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Paul and Tracey Carter have worked in the UK travel industry for over 40 years, having met during the big Hoover free flights promotion in 1993. Now recently retired with Tracey co-owning 13 agencies, Carrick Travel with Paul, managing one of them – they wanted to use their time to see the world that they had been selling for all those years… and first on the list was 9-weeks travelling to Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Malaysia. Who better to come to, to book their holiday… well the Australasia experts, ANZCRO! 

Please take the time to read about their incredible trip in their words!  

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Part 1 – Australia
Destinations visited: Perth, Adelaide, Victor Harbor, Robe, Ashmont, Apollo Bay, Melbourne, Sydney, Blue Mountains. 

After leaving the dark, cold, and wet England, we started our journey by landing in the Western Australia capital, Perth. We spent our next 4 nights there enjoying the blue sky and January heat, alongside the company of our friends who we were staying with in Walnut Grove. We had picked one of the busiest weekends to start our journey as our arrival coincided with the celebration of Australia Day/Weekend. We cruised along the Swan River from Perth to Fremantle while enjoying a lovely buffet lunch with drinks, navigated our way around Rottnest Island through busy crowds while searching for cute Quokkas (apparently half of Perth had decided to visit that same day!), walked and sat on one of the many beautiful beaches, and visited downtown Perth and the Zoo. Well, you have to see the natives, don’t you?

After our short but sweet time in Perth had concluded, it was onto Adelaide to pick up our rental car. Although we only spent a day there, we managed to squeeze in a walk around Adelaide’s beautiful Botanical Garden, conveniently located close to our hotel, the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel. Then our great journey along Australia’s southern coast began. Our road trip along the Great Southern Road continuing onto the Great Ocean Road started with a bit of luck as our rental car was upgraded from an MG to an Audi A6; we were going to do this drive in luxury. With multiple stops along the way, visiting the likes of Victor Harbor, Robe, Ashmont, and Apollo Bay, we were fully immersed in the Australian culture and way of life, getting to know the locals, and learning everything we needed to know over a very cold Aussie beer. Our favourite stop on this leg of the journey was the idyllic town of Robe with its beautiful beaches, lovely marina, quaint shops, and fantastic restaurants. 

The journey was quite magnificent; the drive itself had hardly any traffic and with petrol a mere 80p a litre, all we had to worry about was missing the scenery, which we didn’t. Along the route, there are brown signs telling you of the sights, beaches, and places of outstanding natural beauty, so it’s difficult to miss the things that you really need to see. I suppose the highlight was the 12 Apostles, but don’t miss out on the other great places as they were just as magnificent. 

Accommodation: McCracken Country Club – Victor Harbor, Lakeview Motel and Apartments – Robe, Ashmont Motor Inn & Apartments – Ashmont, Captains at the Bay – Apollo Bay

Our long drive landed us in the bustling city of Melbourne, which was our favourite Australian city visited on our trip. Although the temperatures had hit over forty degrees, we still managed to get those steps in and explore all that Melbourne has to offer, ending up down by the magnificent Yarra River on many occasions. 

Accommodation: Victoria Hotel – Melbourne  

After a lovely stay in Melbourne, we returned our luxury rental car and took a domestic flight to Sydney, where we would be spending the next six days. Our time in Sydney was spent seeing all the sights within the city and venturing out to the Blue Mountains on a small group tour with Diamond Tours. We spent our day in the Blue Mountains beginning with a drive across Anzac Bridge and through Katoomba to Echo Point where we admired the Three Sisters rock formation. We visited Scenic World for rides on the Skyway, Cableway, and Railway and took a walk in the rainforest. We also enjoyed the view of Megalong Valley from Cahill’s Lookout, explored the Quaint Village, visited Sydney Zoo, and ended our tour with a ferry ride to Circular Quay. This was worth every penny; this trip gets you out to see the most beautiful countryside and it really helped by having an amazing guide. 

We ended our time in Sydney and Australia by enjoying a fantastic meal at Café Sydney, sitting on the front row of the terrace, savouring our breakfast alongside the accompaniment of stunning views of the Sydney Harbour and bridge (we recommend you book a table as far in advance as possible if you’d like to dine at Café Sydney too!). We then made our way to the airport and bid farewell to Australia as it was finally onto New Zealand to start the second leg of our journey. 

Accommodation: Parkroyal Darling Harbour – Sydney

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Thanks so much Paul and Tracey for sharing your trip with us. Stay tuned for next week where we uncover the second part of their holiday travelling around New Zealand! 

