Although new customers of Garstang Travel my two sons (18 and 24) and myself  are not new to Australia. This was our 4th trip but as we were taking an Aussie novice with us we decided to revisit previous destinations to show her some of the “must dos” for first timers, whilst catching up with relatives dotted all over the place too.
We have always resisted the temptation to stop over. Previous trips have been via Heathrow but going Emirates this time meant we stopped in Dubai.

The second leg of the trip to Sydney was very long – but at least Emirates planes were slightly more spacious and the in-flight entertainment is awesome. Whichever way you go there do build in some recovery time. We wandered  round Sydney in glorious winter sunshine, through the Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park, getting our feet back on the ground.

That first sight of the iconic harbour with bridge and Opera House is truly a jaw dropping moment – it never fails to take my breath away.  For the ultimate view do the Bridge Climb.  It is expensive  but truly spectacular.  But be warned – they will breathalyse you first, and the grey boiler suits you will wear are not flattering!! Other well worth activities worth considering are Centerpoint for a 360 degree aerial view of Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Darling Harbour and the Maritime museum, just taking a ferry to Manly or for the more adventurous a jet boat ride round the harbour – but expect to get very wet despite the bright red waterproofs!

We had four nights in Sydney then flew up to Cairns for a week in Port Douglas. Very different from Sydney. Lovely winter warmth without the summer humidity. There are lots of restaurants, miles of beach, and just up the coast is the only place in the world where two world heritage sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Tropical Rainforest.

Visit Mossman Gorge and the Daintree if you have transport.  But do not miss the opportunity to visit the Barrier Reef – it may not be there for much longer and it is stunning. There are large and small local companies doing the trip. Some also include  whale watching if its the right season.

Our next stop was a week in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane. Strict local laws mean Noosa will never get any bigger, there are no high rise buildings but there are lovely walks, you could learn to surf, and there are some high class hotels and restaurants. We have also stayed on the Gold Coast which is high rise hotels, casinos and theme parks – but we prefer Noosa. There are lots of activities within a short distance. Great markets, a large aquarium at Mooloolaba, Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, a huge go-karting track and Bungy Bullet for the completely barmy! One particular high spot was doing the rainforest in a four wheel drive with Mike from OffBeat Tours. He even barbecues your lunch for you from the back of the truck!

We had a parting of the ways at the end of this week as the three young ones had to return home.  Our Aussie novice was converted – she loved Australia and wants to go back and  see more of it. I traveled down to Tasmania where I was staying with my aunt.  Tasmania is a lovely island (about the size of Ireland but with less than a million people there.) The climate is different from mainland Oz and it can be very cold and wet in winter. But its not winter as we know it and I had some lovely weather. There is spectacular scenery – more world heritage sites, Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay, old prisons which make you very glad you weren’t a convict, amazing underground caves and the freshest air you will ever breathe anywhere in the world.

I would recommend Australia to everyone who likes to travel. It is a unique place with fantastic wildlife and incredible scenery. You probably won’t manage it all in one go – save some for your next trip!

Liz, Dave and Robert Helm and Jenni

Spectacular Tasmania has dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, tall forests and over a third of the state is preserved in a network of national parks and Tasmanian wilderness World heritage area.

Don’t miss:

• A day in Hobart’s Salamanca markets full of cultural centres, museums, arts and crafts.
• Visit Port Arthur to learn about the convict site.
• Taking a walk around Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain National Park.
• Having a drink in Australia’s oldest pub, The Bush Inn in New Norfolk.
• Relax at one of the stunning beaches on the north east and east coasts.