National Parks Archives - Australia 2000 Travel

February 2, 2018

Thank you from Dawn and Phil Minch

Thank you, Australia 2000. Our trip and wedding that was orchestrated by your team was everything we could have dreamed and more. From the moment we landed in Sydney, every detail of our travel was exquisite. The escort company that Australia 2000 selected, met us at the airport, took us on our tour of Sydney and transported us to airports were professional, friendly and informative. The owner, Karen, made sure that our accommodations were top notch. Radisson Blue was within walking distance of the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, the Rocks and so much more in Sydney. She extended our trip in Australia to include Tasmania, where we stayed at a transformed cannery, The Henry Jones, located on the bay. The d?cor was old world charm with contemporary room accommodations. It was one of the many highlights of our visit to Australia.

Karen knew that we have a passion for wine and opera and incorporated this into our vacation. She arranged a backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House and tickets to an outdoor stage performance of ?Turandot?. The evening included dinner at the Platinum Club, a moving performance and fireworks during the opera. They were many more delightful experiences in Sydney but I must move on to Tasmania and share that portion of our trip also. This is where Karen and Australia 2000 fused our love of wine and our wedding during our trip.

My husband and I had a fleeting thought of the possibility of eloping during our trip to Australia and shared this with Karen. From that thought a beautiful wedding was created and performed at a winery in Tasmania, Frogmore Creek, by a celebrant that was handpicked from many interviewed, Bridget. This was all done by the expert minds at Australia 2000. The vineyard wedding was followed a 14-course luncheon at the winery.

The next day we departed for our memorable rustic honeymoon on Maria Island, a beautiful National Park, for 4 days and 3 nights. I must explain that Maria Island has been reborn as a well-maintained haven for hikers and campers. Accessible only by boat, my husband and I comfortably experienced the wilds of Australia as we were chaperoned by guides that cooked, nursed and shared their knowledge of the island while we trekked.? If you have ever heard the term or dreamed of ?glamping? you must experience this part of our trip.? Everything was 5-star from the guides, meals, rugged huts and evenings with candelabras and wine. ??By the way, we did ?see the southern cross for the first time? while on the island!? The boat picked us up after our last breakfast on Maria and whisked us off to the Hobart airport for a quick flight back to Sydney.

We had one more night at the Radisson Blue and spent the evening relaxing and discussing how soon we could come back. ?We were saddened when our driver arrived at the hotel in the morning to take us to the airport and send us home. I will finish with, ?of all trips we?ve ever taken, this trip of two weeks in Australia is the only one that we still remember every single moment?. I could not include them all in this letter.

Thank you, Karen and Australia 2000 team, for all the efforts that went into the arrangements and ensuring that every detail of our trip was 5-star plus.

October 19, 2016

Thank you from Ellen Moellering

Dear Karen,

Dave and I had the most awesome trip ever. Thank you for arranging our wonderful 3 week journey through Australia. Everything went perfectly as planned.

This trip was an eye opener for us. Seeing the outback national parks by staying in all the unique, comfortable and exclusive accommodations you provided was heavenly.?

The food was always delicious and a culinary experience.

It would of seemed impossible to explore the destinations we visited without the transportation your team provided. Every pilot, captain, guide and work staff were so friendly and informative. This was surely an historical, cultural trip for us. Thanks again, to all the people we met on this trip thru your booking.

We really had fun in beautiful Sydney, going to all the delightful spots. Just a great city and full of historical culture. Loved the beaches, all thru Australia, wow!

Thanks again Karen, job well done.?

Sincerely,

Ellen Moellering

June 8, 2011

Australian Islands

ORPHEUS ISLAND

Orpheus Island is a true Great Barrier Reef island, located fifty miles north of Townsville, one hundred and twenty? miles south of Cairns and fifteen? miles offshore. ?It is fringed by sheltered bays and seven unspoiled sandy beaches, wreathed in spectacular coral gardens and invigorated with native flora and fauna. While snorkeling guests will view giant clams in their natural environment and? look for over a thousand species of tropical fish and more than three hundred varieties of reef coral in the underwater gardens surrounding the island.

