Great Barrier Reef Archives - Australia 2000 Travel

March 1, 2019

Thank You from Dan & Erica Nye

We met with Karen about a year and a half before our Honeymoon trip to Australia and New Zealand. The entire process with her has been fantastic and very fun. We met a couple of times in person during the planning phase and then once more in person right before the trip. During the planning phase most of the correspondence was through email, which she did great at keeping us informed of what our itinerary looked like and what the plan was. She has been very supportive, accommodating, and had great communication (let us know when she would be travelling, how long to expect updates, etc.). She gave us recommendations of the best time to go, things to do/see, and what to expect. The activities and excursions she had us signed up for were incredibly fun and once in a lifetime experiences. All of the travelling went very smoothly and even though we were busy and did a lot of things, Karen still managed to build into the itinerary plenty of time to relax. The scenery and everything we experienced had the perfect amount of romance attached to it as it was our honeymoon.

Our trip started in Sydney (Botanical Gardens, Private Harbour Tour, Bridge Climb, Opera House tour and show), then up to Cairns/Port Douglas (Dive Great Barrier Reef, Rain Forest Resort, Aboriginal Tour), then to Brisbane (Night in the city), then over to Auckland (Hobbitton/Shire tour, Waiheke Island winery tour). Every stop had breath-taking views and awesome guides (majority of time was all private, which helped make everything more romantic). All of the flights, airport pickups, and excursion drop-offs were right on time and went perfectly.

The 2 and a half weeks spent in the land down under will be remembered and cherished forever. We’re planning on going back every 5 years to celebrate our anniversaries and as long as Karen is still doing travel arrangements we will absolutely go through her.

Thank you again.

Dan & Erica Nye

July 12, 2018

Thank you from Vivian, Danny & Eric Chan

My family of 3 has spent one week in Port Douglas and one week in Fiji last month. My son has never been to Great Barrier Reef. We went out to different reefs at two separate tours. We saw many different kinds of reefs, fish and a few giant clams, so colorful! It’s remarkable and breathtaking. Karen has arranged a private cultural tour to Daintree for us. The guide Aaron was a native there. He was very familiar with all the plants and where to spot crocodiles. He showed us different plants to heal sinus and mosquito bites, very fascinating as we are all big city people. He took us to the beach spearfishing, which my son had so much fun playing with the spear. We didn’t catch anything but again, it’s something that we don’t get to do in the big cities.

We’ve stayed at Savasi Island in Fiji. The resort was beautiful and private. They have a very good activity center there. We kayaked in the channel and did line fishing by the shore. We also snorkeled at Split Rock and Turtle Alley. Our guide Thomas brought food to feed the fish and we were surrounded by tons of stripped sergeant, it’s amazing. We didn’t see any turtles at Turtle Alley but we saw couple sharks there. The weather was perfect that day, the sea was calm, the giant rocks with coral reefs and fish was spectacular. Maybe because we were the only people there, it’s so peaceful and relaxed. We love the ocean!!!

Photo Credit to Vivian, Danny & Eric Chan

July 6, 2018

Orpheus Island ~ An Award Winning Luxury Private Island Accommodation in the Great Barrier Reef Hand Selected by the Owner of Australia 2000 Travel

Welcome to the kindness, the beauty and the innate healing power of Orpheus Island…

Orpheus Island Photo Credit to Tourism Australia

At Orpheus Island the accommodation is sophisticated, inviting and a stone’s throw from the water’s edge. During my recent travels to an invitation only Tourism Australia event I had the utmost privilege to off a stopover at tropical secluded Orpheus Island. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated being embraced by the bliss, the beauty, the magic, the comfort, the taste sensations of beautiful Orpheus. Every member of the team exuded a sense of joy through each welcoming smile. I was unobtrusively cared for in unpretentious comfort with minimal fuss and maximum care.

