Passport for Your Palate-Tim Tam Slam

No comments

Let’s begin with what a Tim Tam is. It is Australia’s most delectable little chocolate-covered biscuit and legendary snack. It would be purely sacrilegious to visit Australia and not eat one of these treats. The biscuit has been around since 1964 and has been an Australian diet staple ever since. It has the original cookie, but Aronott’s, the creator, also has other options, including gluten-free, double chocolate, caramel, dark mint, and more! And the excellent news for you is that you can purchase them in the United States at various grocery stores. 

Now, here is the fun part: enjoying a Tim Tam Slam. A Tim Tam Slam is where your cookie becomes a straw for your hot cocoa or coffee. How does this cookie become a straw? My children and I were fortunate to have my dear Aussie mate, Melissa, demonstrate and teach us the art of a Tim Tam Slam one New Year’s Eve several years ago. And, this holiday, after receiving a box of Australian chocolate treats, my daughter Greta and I had to give it another go. 

Tim Tam Slam

What you Need:

  • Tim Tams-purchase at your local store or online.
  • Beverage-select and make your beverage Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Tea, or Port. It can be any drink that is not too thick that you enjoy.
  • Napkins

How to Slam:

Tim Tam Slam

  1. Remove one biscuit from the wrapper.
  2. Hold the biscuit on a diagonal.
  3. Take a smallish bite off one corner of the biscuit.
  4. Take another small bite diagonally off the other end of the biscuit. (be careful that neither of these bites is too large, as tempting as it might be)
  5. The final piece is one seamless move. Have your drink close. You are going to use your altered Tim Tam as a straw. Put your mouth on one bitten end and place the other into your drink. Suck the liquid up through the cookie, then once the liquid comes through, pop the entire cookie into your mouth for an incredible chocolate flavor bomb. 
  6. Use a napkin to dab up any chocolate fingerprints. 
  7. Repeat. 

For the most fun, add friends!  

Tim Tam Slam


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Tim Tam Slam
read more

The Wonderful Wombat

No comments

One of the draws to visiting Australia is the unique wildlife. They have some of the most unusual animals in the world and are only native to their prominent island destination. You will find creatures such as the kangaroo, wallaby, emu, Tasmanian devil, platypus, koala, and the one we will be diving deeper into, the wonderful wombat. 

What makes the wombat so wonderful?  

First, as we mentioned, they can only be found in Australia. (zoos don’t count) There are three species of wombats that you will find on your travels:

  • The common wombat (pictured)
  • The hairy-nosed northern wombat
  • The hairy-nosed southern wombat 

You will likely find at least one species in all but the Northern Territory. However, the hairy-nosed northern wombat is at the highest risk of extinction and is harder to see in the wild. 

Second, unlike other marsupials, the wombat’s pouch faces backward. The pouch is a uniquely designed trait for the wombat is a digger. Having it backward prevents them from throwing dirt into the joeys that may be residing in the pocket. 

Third, speaking of digging, the wombat has strong, powerful claws. They are the largest burrowing mammals in the world and can dig up to three meters deep. That is almost 10-feet. They create an intricate tunnel system beneath the ground to include bed chambers.

Fourth, a fun fact, the wombat has cubed shape poop. The shape results from their diet, but it also serves a purpose. The wombat uses their poop to mark their territory and entrances to their burrows. 

Fifth, despite their short, stubby stature, the wombats are quick. They can run up to 25 miles per hour. I wouldn’t recommend getting too close in the wild as they could catch you and take a nip. They do bite. 

Finally, I’ve only touched on several characteristics of the wonderful wombat. What is not so wonderful is they are at risk. Predators, habitat, and even mange (an infection of the skin) contribute to their decline. However, all over Australia, licensed rehabilitation organizations are helping to secure their longevity. Boomerang Escapes is happy to support one of them as a “Wombassador.” You can read more here.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslThe Wonderful Wombat
read more

Why I Love Australia

No comments

As I prepare to embark on yet another Down Under adventure, it is evident that I love Australia. At the time of writing, I will be making my eighth trip to this country that has captured my heart and soul. While I have yet to hit every corner, I have covered a fair amount of ground, having visited six of the seven regions and states thus far, with several being my third or fourth trip to them.  

