Australia 2000 Travel

Australia 2000 Travel

Thank you from Tim Heyden

Dear Karen & Hillary,

Photo Credit to Tim Heyden

Thank you so much for putting together such a great trip for us. We really appreciate all the bottles of wine, chocolates, nice cards and notes you sent.

Our birthday celebration was a terrific day all around, we loved our cruise and lunch, thanks for making it all so perfect for us (I’m telling everyone about the sparkling Shiraz)!

All our accommodations, guides and hosts were top notch. Of course, the most exciting parts were probably petting the kangaroos and seeing koalas up close on Kangaroo Island. Jackie and I also just loved the Lord of the Rings tour  it was just what we were hoping for.

Thanks for an adventure we’ll never forget!

Tim Heyden

Thank you from Donna Mann

When my husband and I decided to go to New Zealand and Australia to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, we turned to Karen and her team at Australia 2000 to help us plan it.

Photo Credit to Chris & Donna Mann

At our first meeting, we talked to Karen about the places that interested us, the types of things we liked to do, and discussed our budget.? Then Karen used her knowledge of the area and her extensive contacts to develop the itinerary and recommend hotels, tours and experiences for us.? After some discussion and advice from Karen, we decided to fly Premium Economy on Air New Zealand for our flights over the Pacific, and it was worth every penny.? We were so much more comfortable that we would have been in coach, and we arrived in New Zealand ready to begin our adventure.

Photo Credit to Chris & Donna Mann

Karen also arranged transportation for us when we needed it so we didn?t have to worry about driving in unfamiliar places on the opposite side of the road.? That worked flawlessly.??? We felt so spoiled!

Karen chose a nice mix of B&B-type lodgings as well as traditional hotels.? All were well located and offered excellent service and food.? She also arranged a number of excursions for us, including:

  • A guided hike on the Routeburn Track
  • A luxury overnight cruise on Milford Sound
  • My husband?s fly-fishing trip
  • Touring Kangaroo Island to see koalas, kangaroos, seals, sea lions and even an echidna in the wild
  • A day long tour of Sydney
  • Our farewell dinner at Cafe Sydney, where we were seated at one of the best tables in the restaurant

We really appreciated Karen?s suggestions and her expertise.? There is no way we could have put together this kind of trip on our own, and we would have missed some amazing experiences had we tried.? Plus we met so many wonderful and interesting people along the way who not only helped us out, but also were excited to share the places they lived with us.? Knowing there were local people we could call if we had any problems made us confident that we would enjoy our trip to the fullest.? If you want a customized and personal vacation, turn to Karen and her team at Australia 2000.? They won?t disappoint!

Donna Mann

 

Thank you from Bonnie & Scott Morton

Dear Karen,

We are pleased with our custom trip to Australia and Tasmania. We enjoyed our excursions ? Davidson?s Safari Camp, Flinders Range, Kangaroo Island, and Tasmania.

Morton - Flinders Ranges 2015
Photo credit to Bonnie & Scott Morton

We enjoyed Davidson?s Safari Lodge a lot. We had excellent meals. The cabin was comfortable and the guides were excellent. We enjoyed seeing the aborigines? art and the billabongs. We saw a number of birds, alligators, and wallabies.

Mick is an excellent guide. We enjoyed his sense of humor and knowledge of the area around Flinders Range. We learned a lot from him. It is a beautiful area. We saw the wildflowers in full bloom.

Steve was our guide on Kangaroo Island. He is a farmer and works as a guide part time. Steve and Scott enjoyed talking about their farms. Steve gave us a tour of his farm which we thoroughly enjoyed. Mandy and Paul, the owners of Seascape were excellent hosts. Mandy is a great cook and the meals were delicious.

Morton KI 2015
Photo credit to Bonnie & Scott Morton

Adelaide was the perfect place to be our jumping off point from Flinders Range to Kangaroo Island to Tasmania and the Adina Apartment Hotel served us well. The hotel is within walking distance to Chinatown which has a very good selection of Asian restaurants, and Rundle mall for shopping.

