Australia 2000 Travel

Australia 2000 Travel

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 30th 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.

Photo Credit to Peter Schmitz

Explore Magical Bruny Island

Bruny Island Traveller Lunch Photo Credit Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Time falls away as you explore Bruny Island. You?ll hear its stories and marvel at its scenery. At The Neck you’ll reach the crest of a lofty dune and see the narrow isthmus stretch away south in graceful curves. ?You?ll take a stroll and leave your footprints in the sand of a deserted beach. On your Bruny Island journey you’ll meet some of the island’s food and wine producers – people who put their skill, energy and spirit into harvesting the perfect vintage, crafting the most delicious cheese, picking the sweetest summer berries, shucking the finest oysters, growing the most succulent salmon. And you’ll taste the fruits of their labor a wonderful lunch of island specialties served at Australia’s southern-most vineyard. You’ll also feel the spirit of Bruny in its birds and animals, and their wild, natural habitat.

Soul

Everyone who spends time on Bruny Island shares the experience of leaving everyday life behind. There’s a strange but exhilarating sense of ‘islandness’ – a feeling of being away and apart from the world. It’s hard to explain, but easier to feel. You’ll know it as you walk on the empty stretch of a remote surf beach or as you leave the Tasmanian mainland behind, crossing the D’Entrecasteaux Channel to feel an island’s soul.

Thank you from Dawn and Phil Minch

Photo Credit to Dawn & 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.

Photo Credit to Dawn & Phil Minch

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.

Photo Credit to Dawn & Phil Minch

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.

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

A Gourmet Tour Like No Other! Discover Bruny Island, Tasmania with our Award Winning Tour Operator

TAS - Pennicott Wilderness Journeys - Winery Lunch
Photo Credit to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
TAS - Pennicott Wilderness Journeys - Bruny Island Traveler
Photo Credit to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Time falls away as you explore the island with your specialist guide. You?ll hear its stories and marvel at its scenery. At The Neck you’ll reach the crest of a lofty dune and see the narrow isthmus stretch away south in graceful curves. On your Bruny Island journey you’ll meet some of the island’s food and wine producers – people who put their skill, energy and spirit into harvesting the perfect vintage, crafting the most delicious cheese, picking the sweetest summer berries, shucking the finest oysters, growing the most succulent salmon. And you’ll taste the fruits of their labor a wonderful lunch of island specialties, served at Australia’s southern-most vineyard. You’ll also feel the spirit of Bruny in its birds and animals, and their wild, natural habitat.

Soul

TAS - Pennicott Wilderness Journeys - Beach Walk
Photo Credit to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Everyone who spends time on Bruny Island shares the experience of leaving everyday life behind. There’s a strange but exhilarating sense of ‘islandness’ – a feeling of being away and apart from the world. It’s hard to explain, but easier to feel. You’ll know it as you walk on the empty stretch of a remote surf beach, as you look out from the lofty tower of Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and as you leave the Tasmanian mainland behind, crossing the D’Entrecasteaux Channel to feel an island’s soul.

TAS - Pennicott Wilderness Journeys -Rainforest
Photo Credit to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Our hand selected tour operator and Tasmanian eco cruising pioneer Robert Pennicott and his team recently won an unprecedented five Australian Tourism Awards.? This is the third year in a row that Pennicott Wilderness Journeys won awards for Ecotourism and Excellence in Sustainable Tourism.? This remarkable achievement means that Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has become the first Tasmanian business inducted into the Australian Tourism Awards Hall of Fame.

Contact us to include this gourmet experience in your Bespoke Down Under Adventure.

Thank you from Mary Jo Drew

Hi Karen,

My entire foodie trip in the Lands Down Under went off with nary a hitch. The business class flights were the best splurge I’ve given myself in years!

MEL - Downtown from Mary Jo Drew
Photo Credit to Mary Jo Drew

The Hotel Lindrum in?Melbourne was well positioned with easy access to shopping and attractions.? The Lanes and Arcades tour is an absolute must for anyone visiting Melbourne for the first time. As our guide pointed out, by not knowing to look down the city?s narrow alleyways?many Americans would walk right past them and miss out on so much vibrant local culture.

There is so much colorful history in Melbourne.? At our guide’s advice, I even stopped in and had a drink?upstairs?with the famous Chloe in her namesake bar across from Flinders Railway Station!? The?Yarra Valley?winery tour was great fun. I really enjoyed seeing the Chandon Estate and didn?t realize Chandon had a vineyard in Australia!

