designer names you could think of . It is still being developed to include more eateries and a bowling alley . A great stop for shoppers. TIP: claim your tax back if you spend 300 dollars or more in any one shop!
This part of the “Great Bite of Australia tour “ concluded with drinks at the rooftop bar at the Chadstone Hotel.
Road trip
The day dawned cloudy for our road trip from Sydney to Melbourne.
After picking up our hire car (tip: book well in advance as there seems to be a shortage) we headed south along the main highway.
This portion of our itinerary was organised by Paul Cooper from Sydney Melbourne Touring, which proved excellent for finding those hidden gems along the route.
We took some great photos of deserted beaches and cliff top view points.
Meeting locals on the way at our coffee or lunch stops was funny, illuminating and entertaining, learning basically that we all share the same moans and groans!
Each day consists of 3.5 hours approximately of driving and our first night was at Jarvis Bay, 200 km south, staying at Paperbark, a glamping experience we had not tried before.
The ‘tents’ are on raised platforms with wooden verandah, a loo, bath and shower at the rear open to the air. Inside, there is a huge bed and two smaller beds for children.
You wake to the sound of the dawn chorus, something only Australian birds could do with a mixture of high pitched calls to deep resonating barks. There are plenty of walking trails and flora and fauna unusual to us. A great place for a different stay.
Our next few days took us to Canberra, the nation’s capital, and there was plenty to see and do here with museums, many historic sites and a huge lake, Lake Burley Griffin.
The nightlife was plentiful with many eating places and bars, an eye-opener.
We stood and watched the daily Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial where every night at 5pm they commemorate a fallen hero chosen from one of many actions Australia was involved with, a moving experience!
Our journey continues…
Arrival in Oz!
Our journey through Sydney airport, from stepping off the plane through immigration, baggage collection, customs and into a taxi took a mere 20 minutes!
The taxi to our fabulous hotel, The Crown Towers Barangaroo Darling Harbour, was a short 30 minutes!
So from landing at 5.10am to check-in at the hotel was just over one hour.
The Crown Towers is one of Sydney’s newest five-star hotels. As we had arrived before our 3pm check-in we deposited our cases with a very friendly, helpful receptionist. We then had time to change and wash before heading out into a beautiful Sydney morning, with crisp air, clear blue skies and morning sunshine.
Tip: A great way to start your Australian adventure is a harbour cruise. We prebooked a cruise – it’s commissionable to agents – for just under two hours. It gives spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, those iconic places great for photos. The cruises depart from either Darling Harbour or Circular Quay and have commentary, ideal for first-time visitors to get their bearings.
We followed this by taking the 20-minute ferry to Manly, a delightful easy-going beachside resort where we had brunch overlooking white sands, watching surfers in the rolling waves and younger, fitter people playing beach volleyball!
Sydney offers visitors so many attractions. We have plans to visit Taronga Zoo a overlooking the harbour and the city. The Sydney Tower, the tallest building in the southern hemisphere and Sydney Harbour Bridge climb – which we did on day two.
Most of these activities are prebookable and can help agents build fabulous itineraries for their clients.
September 21 – today it’s all about Sydney Harbour Bridge. An iconic landmark and a feeling of being at home for Graeme, with it having the same design as Newcastle’s Tyne Bridge.
First we had a walk before breakfast from the hotel in Darling Harbour along the shore through Barangaroo Reserve, The Rocks, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs Macquarie’s chair – and we saw a flock of cockatoo.
Returning to the hotel we met up with Chris Kemlow, general manager, and Michael Fletcher, sales director, of The Crown Towers for a chat about how the hotel is setting new standards and how it is suited for our customers.
After breakfast it was time to head back to Sydney Harbour Bridge and check in for our first bucket list tour in Australia, the BridgeClimb Sydney. Checking in includes medical questions and a breathalyser (remember that if you are planning a drink on the previous night!)
After being kitted out with the safety gear and training for health and safety on the bridge, our guide Jarrad gets us linked up to the safety wires and we set off on the 1332 steps.
We climb the bridge at a nice slow pace, allowing us to take in the awesome views of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, the navy base, and the iconic landmarks and views, with Manly in the distance.
For someone who used to be scared of heights, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge was the cure says Graeme.
As we reach the top of the bridge with the Aboriginal flag and the Australia flag flying beside us, our guide takes photographs of our achievement. As we cannot take any loose items up the bridge ourselves this will be our proof the ‘we did it’.
Our guide gives us many facts about the building of Sydney Harbour Bridge and how it took nearly ten years to get approval for BridgeClimb Sydney to operate with 198 planning objections to overcome and resolve.
This is definitely the ‘must do’ tour in Sydney for all ages and something to remember forever.
After returning to the visitor centre, and removing our safety equipment, we get our BridgeClimb Sydney Certificates and purchase our photographs.
Then across to the Glemore hotel for the victory celebration drink with our good friend and fellow Geordie Jane Hardie who is the sales director for BridgeClimb Sydney.
After two very full but comfortable flights with attentive, friendly crew on our A380 Qantas aircraft, we arrived in Sydney Australia just as dawn was breaking with its reds, orange and purple colours.
A quick Singapore swing
On our way we had a 24 hour stopover in Singapore, recommended to break up the journey, and stayed at the Miramar Hotel in Havelock Road. We took a hop on, hop off bus tour, which departs from directly outside this hotel and we stopped off at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, a spectacular building , followed by a tour of Gardens by the Bay opposite.
The Miramar hotel is handy for Clarke Quay, ten minutes stroll away, for boat rides of this historic city. We visited a warm-up for the Singapore F1 Grand Prix, where they had on display an F1 car, flashing lights , coloured smoke and a very good local band, all outdoors in balmy 28C!
Tip: Check on entry requirements into Singapore – masks are compulsory on public transport.