Orpheus Island South Suite Photo Credit to Simon Shiff

Oh how I savored the beauty of my suite, the chaise lounge by the beach, the garden, the exquisite cuisine. I snorkeled, read, drank champagne, luxuriated in the garden bath under the Milky Way at midnight and saluted the Southern Cross! For a passionate Aussie life could not have been better.

Orpheus Island Snorkeling Photo Credit to James Vodicka

Fringed by sheltered bays and seven unspoiled sandy beaches, wreathed in spectacular coral gardens and invigorated with native flora and fauna, Orpheus is a kaleidoscope of the senses. While snorkeling or diving in the underwater gardens surrounding the island guests glimpse giant clams in their natural environment, observe over a thousand species of tropical fish and more than three hundred varieties of multicolored reef coral that have been spared the bleaching that has occurred in other areas of the Great Barrier Reef.

For over twenty years I have shared the wonder of this breathtaking destination with hundreds of travelers and now it’s time to introduce it to you. Contact us to include Orpheus Island awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in your Bespoke Down Under Adventure.

June 21, 2018

Thank you from 2 Happy Germans, Peter and Meggie and Their Family

Welcome Back to Fiji – Photo Credit to Peter Schmitz

It is exactly 15 years ago that I asked Karen to apply some of her magic and work out a trip to the Southern hemisphere for my wife’s and my 30^th wedding anniversary.

I thought it is about time to have the honeymoon trip we never had since, at that time, I was still attending university and we didn’t have the money.

And what a trip Karen proposed!

It started on Fiji’s Nukubati Island, a small private island off the Northern coast of Vanua Levu, an hours drive from Labasa. It is a paradise for those who like a quiet and peaceful time to relax and recharge batteries. Luxurious service, pristine waters, outstanding scuba diving, fishing and so many more things to do and last but not least, being pampered by the wonderful Fijian people.

We spent Christmas on the island and then went on to Sydney for the New Year celebrations.

Harley-Davidson Tour – Photo Credit to Peter Schmitz

Not surprisingly, Karen found what we believe- is the best location to experience this event: The Quay Grand Sydney Harbour hotel at Circular Quay, with a direct look at the Harbour Bridge and in walking distance from the Opera House and the center of the city. Sydney is a great place to visit, a truly wonderful city.

After a few days in Sydney we continued to the Whitsundays further North. Seaplane trips to Whitehaven Beach and out to the reef for some snorkeling are a must.

After four weeks, which were filled with lasting impressions and just flew by, we returned home and for weeks, we couldn’t stop talking about this miraculous trip, praising Karen’s magical work. As a result, we got our kids all wound up so that we promised to take them also on the same trip, which we did a few years later.

New Zealand – Photo Credit to Peter Schmitz

Since then Karen has organized 12, four to five-week trips to Australia, Fiji, and New Zealand.

Every trip was top notch and even in the places where we returned to, like Sydney, Karen made sure that there was always something new to see or experience. Not one boring minute in now nearly one full and exciting year of accumulated travelling time.

Australia, Fiji and New Zealand, their wonderful people, lifestyle and breathtaking nature are worth to sit 20+ hours on airplanes to get there and every dime spent, was worth spending thanks to Karen!

We have seen many wonderful places and met great people among them some very memorable:

Tasmania Australia – Photo Credit to Peter Schmitz

Cities: Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney.

Nature: The Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, Nukubati’s Great See Reef, Flinders Range and Tasmania, North and South Island of New Zealand.

Locations: Nukubati with wonderful Jenny and the Nukubati family and The Manse in Hawkes Bay with the equally wonderful hosts Dietske and Gary.

Karen will never cease to amaze me with the magic she does. We cannot thank her enough and I hope that she will continue with this wonderful work for at least as long as we are fit for travelling those distances so that we can continue to put our travel plans in her expert hands.