I found some very warm merino gloves for the forecasted cooler weather in Tasmania. Having a washing and dryer in the unit was very helpful. We started our 6 days in Tasmania with a full load of clean clothes.? Also having a small kitchen in the unit allowed us to purchase food for a continental breakfast.

Cradle Mountain (photo credit Morton)
Photo credit to Bonnie & Scott Morton

Karin was our guide in Tasmania. In addition to being very knowledgeable about the area, she is very thoughtful and helpful. She surprised us with a gift for our 25th anniversary. I just happened to mention it to her. We didn?t want to publicize the event, but we appreciated her thoughtfulness.

We enjoyed Sarah Island, Cradle Mountain, all the walks, Cataract Gorge, the Walk to Wineglass Bay lookout, seeing and learning about all the rock formations.

We felt the organization and coordination of the drivers and guides were excellent. We enjoyed the adventures, learning about the history and seeing the beautiful views of Australia.

Thank you for such a nice job.

Bonnie and Scott Morton

Customize a Wedding or Honeymoon to Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti or Fiji with the Down Under Specialists at Australia 2000 Travel

Our customer service, extensive local knowledge of each destination and twenty three?years spent developing relationships with our hand selected tour guides and unique boutique accommodation owners and hosts set us apart.? Nothing about Australia 2000 Travel is cookie cutter.? Dreams come true. Memories are created that last for a lifetime.?

Jim Krystal Brown - OZ Wedding
Photo Credit to Jim & Krystal Brown

“Thank you to the staff of Australia 2000 for making this a trip of a lifetime for our wedding/honeymoon.? We couldn’t have asked for it to be more perfect!? The attention to detail was phenomenal and we can’t wait to contact you again for an anniversary trip!” Jim & Krystal Brown

?Hi Karen, We?re back! You put together a wonderful itinerary for us. The honeymoon was fantastic, wonderful and spectacular!!! Did I mention that we really enjoyed ourselves??? Everything went off without a hitch. Your staff we met throughout our journey couldn?t have been any friendlier! We felt relaxed and at ease our entire trip. We hope to come back some day!? Thank you so much for a wonderful and unforgettable three weeks.?? Dan & Erin Garfin

Dave & Crystal Geiser OZ DEC 2014
Photo Credit to Crystal & Dave Geiser

?Australia is such a large country and we had no idea how to start the process of planning a honeymoon that would cover all the highlights.? The Australia 2000 team took over and created us the most phenomenal, carefree honeymoon we could ask for!? They really?took into account our active lifestyle and personalities to make sure we were busy rafting, scuba diving, hiking, etc. while getting to see several of the diverse ecosystems around Australia.? All in one trip we were able to see Cairns, Ayers Rock, Kangaroo Island, and Sydney!? It was a perfect mix of city and nature with no worries for us as far as logistics of transportation (air, land and sea)!? It was the best decision I could have made to put the planning of this trip in the hands of these talented professionals and I would definitely go to them again for our next adventure (New Zealand is looking pretty awesome?)!? Crystal & Dave Geiser

Greg & Ashley Walker Honeymoon #2 - Fiji & OZ May 2014
Photo Credit to Greg & Ashley Walker

?Hi Karen! Passing through the Adelaide Airport and just wanted to let you and the team know we are having an amazing adventure. Everything has been perfect.?? Greg & Ashley Walker

?Much appreciation on the hard work of setting up our honeymoon. We had such a great time and felt that Australia became a part of us. We just did not want to leave. We will have memories for a lifetime.? Aaron & Anna Spork

Aaron & Anna Spork Aussie Honeymoon - April 2010
Photo Credit to Aaron & Anna Spork

