AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND - Places not to miss.

PLACES NOT TO MISS - Part 1:

AUSTRALIA:

1 - SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES.
Located on one of the most famous harbours in the world, Sydney is surrounded by a host of golden beaches and has two of Australia´s most instantly recognizable land-marks - the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the opera House. Thanks to to a thriving nightlife and a list of things to do as long as the country´s coastline, no trip to Australia is complete without seeing it.

2 -  GREAT BARRIER REEF, QUEENSLAND.
Listed as one the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World” the Great Barrier Reef hugs the east coast of Australia from Bundaberg in southern Queensland all the way up to the most northern tip of the state. Some of the best locations to snorkel/dive include the Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic island and off the coast of Cairns at the outer reef.

3 -  ULURU, NORTHERN TERRITORY.
Regarded by many as nothing more than a big rock, Uluru (Ayer´s Rock) is much more than that. There is a very spiritual atmosphere all around Uluru National Park, and what many people do not realize is that while you´re there you can also visit the Olgas ( a group of large, dome-shaped rocks ) and Kings Canyon. The stop-off point for “The Rock” is Alice Springs, one of the liveliest places in the northern territory.

4 - BROOME, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Reacheble only by a dirt track until the mid 80´s, Broome is the most remote town in Australia. Closer to Indonesia than New South Wales, it serves as the southern gate to Kimberly and also home to world-renowned Cable Beach. With it´s 22km, picture camel rides at sunset, the famous “Staircase to the Moon” and old pearl luggers bobbing on turquoise waters.

5 - 12 APOSTLES, VICTORIA.
Synonymous with Victoria´s Great Ocean Road, the 12 Apostles are a group of twelve rock figures which soar from the Southern Ocean just off the coast of Victoria. The drive along the coastal road which leads to them is just breath-taking as the sight of the 12 Apostles themselves.


PLACES NOT TO MISS - Part 2:

NEW ZEALAND.

1 -  QUEENSTOWN, SOUTH ISLAND.
Situated in one of the most scenic places in the world, Queenstown is a thrill-seeker’s dream come true. Activities including skiing, white water rafting and bungee jumping to name but a few. To top that off there is also a good range of restaurants, bars and nightlife to sample after your daytime exertions.

2 -  FOX AND FRANZ JOSEF GLACIERS, SOUTH ISLAND.
You can´t leave New Zealand without checking out a glacier. If you´re feeling energetic you can do a glacier walk, but for the less athletic but equal adventurous why not take a scenic flight, or even parachute jump over it! While these are two main glaciers in the area, there are many others.

3 - PAIHIA & BAY OF ISLANDS, NORTH ISLAND.
Made up f close to 150 islands, this archipelago is in a most idyllic setting with turquoise waters and hidden coves. You can enjoy a tourist cruise, but to really experience the islands take a sailing trip around them for a few days. The departure point for tours to the islands is Paihia, a small seaside town in an extremely picturesque location.

4 -  WAITOMO CAVES SOUND, NORTH ISLAND.
Waitomo on the North Island is home to some of the most spectacular caves and limestone formations in the world. A trip to these caves is one of the most unique experiences in New Zealand, as you get to swim down underground rivers while thousands of glow worms hang overhead.