I am truly fortunate to have an amazing job, where I get to plan vacations all day long (and get paid for it). But when you’re holding someone’s “trip of a lifetime” in your hands, there can be more than a little bit of stress involved. I am always SO pleased when clients take the time to let me know that everything worked out exactly as planned. And in this case, with Susan and John’s “bucket list” trip to Australia, it certainly sounds like we hit a home run!

Hi Ann,

Sorry this has taken so long but I really wanted to give you some highlights and comments.  By the way, if you’d like to send me back to do more research, just let me know.  I am ready and able whenever you say. (if only!)

The flights on Qantas were really great.  The trip over and back was incredibly long but it really didn’t seem it.  The flight attendants were also extremely good and pleasant. (something I find lacking in most US carriers, especially American!).  They fed us very well and even in Coach, all the Australian wine you want!

Generally all the on-ground pick-ups and drop-offs were really good and efficient except that one time in Melbourne when John e-mailed you.  That was definitely the exception.

Sydney

Please let me move there!! The harbor is amazing!! No matter what you imagine, it’s more spectacular and beautiful than that! Of course, as we are sailors, we did so appreciate all the activity in and around, especially the 10 meters.  We got the lay of the land on our first day by hopping on a train from Erskinville (our friends’ neighborhood) to the harbor and then utilizing the ferry system. The second day, we took a car into the Blue Mountains (blue hue from all of the Eucalyptus)! I am going to include pics of it with the Three Sisters Rock formations.  Truly amazing. (I think I’m using that word too much). We also were able to explore the botanical gardens and again will include some pics.

Melbourne

I wish we’d had more time as it is a really lovely city with lots to do.  We had a chance to walk around quite a bit but since we arrived there on New Year’s day, many of the restaurants were closed for holiday. The highlight for me, though, was the day we traveled to Phillip Island, and the Penguin Parade. It’s difficult to describe this scene at sunset when a few little penguins emerge form the sea after a day of fishing. The few quickly become hundreds all trekking their way back to their burrows to find and feed their babies. We were not allowed to take pictures of them as the flash would have been a hindrance but it really didn’t matter.

Tasmania

An extraordinary island and since we didn’t really have enough time to get to New Zealand, this was certainly a great way to spend that time.  We had a wonderful hotel room with a perfect view of the waterfront.  (thank you very much!).  It was much colder in Tasmania than further north as it is much closer to the Arctic. The number of birds and animals is mind-boggling, very different from our varieties! Our first full day there, we took a car to the top of Mt. Wellington where the rain became sleet.  The views from up there were spectacular. Also the Salamanca Market which takes place on the Square in Hobart every Saturday was really special.  We purchased many of our gifts there as much of it was made in and came from Tasmanian products- scarves, wood, jewelry. We also visited a reserve which featured Tasmanian Devils, a baby Wombat whose mom had been hit by a car and now thinks of the zoo keeper as his “mom”. Lots of kangaroos, koalas…I was in heaven but I think that John had had enough animals at that point.

Cairns

Palm Cove was very nice and only about 20 minutes from Cairns proper. The apartments were clean and lovely and it was really great to be able to have coffee, breakfast, wine and snacks in our own space and not have to go out for everything. We could have even done our laundry but opted out.  Unfortunately a jelly fish problem kept us from swimming on any of the beaches in that area. However, the pool was fabulous and we managed to get a couple of swims in there.

The Outer Reef experience was amazing and certainly one of the highlights for John.  He even got to take advantage of a short scuba lesson and was able to go 8 meters down.  Both of us snorkeled and all I can say is “speechless”. It was overwhelming and I found myself humming “Octopus’ Garden” as I swam to different spots to view as much as possible during that time out there. Only regret is that we did not take an underwater camera and really wish we had. (They also equipped us with head to toe wet suits as a precaution to jelly fish stings). Weird at first but worth the peace of mind.

The last day in Cairns we went to the zoo in the morning and had a nice breakfast there while a keeper walked around with a koala who he introduced to everyone. Cuter than cute, of course! I also gave in and had myself photographed holding a koala named Buster (pic included) and I really did not want to give him back.

Back to Sydney for last two days

Took a tour of the Opera House (I mean we had to!) but it was fantastic and the tour was excellent.  We also got a chance to experience Darling Harbor (which had so much going on for children with water, playgrounds, etc) and loads of outdoor places to have lunch! Our friends surprised us with a late afternoon cruise on one of the Tall Ships.  They also purchased tickets for John and me to climb up to the crow’s nest which in Sydney Harbor is quite a view from that high up! The last night we were taken to 360 Bar & Dining in Sydney Tower with revolving views of the skyline.  We arrived at sunset so the view really was very special.

Now we are home and trying to comprehend it all.  At this point, it is the best trip we’ve ever taken and I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work for it. Sorry if this became a bit wordy but please do use what you’d like and e-mail or call me if you have any queries. It was the trip of a lifetime and the ONLY complaint I have is that it should have been longer! (maybe next time).

Can’t wait to start planning the next trip but we need to re-coop from this one.

Thanks again for everything,

Susan and John