A common question I receive is, “What is your favorite part of Australia?” It is almost impossible for me to choose. Each visit seems to outdo the last, and I fall in love over and over again. What I can tell you is why I love Australia. 

Why I love Australia:

 

The people.

No matter where you travel, the destination’s people and culture draw you in. Australia’s people are kind, genuine, and laid back. They love life. And their indigenous history is so rich. My soul comes alive during each visit when I spend time with the Aboriginals. Their connection to the land and everything around them draws you in. 

The wildlife.

Australia has the most unique and unusual creatures. These are animals that are native nowhere else in the world. You’ve got your Koala (my personal favorite), Kangaroo, Wombat, Tasmanian Devil, and the very peculiar Platypus, to name a few. And what is so unique is how you experience this wildlife on a visit. You can get so close to these animals even in their wild habitat. (Tip: go in their spring to see the babies.)

The coastlines. 

Australia herself is an island. There is an abundance of white sands and crystal clear blue waters. Beneath those waters lie the most incredible color displays, from coral to sea life. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never had a bad day at the beach, and with more beaches than you can visit in a year’s time, that makes Australia one happy place.

The food.

You can get just about any cuisine your heart desires, but I enjoy some of their traditional fare. A meat pie is always a must. You have to try the Barramundi, a lovely white fish found off the coast of Queensland. Lamb, they do it right. Then there are the unusual, such as camel burgers with beetroot, kangaroo filets, and crocodile bites. And don’t cringe before you try it. 

The list only covers the tip of the iceberg, the high-level overview of why I love Australia. You really need to experience it for yourself. One visit and you will soon discover why “There is nothing like Australia.” I, for one, will continue to visit and let my list grow. 

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslWhy I Love Australia
read more

Be Fit To Travel

No comments

How do travel and fitness go hand in hand? I will share how fitness plays a significant role in your traveling and has shaped my traveling career. You will discover why it is vital to be fit to travel. I will share two things you may or may not know about me, depending on whether you have booked travel or followed my adventures. One is an essential part of who I am and how I approach life and living, and the other is an inspiration and a reminder of why you must take care of yourself and do when the opportunity presents itself.

I have a separate component called Be Fit to Travel within Boomerang Escapes.

Being fit to travel came from my long history of being in the fitness industry and discovering over the years how taxing travel can be on the body. I was always a fitness buff, having been at the prime of my life when aerobics first took its hold, and shiny spandex was the attire. The love of fitness established in my youth carried over into my early family life as I received my personal trainer and fitness instructor certificates just before discovering I was pregnant with my first child. I taught classes and maintained my certification for about ten years before. Fast forward to my mid-forties, when I opened the agency and life’s stresses had a detrimental impact on my health, I returned to fitness as a motivational coach for Bodi (formerly Beachbody). At this point in my travel career, I was on the road nearly every month, realizing that if I was going to keep up with the pace of activities and enjoy all the things offered, I needed to regain my health. I witnessed many travelers who were also sidelined and unable to participate in something as simple as an easy-grade walk through a rainforest. I had clients who had to cancel major trips due to health issues arising before travel that likely might have been prevented had they spent a little more time on healthcare.

And this is where the second influence comes in. It is something I will never forget. It occurred long before I had any idea I would be a travel agent or, let alone, own an agency. A woman who was in her sixties and ran a consignment shop gave me a crucial piece of advice one day when I was selling some of the kid’s clothes at her shop. We were discussing my husband, who was living and working in Germany at the time. I shared with her how I wanted to see it for myself but wasn’t sure about traveling with the kids and the cost if I should do it. She then told me their dream of traveling the world did not happen. She told me how they had planned to travel the world in retirement. She worked and saved only to have retirement day come and take the dream away when her husband ended up on a dialysis machine. She told me, “Do not wait; go when you can. You never know what will happen in life.” Needless to say, I went to Germany with my toddlers in tow that year to visit their dad.