April 16, 2015

Lizard Island Reclaims its Position as One of the World’s Leading Premium Resorts

Known for its unrivaled Great Barrier Reef location, natural beauty, exceptional service and diving experiences, Lizard Island reopens its doors after a full year of restoration and rebuilding following the impact of Cycone Ita to welcome discerning travelers wishing to create their own unique experiences.?

Truly secluded from the rest of the world and located directly on the Barrier Reef, the resort features 40 luxurious suites with stunning views of the Australian seascape, 24 private powdery white sand beaches fringed with colorful coral reefs, five star cuisine and exclusive spa care from La Biosthetique.

Lizard Island is truly like nowhere else!? To discover the wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef right outside your doorstep contact us today.

Shang-Ri La — Photo Credit to Lizard Island

February 17, 2015

Thank you from Heather and family

Dear Karen,

Overall we had a wonderful time in Australia and didn?t want to come back!? You did a great job of planning all the details.

– The kids? favorite activity was the Sydney Bridge climb.? Such a beautiful view!

– Our Sydney accommodation Radisson Blu was in a good location

– The surfing lesson was fun (but cold)

– Christmas brunch at the Waterfront was great.? Good food, good service, and a beautiful view!

– Loved shopping in China Town

– Experienced ?Boxing Day?.? Wow, that was so much crazier than Black Friday in the U.S.!

– Took a tour of the Sydney Opera house

– We all loved the Great Barrier Reef cruise and snorkeling.? Soooo beautiful and the water was sooo warm!

– The kids loved feeding the kangaroos and wallabies at the wildlife sanctuary

– We enjoyed Daintree and saw a Cassowary bird with chick along the road.? Very cool.? Also had lunch at a caf? on the beach and listened to an interesting Aboriginal talk at the information center.

– The villas at O?Reilly?s are breathtaking!? Very relaxing.

– Walked along the river in Brisbane and did some shopping.? Beautiful city.? It would have been nice to have another day there.

Thanks again for planning such a wonderful vacation!? We will always remember it.

Heather and family

March 11, 2013

Thank you from The Robinet Family

Dear Karen,

We can?t thank you enough for putting together such a wonderful itinerary for us. Our trip to Australia and New Zealand was the trip of a lifetime and one that none of us will forget.

From Green Island to Ayers Rock to Sydney to Queenstown, we have memories of the most beautiful places we?ve ever seen. The adventures you chose for us were terrific.? From snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef to the Sounds of Silence dinner and camel ride at sunrise in Ayer?s Rock from Bridgeclimb, New Year?s Eve festivities and sailing on Sydney Harbour in Sydney to ziplining and bungy jumping in Queenstown, New Zealand, etc., everything was fantastic!

We?re already talking of going back! We booked this trip because we wanted to do a big family trip before our oldest son goes away to college. Thank you for exceeding our expectations. Australia and New Zealand truly are spectacular places to visit. The Aussie?s & Kiwi?s are wonderful too! They really know how to enjoy life and they made sure that we enjoyed it too. Thank you to you and your staff.

Sincerely,

The Robinet Family

December 5, 2012

Thank you from Ronita & John

It was our 25th wedding anniversary and my 65th birthday and I had my eyes set on Australia and New Zealand. But what a headache I got trying to plan it solo. I lucked up on Karen at Australia 2000 and what a breeze it became.

It isn’t every day that you make plans and have an experience of ease and grace from a customer service perspective. And it isn’t every day that you find good people with a big heart like Karen and her staff that really care and bend over backwards to make your dreams come true.

It isn’t every day that every desire in your imagination becomes a reality, as you take in the beauty of another country – the warm people, the ancient customs, the cuisine, the nature, the Great Barrier Reef, sacred land of Uluru, kangaroos, camels, and wild birds, Sydney, clear blue waters and Ferg’s burgers of Queenstown, the Wearable World of Art in Wellington, fine wineries of Nelson, art, music, green stone, the snow capped mountains. Yes, we did it all! And, I tell you we enjoyed every moment of our 25-day experience.