1. The Atherton Tablelands 

The Cairns Waterfalls Tour was an adventure-packed day as I explored some of Australia’s most renowned waterfalls and the enchanting rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands. I embarked on this journey from Cairns, just a 45-minute drive away. Heading south into the Wooroonooran National Park, which is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, I encountered a breathtakingly lush, green landscape that embodies the very essence of Australia’s natural beauty. The sight of cascading waterfalls within the tropical rainforest was truly awe-inspiring, with rugged mountains as a backdrop, steep ravines, winding rivers, ancient trees, and the presence of the two tallest mountains in Queensland. 

2. Josephine Creek 

My tour took us to several incredible places. I visited the Babinda Boulders, leading me to the renowned Josephine Falls, a 1.2-kilometer walk. Josephine Creek, which starts as a gentle trickle high up, transforms into a thundering torrent as it travels 7.5 kilometres to the smooth granite boulders of Josephine Falls. 

3. Millaa Millaa Falls

Another highlight was the walk to Crawford Lookout, leading to the Millaa Millaa Falls. This was my personal favourite as it gracefully cascaded into a pristine waterhole, where I could enjoy a refreshing swim. I was even lucky enough to spot a platypus, making it a mesmerizing waterfall to behold. 

Afterward, I indulged in a delicious lunch at a local gem, The Top Rail in Malanda, and then continued my journey to Curtain Figtree and Lake Eacham, the largest blue lake in the region.

4. Wilsons Promontory 

My adventure also took me to the southernmost tip of mainland Australia in the Victoria area, Wilsons Promontory. This remote coastal bushland was dominated by granite rocks, and I had the chance to swim in pristine beaches. I opted to stay in a cabin in the Tidal River, and during my explorations, I encountered a wombat, seemingly unfazed by my presence, and a wallaby. The water in the river had a brownish tint due to the surrounding tea trees (from which tea-tree oils are produced), but it was pure, clear, and inviting for a swim. 

5. Mount Oberon

I challenged myself to scale the granite peaks of Mount Oberon to enjoy panoramic views over the sea, or you could opt for the great alternative of Mount Bishop. I also explored the Lilly Pilly Circuit walk, which led me to amazing views of the Prom’s west coast and the offshore islands, all of which were stunning. 

6. Squeaky Beach 

One of the unique spots we visited was Squeaky Beach, aptly named because the fine, rounded grains of quartz sand made a high-pitched squeak when compressed under your feet. It was a breathtaking natural wonder, offering diverse terrains and natural wonders to explore. 

While a trip to Wilson’s Promontory is a popular day trip from Melbourne, I would highly recommend extending your stay if you have the time and an appreciation for walking and hiking. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, witness spectacular coastal scenery, explore hiking trails, relax on white sand beaches, and encounter a variety of native wildlife. 

To include one of these walks in your Australian itinerary, get in touch with me today.  

• Shubhra  

Amidst the whirlwind of my travel and adventure, there’s no better way to unwind than by indulging in a few spa facilities. While on my adventure down under, I took a break to pamper myself and immerse in some of Victoria’s most rejuvenating Spa Experiences. 

So, sit back, relax, and let me take you on a journey of how you can unwind when booking Down Under. 

Peninsula Hot Springs  

Peninsula Hot Springs is a geothermal oasis with over 70 globally inspired bathing and wellness experiences integrated into the lush landscape. The natural geothermal mineral waters, sourced from 600 meters below, fill pools ranging from 25 to 39 degrees (it’s not as hot as you would think), offering soothing relief. Winding paths lead to diverse pools, like the cave pool, rejuvenation pool, sauna, and hammam, among other unique experiences, from bathing barrels to fire and ice baths, plus cozy cabanas. 

Spa Dreaming Centre  

Within a separate section of Peninsula Hot Springs, the Spa Dreaming Centre awaits, where you can revel in various spa treatments. Here, you can cleanse, rejuvenate, and balance your body with massages, facials, and body treatments. And if you find yourself enjoying the experience a bit too much, there’s even an option to indulge in glamping and extend your stay for an overnight or weekend escape. 

Alba Thermal Springs  

Alba Thermal Springs offers a distinct experience from Peninsula Hot Springs. This newer facility, only a year old, exudes Scandinavian spa charm with its spacious design and grey granite accents. Amid waving grasses and native flora, it boasts 30+ pools, from the warmth of a geothermal to a refreshing rain pool and serene botanical pools. Young trees and local flora grace the open-air pools, promising more seclusion as they mature. The atmosphere here is quieter, less crowded, and profoundly serene. The dining is a culinary delight, offering fresh, healthy, and delicious meals. I savoured a sumptuous Spanner crab on a house crumpet with caviar and a wholesome Buddha bowl with fresh cured tuna. 