“We had such an amazing trip to New Zealand that we didn’t want to come home!?? The food was great and the atmosphere everywhere we went was so hospitable and inviting! Everyone was very nice and gave us well wishes on our recent marriage. We definitely want to go back and see some of the places we didn’t get to this time.? Thanks again for organizing this trip for us. It will truly be something we will never forget.”? Mike & Jess Wiley

Thank you from Crystal and Dave

Geiser & Witherell OZ Honeymoon Camel Tour DEC 2014Australia is such a large country and we had no idea how to start the process of planning a honeymoon that would cover all the highlights.? The Australia 2000 team took over and created us the most phenomenal, carefree honeymoon we could ask for!? They really? took into account our active lifestyle and personalities to make sure we were busy rafting, scuba diving, hiking, etc. while getting to see several of the diverse ecosystems Geiser & Witherell OZ Honeymoon DEC 2014around Australia.? All in one trip we were able to see Cairns, Ayers Rock, Kangaroo Island, and Sydney!? It was a perfect mix of city and nature with no worries for us as far as logistics of transportation (air, land and sea)!? It was the best decision I could have made to put the planning of this trip in the hands of these talented professionals and I would definitely go to them again for our next adventure (New Zealand is looking pretty awesome…)!

Thanks,
Crystal and Dave

Thank you from David & Adrea Benkoff

Dear Karen,

We traveled to Australia anAdrea Benkoffd New Zealand for 3 ? weeks on a spectacular tour tailored to our tastes. We hopscotched around Australia from Sydney to Cairns, Ayers Rock to Kangaroo Island. Every stop included personalized tours, wonderful people and terrific wildlife experiences. We even spent a day in Barossa wine country sampling from four wineries.

The scenery in New Zealand was picture postcard perfect. The expDavid Benkofferiences that Karen provided in Arthur?s Pass, Queenstown and Doubtful Sound highlighted the natural beauty and provided exciting activities such as a Jet Boat Ride, overnight cruise and sheep shearing. We toured with an Aboriginal and Maori guide and experienced their lifestyle first hand.

Whether we had a private tour or joined with others, all the selected tour guides were personable, knowledgeable, and genuinely enjoyable to spend time with.

Australia 2000 made this the adventure of a lifetime.

Thanks, Adrea and David Benkoff

Thank you from Marnie & David Balog

Dear Karen,

Our 2nd trip with Australia 2000 once again exceeded all expectations. We didn’t want to come home! You have a great gift for understanding our personalities and matching the itinerary and adventures!

Sailing in Sydney Harbor with Colin was a great way to start our fabulous trip and climbing the bridge showed us a most spectacular view of Sydney at twilight. David loved all the fishing trips but the marlin got away so he may just have to go back and try again! The Maria Island Walk was one of many highlights and we loved sleeping outdoors in a most gorgeous place.

Hiking along the Great Ocean Road and dinner at The Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld made my birthday the BEST ever! Staying at Stranrear Homestead on Kangaroo Island with Lyn and Graham showed us another side of life in Australia, a working sheep farm. After dinner, Graham took us out in his land rover to spot kangaroos and wallabies. Lyn should make the list for top chefs in the world! The hospitality and gourmet meals at Stranrear made us feel very special. Actually every day of our trip made us feel happy and very special!

Our memories of the wonderful adventures you planned keep us smiling! Thank you for making our 2nd trip with Australia 2000 one we will always remember.

We want to go again!

Marnie and David Balog

Livonia, MI

Thank you from June Fasang

Dear Karen,

My trip was wonderful!? A big THANK YOU to you and your associates for your help in planning it.

I never really thought I would take this trip until I found out about your agency from the write up in the Sunday Detroit Free Press.? I had to keep pinching myself that I was really there after wanting to go for 60 years!

I am very glad you advised me to spend the extra money to upgrade my seat on the Air New Zealand flight to Auckland.? I cannot say enough good things about Air New Zealand and the flight attendant you alerted ahead of time to watch over me.? She was incredibly kind to help me through immigration and customs.