Hobart in Tasmania was a really nice respite after the hustle and bustle of Melbourne.? The Old Woolstore Hotel was so close to the downtown area and harbor that I was able to walk virtually the entire downtown during my stay.? My private tour and lunch at the Morilla Estate was fantastic though the artwork at MONA came as a bit of a shock!?? The trip to Bruny Island was great.? The weather started out very rainy but by noon everything cleared out and I had a lovely day.

ZQN view from Mary Jo Drew
Photo Credit to Mary Jo Drew

And then came Queenstown in beautiful New Zealand. The Dairy may have been my favorite accommodation – had I not stopped at The Manse later!? The view, room, breakfasts and staff service were all superlative.? I also enjoyed the hot tub on the back deck – a great place to sip wine while enjoying the view!? Although the weather was on again, off again, I had mostly great weather for my wanderings about town, the public garden, and the narrow streets.? I also enjoyed great meals at a couple of unique tapas bars on Lake Wakatipu.? The Doubtful Sound trip was quite majestic, but as The Sound is so remote?it was a very long day. The winery tour to Otago was great and the charcuterie lunch was quite good.

NPE - The Manse view from Mary Jo Drew
Photo Credit to Mary Jo Drew

Lastly came Hawkes Bay. I knew I was in for a treat when I saw the plane I?d be flying on the leg from Christchurch to Napier – a regional aircraft not unlike some I have been on in the Pacific Northwest!??After staying at The?Manse and being totally spoiled by the fantastic accommodation, the pool, the drinks before dinner, Gary’s sumptuous meals, and his and Dietske’s hospitality, I can only say that I wish I had had spent more time there!? My guide on the winery tour had spent years in the business himself, and it showed in his insights into the various wineries and producers.? My tour of Napier with Gary on the last day of my trip certainly cemented my wish to spend more time in stunning Hawkes Bay.

The trip was spectacular and I will have great memories to share for years to come.? Thanks for all your help in making this happen!

Best wishes,

Mary Jo

Maria Island Far from the Stress of Life

Escape the crowds?

Without modern development and only two park rangers as residents, Maria Island guests escape to their own private island.

Away from traffic?

Secluded from emails?

Far from the stress of everyday life?

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.

Explore campsites left by the Oyster Bay Aborigines and hear tales of European explorers and whalers.? Meet characters of yesteryear; explore the brickworks and lime kilns where convicts toiled.?? Have it all, solitude in spellbinding nature, followed by shared stories over dinner with new friends.

Enjoy a Mediterranean climate with unspoiled open spaces.? After refreshing days relax with the indulgence of fine food and comfortable wilderness camps.

Maria Island, unspoiled nature?the ideal destination to relax and recharge.

Thank you from Colleen Berry

G?day Karen,

What a wonderful trip to Oz! You and your staff did a fabulous job in helping to make my second trip to Australia wonderful and helped me see new?and exciting parts of the country.

I loved Tasmania, Adelaide and the Margaret River area. Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island was just amazing, a once in a lifetime experience, and so wish I had stayed a third night. The small group tours across the itinerary were perfect.

Thank you for your patience in putting together a trip for someone visiting for a second time and my traveling companions visiting for a first time. The only downfall was not having more time or more money!

Thank you for making so many wonderful memories for me, Marianne and Rose.

Best,

Colleen

Australia’s Capital Cities

Sydney ~ Copyrighted Image: Tourism Australia

SYDNEY

Since 1996 readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines have voted Sydney, the World?s Best City for sixteen years in succession.? Whether you visit for one day or a week, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy this cosmopolitan city with its impressive harbor foreshores, glamorous homes and coastlines dotted with jagged sandstone cliffs and golden beaches. With its Mediterranean climate, arcade shopping, restaurants, parks, gardens, museums, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge – you will find Sydney a gem.

Adelaide ~ Copyrighted Image: South Australia Tourism Commission

ADELAIDE

The wine and festival capital of Australia, Adelaide in South Australia is one of the most vibrant, stylish and innovative cities you’ll ever visit. With rolling hills, pristine beaches, a lively nightlife, galleries, cafes, pubs, bookshops, fashion houses, antique stores, cellar doors and National Parks (all within Adelaide’s boundaries!), it’s a city you’ll want to come back to time and time again…

Brisbane ~ Copyrighted Image: Brisbane Marketing

BRISBANE

Brisbane, capital city of Queensland is Australia’s third largest city. It has been built around the Brisbane River that snakes its way through the downtown. Be sure to check out the Botanic Gardens and the unique Customs House that have become part of Brisbane’s heritage icons.

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