To learn more about these indulgent Spa Experiences in Australia and find the one that fits perfectly with your itinerary, get in touch with me today. 

• Shubhra  

Top of Form 

Shubhra Halliday, ANZCRO’s Sales Director, recently headed Down Under to explore some of Australia’s unique wildlife. Here are here insights: 

Australia’s allure for travellers lies in its remarkable biodiversity, boasting an array of captivating wildlife and avian wonders. The sheer diversity of fauna varies by region, promising unique and awe-inspiring encounters for nature enthusiasts alike. 

Here is what I saw on my adventure experiencing the Wildlife of Cairns and Victoria.  

Rainforestation Nature Park 

The Rainforestation Nature Park, a mere 35-minute drive from Cairns, unfurls a tapestry of wildlife encounters. Here, you can engage with nature on a profoundly personal level. Stroll through exquisitely landscaped gardens, where you can hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies. Observe the elusive cassowary and the charming Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. Moreover, meet Neville and Dennis, the enigmatic Tasmanian Devils of Cairns. Yet, the true luminary of this park is none other than Jack the Ripper, an imposing 5-meter saltwater crocodile with a notorious history. Jack commands his own secure enclosure, complete with an elevated platform for a safe and intimate viewing experience. As you observe him, it’s hard not to feel as though he has fixed his gaze upon you, and boy, he did seem to eye me up on many occasions.  

Image: Tasmanian Devil  

Phillip Island 

Another extraordinary wildlife haven awaits on Phillip Island, a scenic 142-kilometer (approximately 90-minute to 2-hour) drive from Melbourne. My first stop was the Koala Conservation Centre, a sanctuary that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these endearing marsupials. Walking along the treetop boardwalks through the lush bushland, you can witness koalas in their natural habitat, where their daily activities primarily consist of sleeping (they slumber for approximately 20 hours a day), dining, and, unsurprisingly, more slumbering. 

Penguins  

The highlight of Phillip Island undoubtedly belongs to its penguins, an experience best savoured through a guided tour. I highly recommend a guided tour rather than the standard tour since not only will you have a personal understanding of these beautiful seabirds through your guide, but you get to sit closer on the podium of the penguin parade where many penguins come in from the sea. These charming seabirds, standing at a mere 30 centimetres in height, are an absolute delight to behold as they return from their aquatic excursions to their cozy nests. An official tally system diligently keeps track of their numbers, with the previous night’s count at an impressive 1911. From an elevated wooden podium, I watched in awe as they lined up along the dark rocks. As the sun dipped below the horizon, they embarked on their remarkable journey from the sea, with groups of 30 penguins waddling up the beach and then ascending a 2-kilometre hill to reunite with their young. Alongside them on the boardwalk, I was privileged to witness their endearing interactions, as they diligently cleaned each other of sand particles. The final tally that evening was a staggering 2,833 penguins. 

Seals  

For a truly unique experience, I embarked on a boat tour to visit the seals. After a brisk 30-minute cruise, I beheld the sight of approximately 120 grand, robust fur seals. They lounged across the deck, leisurely resting post-breakfast. Witnessing these creatures stack upon one another, given their substantial size, was nothing short of remarkable. Some of them indulged in playful swims in the ocean, floating gracefully on their backs, effectively beating the heat. Such an abundance of seals left me in absolute awe, and I wholeheartedly recommend this tour in the Bellarine Peninsula area of Phillip Island. For those with the luxury of time, there’s even the option to swim alongside these exuberant creatures. Additionally, the tour extends the opportunity to swim with dolphins in another scenic location. 

Australia’s Abundant Wildlife 

Australia’s wildlife unfurls in all its glory as animals and birds roam freely across its landscapes. Graceful cockatoos elegantly glide from tree to tree, occasionally alighting on bin lids. During a countryside walk, a chance encounter with a foraging wombat or a wild wallaby may brighten your day. An impromptu detour on the Prom Wildlife Walk presents the opportunity to witness wild kangaroos. At San Remo, the gathering of pelicans, poised for their next meal, is a spectacle to behold. Rest assured, your clients will never cease to be captivated by the rich tapestry of Australia’s diverse and enchanting wildlife. 

To add a wildlife encounter to your Australian itinerary, get in touch with me today.  

• Shubhra