It’s always possible to begin that journey of health. And it isn’t about the swimsuit body but about longevity and mobility. You want to truly enjoy your rewards when you have worked as hard as you have worked. Feel free to follow @BeFitToTravel or join my private motivational fitness group to spur you on your wellness adventure.

As May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, I encourage you to BE FIT TO TRAVEL.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslBe Fit To Travel
read more

My Favorite Places in Australia

No comments

Lisa, what are your favorite places in Australia? This question I get all the time when working with my clients. Where would you go?

It is the most challenging question for me to answer because I love every experience I’ve had over my seven visits. (as of the time of this post) For me, Australia could never disappoint, and she continually outdoes herself whenever I go. Just when I think she can’t deliver more, she does.

For me, it is a destination that has captured my heart and soul. However, I will give you a short list of some of the places that hold some fond memories and that I would certainly return to again and again.

My Favorite Places in Australia:

  • Whitsundays-A collection of islands off the coast of Queensland located on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. Choose any of the islands for a perfect relaxing end to a long trip or a romantic escape. A visit to Whitehaven beach and a helicopter ride out over Heart Reef is necessary. 
  • Rainforest Walk-The lush green vegetation, babbling water, and history of this ancient place are beyond words. Experience the Daintree with a local Aboriginal guide. One of my favorites was a Dreamtime Walk. 
  • Kangaroo Island– Australia’s unique landscape and spotting of notable wild wildlife highlights here. Enjoy authentic eats while dining on a cliff looking out over the ocean or grilling in the bush. 
  • The Outback-I spent two weeks entirely in the lower portion of the Northern Territory hiking and climbing gorges, canyons, and more. Uluru and the surroundings feel like the heart and soul of Australia. Another outstanding experience here was a helicopter over the land at sunrise. 
  • Western Australia– A place I need to explore further, and despite my overwhelming love of koalas and getting a cuddle when I can, two of my best wildlife experiences were here—visiting Rottnest Island to meet Australia’s happiest animal, the quokka. During my encounter, the quokka decided to curl up in the crook of my arm on the cold, wet day we visited. And then the exhilarating swim with whale sharks. Words can’t describe the feeling of seeing these beautiful creatures very up close. 

Wow, the memories are flooding in. I could go on and on. I am truly overcome with emotions when I think of all the beautiful things I’ve had the privilege to do in Australia and the people I’ve met. As you can probably tell, I may be a bit biased, but I genuinely believe you should discover Australia.  

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslMy Favorite Places in Australia
read more

Walk It Out

No comments

The best way to see a destination is often by setting off on foot. I am that proverbial person that says, “We can walk it.” Don’t know what to do with the day, then start walking. I find you stumble upon some of the most significant discoveries when you take to the pavement or the off-beaten path. It is a fabulous learning experience with discoveries around every bend.

Australia has plenty of walks to discover. Or hikes if you are in for a bit more workout. I’ve climbed an array of gorges, canyons, and more! I’ve had the thrill of experiencing a climb up Peak’s Passage on Hamilton Island, trekking around King’s Canyon Rim, and scurrying down the hillsides in the Blue Mountains to witness cascading falls. No matter your state or territory, you will find somewhere unique to explore on foot.

Australia makes it even easier to Walk it Out.

Australia has what is known as the Great Walks of Australia. For the fitness buff, nature buff, and explorer, these are a variety of walks throughout the regions and in varying degrees of difficulty. Some are multiple days, and some you can do only part of. No matter your choice you need to try one.

Walk it Out in Australia.

