Great Barrier Reef. Why not go now?

You may or may not have what is called a “bucket list,” but if you do, you more than likely have places in the world that you need to see.  Most everyone knows that the continent of Australia is sitting there, just waiting, with it’s Downunder appeal:- Kangaroos, Shrimp on the Barbie, The Opera House, topless beaches, and one of the magic places in all of the world, The Great Barrier Reef. 

Even if you are not an avid swimmer, you are still drawn to the crystal blue waters and the vivid tropical sealife.  The Reef is truly amazing!  It stretches 1800 kms (1200 miles) from the northern tip of Australia to just north of Brisbane.  Imagine this:  You are 50 kms (30 miles) offshore, the hills behind Cairns are a smudge on the western horizon.  The Reef itself is 5 to 10 metres (15 to 30 feet) below the bottom of your boat.

There are several boat trips leaving from Cairns and Port Douglas and you want to be sure to prebook your Reef Trip well before you arrive so you do not miss out.  There are some for the younger crowd and others that are more deluxe and private.

If you visit Hamilton Island, and want more luxury, be sure to arrange your Australian Vacation with a CustomTravel Planner on www.Australian.com    You may also want to scuba dive.  If you are a beginner, you can take a "resort dive” and actually dive one on one with an instructor.  The Reef boats for snorkeling and diving have knowledgeable and licensed guides.

Hamilton Island

Also available off Hamilton Island are sailing boats that you can actually sleep on.  Some have facilities for private charters, small parties of up to 6 couples.  You can snorkel, swim, sleep and dine on your own private sailing boat while the crew look after you.

Australian Wildlife in the Wild. What’s not to like?

No matter where you go in Australia, it’s possible to see wildlife in the wild. Not in the big cities mind you, though a crocodile came up out of the drains in Cairns one time to give the tourists (and a few locals) a bit of a scare.  A bit too close to wildlife in the wild!

You can book tours online at Australian.com.  Any of the full day tours out of the city will show you some sort of wildlife in the wild.

What you see in various locations around Australia will depend a bit on where you are.  Kangaroos are just about everywhere and if you are self driving for any part of your trip, then you will likely spend some of your time avoiding hitting them on the roads.  As an aside, what is referred to as a “bull bar” on the front of the truck or SUV in the U.S. and Europe, is called a “Roo Bar” in Australia.

While a kangaroo is not quite as large as a cow,  the damage in being hit by a 350 pound (175 Kg) kangaroo in full flight is a matter of the speed in which it is traveling.  Kangaroos can make a good 30mph when pushed and if they are panicked into crossing the road, can make a heck of a mess in front of the car.  Hence, the term “Roo Bar.”

There are many other forms of wildlife you can see in the wild though since most wildlife is nocturnal, you are most likely to see them at sunrise and sundown.

The smaller animals such as the echidna (ant eater) wallabies, and in Tasmania, Tasmanian Devils, are often candidates for road kill after dark.

Any of the good wildlife tours, say to the Blue Mountains outside Sydney, or the Atherton Tableland behind Cairns, will show you kangaroos, crocodiles and if you’re lucky,  a cassowary or emu (large flightless bird that resemble the ostrich).

If you miss the chance to see wildlife in the wild, book tours on Australian.com to include the wildlife parks in Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania, Brisbane and Cairns.

Half Day or Full Day Hobart Tours

Book Online in Bed

If you’re reading this while you are in Hobart, you can log onto Tasmania.com and actually book tours from your bed where you are staying! Many travelers have only a half day or a full day to spend on Hobart Tours, so we want to highlight things you just do NOT want to miss.

For example, many tours pick up at your hotel. If interested in the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur Tour, you can book the tour online, pay for it, and you will be picked up and they can take your voucher electronically from your phone. Much easier than finding the ticket office, paying for the tour, only to return back to your hotel to be picked up. You can book and pay for all your tours leaving from Hobart on Tasmania.com all from your bed, and making sure not to miss some really cool sights for a half-day or full-day quickie tour of Hobart.

Weather can play a part in things too. If you want to go sailing, and it is raining or blowing a gale, the chances are the boat won’t go. So, you can choose another tour that leaves from Hobart, such as the Bruny Island Day Tour (that’s a full day tour, but well worth it).

Only have a half day available? (Of course, that’s why you’re booking this online) Tasmania.com has the times available, so book, pay and go on the tour without leaving your hotel bed!