The entire island, 3380 acres was declared a National Park in 1960.? ?Guests are likely to see echidnas and bandicoots, harmless brown and green tree snakes and green tree frogs in the rainforest, woodland and around the resort.? Many native birds can be found on the island including the orange-footed scrub fowl, brilliant yellow-bellied sunbirds, friar birds, boobook owls, sulfur crested cockatoos, ospreys, spangled drongo, brahminy kite, reef heron and rainbow lorikeets.

KANGAROO ISLAND

One of Australias true wilderness areas, Kangaroo Island is a place of rugged cliffs, roaring surf, pristine beaches, vivid blue ocean waters, dramatic caves, beautiful bush land, national parks and home to an abundance of wildlife.?Its natures paradise with unique flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world.

To derive the greatest pleasure and value from any visit to KI we always suggest?exploring the island with one of our specialist guides who know just where to find the timid Aussie wildlife and where best to observe the?spectacular scenery along the South Coast.

LIZARD ISLAND

Situated right on the famed Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is an exclusive island; with 24 soft white beaches and fringed with coral reefs. Guests are limited to just 80 at any one time. This is an island where you can enjoy a wide choice of activities or simply take a break and luxuriate in the peace and solitude of the islands delightful natural environment.

LORD HOWE ISLAND

After flying over 370 miles of empty ocean from Sydney you will be in awe as you approach the breathtaking World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island, formed when a volcano erupted 6 million years ago. Snorkeling on the most southern coral reef in the world that teems with marine life of over 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral is a popular past time. World-class bush walks through the natural forests of spectacular Banyan trees and Kentia palm range from easy level-ground walks to challenging hikes to the peak of Mt Gower. In order to maintain the islands pristine environment and uniqueness the number of visitors is limited to 400 at any time.

MARIA ISLAND

Get off the beaten path on an award winning four day guided walk on historic Maria Island where peak hour traffic is a line of little blue penguins emerging from the sea.

During your four day hike you?ll see world-rated fossil cliffs and tread softly through a refuge of rare wildlife and plants.? You?ll trace the history from the era of convicts back to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana.? The entire island is a national park, surrounded by pristine beaches and secluded coves.

Maria Island is a wildlife haven for mammals, birds and marine creatures and home to many rare and endangered species found nowhere else on earth.? The meeting of the warm and cold ocean currents surrounding the island provides a rich source of food for bait fish, seals and sea birds.?? The island lies on one of the great whale migration paths.? Maria Island has long been a prized destination for the keen birdwatcher with 11 of Tasmania?s 12 endemics and over 130 recorded species.? There are almost too many animals to take in.? Rare Tasmanian mammals that hop, climb trees, burrow underground or even lay eggs, seals and dolphins splashing happily in the sea are all to be found during your adventure on? Maria Island.

June 8, 2011

Australia’s National Parks

Victoria

Port Campbell, Dreamtime 2013, Melbourne, Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road ~ Copyrighted Image Tourism Australia

Between 1918 and 1932 the spectacular Great Ocean Road was constructed using the labor of Australian soldiers newly returned from the First World War. While traveling along this dramatic winding road you will pass through Port Campbell National Park and discover The Twelve Apostles, rock structures soaring from the swirling waters of the Southern Ocean and one of Australias most recognized natural features. If you would rather not drive this demanding road we have the perfect guide for you who will show you the awesome sights, fill you with the local history, stand with you on cliffs that are over 200 feet tall while you gaze at rock stacks up to 130 feet tall. Along the way he will introduce you to the locals.

Northern Territory

NT, Aboriginal, Rock Art ~ Copyrighted Image Tourism Australia

Kakadu National Park, located 160 miles east of Darwin, in Australias Northern Territory is the largest National Park in Australia and has been awarded a World Heritage listing. Adjacent to Kakadu National Park lies a vast subtropical savannah that has been described as a national treasure trove depicting ancient human occupation and a pristine wilderness area hosting myriad ecosystems and wildlife inhabitants. The Aboriginal association with the land is constantly on display in Kakadu National Park where richly descriptive rock paintings from 50,000 years ago depict events of the distant past. Let us send you to this ancient area where your hosts, Max Davidson’s passionate devotion to the area and its people has developed into a relationship of trust and respect with the traditional owners. Their association has resulted in an unchallengeable, in-depth knowledge of the history and traditions of the area.

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Thank you from Dawn and Phil Minch

Thank you from Ellen Moellering