Auckland was lovely, the personal tour guides, Pete and Christine, were so helpful and went out of their way to welcome and show me their part of New Zealand.? City Life Hotel upgraded me to a suite and it was very comfortable. I only wish that I had more time there.? My last day in Auckland Pete showed up at 7 a.m. all spiffed up in suit and tie to transfer me to to the airport for my flight to Australia.

A friend was waiting for me in Adelaide and I really think that was my favorite part of the trip. Adelaide is a beautifully laid out city and the surrounding country is gorgeous. I loved Kangaroo Island.? It was perfect weather wise and it was there that I first saw kangaroos and koalas. Other places I enjoyed were the wineries at McLaren Vale and Granite Island where we hopped aboard a horse drawn carriage tour.

On to Melbourne on Virgin Australia, where I was upgraded to business class for the short flight and yet another reunion with friends.? After resting for a couple of days at their lovely home, their mother, who is my lifelong friend, arrived.? We visited the wonderful botanical gardens and enjoyed viewing the wild life.? Joanne made a Kangaroo supper one night and it was surprisingly good. The next day we set off to Canberra where we toured the new Parliament building and the War Memorial.? They were both amazing.

On to Sydney… The Sydney waterfront was all that I expected and that is where we met my sister and husband. I parted with my Melbourne friends and spent the rest of the day with my sister and family over in Manly Beach. I walked to the Quay to explore the Rocks and took a tea time harbor cruise.

I enjoyed the food but found Australia very expensive both in restaurants and grocery stores. Lamb was cheaper than here and I brought back Vegemite which I love (like British Marmite).

The Sheraton Hotel in Los Angeles that you arranged for me was just fine.? I took advantage of both the lovely accommodation and the limo transfers you arranged for me.

Thank you again, Karen, I could not have done it without you.

Regards,

June Fasang

P.S. I will not hesitate to recommend your agency.

Thank you from Dr. Gunta Wheeler

Hello Karen,

Our trip to Australia & New Zealand was absolutely a dream come true.

Sydney was everything you told us to expect. We thoroughly enjoyed our luxurious hotel and all of the wonderful tours planned for us, especially the small group city orientation tour. Our guide was totally awesome, he even brought us to the market so that we could do a bit of shopping and then to the Yacht Club for a fantastic lunch.

Lizard island was as we dreamed it would be ?out of this world? with absolutely the best food and service. The weather was as we ordered, sunny when we needed it to be and cloudy when we had a slight sunburn. Adelaide, the wineries and Kangaroo Island were also just perfect.

Our favorite part of New Zealand was Queenstown. On arrival we enjoyed a hot springs spa treatment and then headed into town where we joined in a Bar Crawl at the Ice Bar. That was the best night ever. My friends were trying to remind me my age, but I could not care less.

I must tell you that there is a new restaurant in Queenstown called Flame Bar and Grill where the ribeye steak is to die for. Also the Irish pub, Pog Mahones Stone Grill, has the best cuisine next to Lizard Island. Our favorite tour was the jet boat ride on the Dart River. It was thrilling fun and we had the best captain. I have to admit that I am totally ready to drop everything and move to Queenstown if I am ever offered the opportunity.

We also thoroughly enjoyed our chartered boat tour in Nelson. The captain was great and the Tasman Sea was at its best with lots of sun and seals, penguins and very artistic jelly fish. We sun tanned, swam and enjoyed our lunch tremendously. A highlight of the day was the terrific driver who told all about the Nelson area and even stopped at the local market so that we could purchase fresh fruit.

WOW was as wow could be, we were shocked out of our pants, that Nelson has a magnificent museum. After visiting the museum our private guide took us to the wineries where we savored the best ever smoked salmon. Paired with a prized Chardonnay, the salmon was simply splendid. Overall we thoroughly enjoyed Nelson thanks to the tours and fantastic tour guides.

Now the toughest part is to get back to ordinary food and work. I truly feel that New Zealand is calling me to return as I felt so very much at home there.

Thank you so much for a truly glorious trip!