We owe every expression of awe and beauty to Karen. And so I say with deep gratitude, look no further, if this is your destination. You will never find more dedication, more experience and wisdom, more spirit than Australia 2000.

Ronita & John

September 28, 2012

Explore Paradise ~ 74 Islands Floating Like Jewels in Australia’s Coral Sea

Discovering Australia?s Great Barrier Reef is one of life’s must-dos.

Photo Credit to Sarah_Ackerman

In the heart of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, lie the Whitsundays – 74 Islands floating like jewels in the tropical warm waters of the Coral Sea.

Sail, snorkel, dive, ski or swim in the calm blue seas or take off on a scenic flight over the reef. The weather in the Whitsunday Islands is sub tropical making it perfect for beach side holidays. The Whitsunday Islands lie on the same tropical latitude as Honolulu in the northern hemisphere and Mauritius in the south. They have a year round warm tropical climate with an average temperature of 81?F .

While exploring the Whitsunday Islands, join one of our specialist guides and set sail on a snorkel or scuba adventure to explore the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world.? Experiencing paradise is what it’s all about.? You?ll check it off of your “bucket list” and return from your adventure with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Contact us! We are Aussie Specialists drawing on our passion for the GLORIOUS South Pacific to create once in a lifetime journeys for discerning travelers.

August 22, 2011

Australia & New Zealand Considered for New7Wonders of Nature

Surely most have heard of the 7 Wonders of the World and perhaps a lucky few have visited all of them all but did you know that there is a New7Wonders of Nature Campaign taking place right now? The New7Wonders Foundation is on a global search to recognize the 7 most wonderous natural sites as selected and voted on by the public and the winners will be announced on November 11, 2011 (yes, that’s 11-11-11).

In order to be considered sites must be clearly defined as a natural site, monument or landscape that was not created or significantly altered by humans. Of the hundreds of sites originally nominated the contest is now down to its final phase with only 28 selections?left for consideration?and both Australia & New Zealand remain in the running. Among the top 28 finalists are The Great Barrier Reef & Uluru in Australia and Milford Sound in New Zealand.

There are only 83 days left to vote so let your voice be heard and vote now for your favorite.

The Great Barrier Reef

The largest coral reef in the world, The Great Barrier Reef, is made up of 2500 separate reefs and stretches over 1250 miles in length and includes over 500 islands from Queenslands coast to the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. Its ecosystem supports the greatest concentration of life on this planet with its resident marine life includes 1500 species of fish, 350 different kinds of coral, 4000 species of molluscs and 10,000 species of sponges. This natural wonder also?provides breeding areas for humpback whales, sea turtles and seabirds.

To vote for GBR, Australia http://www.new7wonders.com/archives/wonder/great-barrier-reef

Uluru

Few people who visit Uluru, most commonly known as Ayers Rock, return unchanged. The rock and the surrounding land has huge spiritual significance for the Anangu Aboriginal people. It lies in Australia?s Red Center like an enormous, moody heart. At an enormous 348 meters tall and 5 ? miles in circumference it’s hard to believe that?more than two thirds of the rock remains hidden beneath the ground. Yet at its massive feet the icy-green and grey vegetation offer a refuge for wildlife. Arraying itself in a multiplicity of hues from black to purple, blue to brown, orange and red throughout various times of day and weather, Uluru?s sheer majesty outshines even the brilliant sunset.

To vote for Uluru, Australia http://www.new7wonders.com/archives/wonder/uluru

Milford Sound

Grand, brooding, serene and wild, Milford Sound, located within Fiordland National Park on New Zealand?s South Island,? draws visitors from all over the globe to cruise its length. Luxuriant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls line the shores of the sound and?in the foreground stands Mitre Peak, a majestic presence dominating the skyline. On any given day you are likely to see dolphins and rare penguins or perhaps even seals sunbathing on the rocky shores.

To vote for Milford Sound, New Zealand http://www.new7wonders.com/archives/wonder/milford-sound