Joann  Trip Report – Australia

First and Most Important: Than you Ian Flores for planning such a wonderful trip. I know we spent many, make that many, many hours going over details, but you did an outstanding job. Logistics were perfect, your recommendations were all excellent, overall, just an outstanding trip of a lifetime!!!!!!!!!

Grand Quay Sydney Harbour – 5 stars

Worth upgrading to Harbour View. Service is great, breakfast each day at restaurant overlooking the Quay was excellent, room was clean – and location can’t be beat. A few steps from the Opera House, Botanical Gardens, Harbour ferries and Rocks district. Overall this was the perfect place to start our trip.

Lizard Island – YES, YES AND YES!

When you spend this much money, you really ask yourself will it be worth it. To be right on the Great Barrie Reef, be able to snorkel right off the beach in front of your room, or go to one of four beaches on the island that offer great snorkeling – it was just perfect. We snorkeled on Watson’s Bay which has great Clam Garden, then did a half day snorkeling excursion to Banks Bay. Incredible, non-stop coral gardens. We have both dived and snorkeled in many other parts of the world, but this was the all-time best. Overall, staff is outstanding, great attentive service, good food. We only regret we didn’t schedule at least one more night here – worth the price as this is just unlike any other place in the world.

Longitude 131 – Uluru

The location is so great, and really, how can you go wrong visiting this iconic part of Australia. Lovely rooms overlooking Uluru and excellent food.

Kangaroo Island

Great accommodations and Many and Paul were great hosts. Mandy is a great cook – fabulous 3 course dinners, fresh bread and fruit plus whatever more you want for breakfast. Out guide was super, and they made us feel like islanders. It was the only place we saw kangaroos and would definitely recommend visiting Kangaroo Island and staying here.

Great Ocean Walk

This is a great “luxury” alternative for hiking the Great Ocean Walk. The owner picked us up at our hotel in Melbourne, and returned there at the end of the 4 day/3 night walk. The lodge was great and the rooms were large with large bathrooms. We hiked a different section of the GOW each day, and changed plans as appropriate – ie, after heavy rain at night. A HIGHLIGHT of our walk was visiting the Great Otway Lighthouse, turning the corner to find a koala within arm’s distance looking straight at us. Another one down the trail, also within arm’s reach. In fact, we saw many koalas in this area, which just made the walk more spectacular. They supplied backpacks, walking sticks and water bottles. Hot foot baths in the afternoon. The walk ends with a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles – overall great choice for anyone looking for a little luxury at the end of a long day of hiking.

Langham Hotel – Melbourne

May be our best hotel stay ever. Thanks to DownUnder, our Club Level room with a view of the Yarra  had outdoor porch as big as the ample sized room. Service and meals were outstanding – just a plus, plus, plus experience.

Sydney Park Hyatt: Another 5 starts

Perfect for the last night in Australia – worth upgrading to Opera House View.