Dr. Gunta Wheeler

A Traveler’s Notes from Australia

My trip to Australia seems ages ago but my memories run deep.? The land down under is indeed full of beauty and spectacle and amazingly friendly people.

Here are a few of my favourite places and things unique to Australia:
  • First there’s the delicious lamington! (Ha! Did you think I would start with the Sydney Opera House? Not focused on the uber-tourist trail with this little blog post. Besides food always comes first!) If you’ve never had a lamington, you must try one (or two) immediately…if you can find a place that makes them…or you’ll have to make your own. Lamingtons are sponge cake cut in cubes and dipped in a light chocolate frosting and sprinkled with coconut. They are divine!
  • The spectacular Great Ocean Road! (Yes I know this is on everyone’s list but there is good reason!) The highlight of my very long but incredible day was a helicopter ride to see the Twelve Apostles and Shipwreck coast from an unforgettable vantage point!
  • Lots of great wine! From the three wine regions (of which there are plenty!) that I visited across Australia and the few wineries that I was able to experience in each area, here are the standouts…
Margaret River:
There are the bigger, more well known estates like Voyager and Vasse Felix that are consistently good so I will focus on the houses that offered me the most memorable experiences and wines that were fantastic in my opinion (not to mention some interesting names!)
+Laurance – excellent reds in particular the Icon Cabernet
+ Evans & Tate – loved their whites and a beautiful pink Moscato
+ Wills Domain – excellent whites especially their Semillon
+ Knee Deep – fantastic, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc
+ Swings and Roundabouts – great reds and a beautiful Chardonnay
Yarra Valley:
+ Yering Station – this is a popular and quite commercial estate but they had a Shiraz Viognier (2008) that was amazing
+ Rochford – lovely, elegant wines especially their Chardonnay (2001)
Barossa Valley:
+ Schild Estate – very nice, smooth whites like the Semillon, Frontignac and Chardonnay and there was a fabulous blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre (GSM as the Aussies love their acronyms!)
+ Hentley Farm – fantastic Zinfandel and a Shiraz called The Beast (2010)! It was to-die-for…much more complex and interesting than The Beauty!
  • If you find yourself in Melbourne and you’re a huge fan of sushi, then you must try Jamon (www.jamonsushi.com) which is a little sushi place in the charming suburb of?South Yarra. The owner and master sushi chef (be prepared to meet Charles, a long-silver-haired Harley Davidson type dressed in black) prepares everything for you fresh that day – the menu is omakase so the chef will make whatever he chooses from the fresh fish, mushrooms and vegetables that he had gotten from the markets that day (you can just tell him what you may not prefer). It was like an opera watching him prepare the whole fishes and creating delicate pieces of sashimi from various parts of the fish, slicing the beautiful shiitake and enoki while grounding fresh wasabi root and sprinkling some of his homemade mustard. Oh, and in that tiny space of sushi bar for 7 and 2 tables for 2, they project Japanese animation on the large white wall in front of the
    bar. It was a lovely, spontaneous and unforgettable experience!
  • Kangaroo Island is a spectacular place where you feel like you’re at the edge of the world…and you are! It’s on the Southern Ocean and there’s nothing between you and Antarctica! The island was bigger than I expected with so much nature to see…of all the beautiful natural surroundings, I would have to say that the Remarkable Rocks were a highlight and of the few man-made places, there is nothing more amazing than the Southern Ocean Lodge (www.southernoceanlodge.com.au) which is an eco-friendly resort that caters to your every whim! The rooms, food, guided tours, spa and hospitality are all absolutely second-to-none! If only we could have stayed longer…
  • Finally, after seeing so much natural beauty, I was ready for a big dose of urban culture when I reached Sydney. And the Art Gallery of New South Wales didn’t disappoint. The gallery is at one end of the beautiful Botanic Gardens and surprisingly had on view the works of some of my favourite modern and contemporary artists. It was the perfect closing to a fabulous holiday.

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