Here is a list of the Great Walks:

  • The Arkaba Walk– Located in South Australia, is a 4-day walk of moderate intensity traversing the Flinders Ranges. It is best done from March to October.
  • Murray River Walk-Located in South Australia, is a 4-day walk rated easy that takes along one of Australia’s greatest rivers. It is best explored from May to September.
  • Bay of Fires Lodge Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk of moderate intensity as you explore the northeastern part of Tasmania along Mt. William National Park. It is best done from October to May.
  • Cradle Mountains Hut Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 6-day walk rated moderate to hard discovering World Heritage areas along the famous Overland Track. It is best experienced from October to May.
  • Freycinet Experience Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk of moderate level. This walk will take you through the pink granite Hazard Mountains, and you will see the famed Wine Glass Bay. This walk is best done from October to April.
  • The Maria Island Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk with an easy to moderate rating. Explore eucalyptus forests and spot amazing wildlife on this trek. Plan this walk for October to April.
  • Three Capes Lodge Walk-Located in Tasmania, is a 4-day walk of moderate level open year round. It is fully guided and walks along the Tasman Peninsula.
  • Scenic Rim Trail-Located in Queensland, is a 4-day walk rated moderate to hard. It is accessed from Brisbane and explores South East Queensland’s Main Range Park. It is best done from February to November.
  • Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk-Located in Victoria, is a 4-day walk of moderate level. It explores the famed Great Ocean Road. It is best experienced from September to May.
  • Cape to Cape Walk-Located in Western Australia, is a 4-day walk of moderate intensity exploring the landscapes along the Margaret River. Plan this walk from March to June and September to November.
  • Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort-Located in the Northern Territory, is a 6-day walk listed as moderate to hard. It will take you along the high ridge lines of the MacDonnell Ranges. This walk is best done from April to September.
  • Seven Peaks Walk-Located in New South Wales, is a 5-day walk. It is rated moderate to hard with options. This walk takes place on Lord Howe Island, a Unesco World Heritage listing. Operational months for this walk are April and May, and September thru November.

For more information, contact your Australia Travel Expert here at Boomerang Escapes. I can guide you to what will work with your travel plans. Until then, happy walking!

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslWalk It Out
read more

5 Reasons to Visit Australia

No comments

When polled, do you know which destination travelers always put at the top for their dream vacation spot? You guessed it, Australia. Australia continues to be on everyone’s wish list. Now more than ever, travelers are ready to make those big trips! Australia has an endless list of reasons to make that trip “Down Under,” from its beauty to the people. Let me surmise it with a simple top five list in no specific order. As you know, I could write pages about all the reasons I love this destination. 

5 Reasons to Visit Australia

  1. Wildlife. Australia has some of the most unique and unusual nature. Much of their wildlife is only native to Australia. This is because years ago when the earth plates separated, it left Australia an island nation. You have animals such as the koala, the kangaroo, the wombat, the echidna, the Tasmanian devil, the quokka, and so many more. And don’t forget the sea life. You have the incredible opportunity to experience many of them up close in their own habitat. No matter which animal has your fancy, you are bound to have an experience you will never forget. 
  2. Wine and Food. With Australia boasting over 65 wine regions, it is no wonder it is a wine and culinary sensation. Australia has a variety of influences in its cuisine depending on the region you are visiting. You will find more Greek influence in, say, Melbourne, while if visiting the top end, you will find more Asian influences. Top chefs abound, and there are plenty of experiences for the ever-popular farm or sea to table for travelers to fancy their taste buds.  
  3. Coastlines. Being an island nation, Australia has more beaches than you could ever visit in a year. In fact, they have over 10,000 beaches. With so much coastline, water activities are abundant. Learn to surf, sail the seas, swim with sharks, whatever your heart desires. Surf, sand, and sun in every state and territory make it an ideal vacation spot any time of year.
  4. Culture. Australia has the oldest indigenous culture. Aboriginals have been on the lands for no less than 60,000 years. Learn their ancient ways and discover how they use the land. In addition, Australia is a wealth of art, music, and sports. Visit during the festival season for an extra spectacular experience. 
  5. The People. Yes, they have that lovely accent and sometimes unusual slang, but for the most part, they speak English. I know this can be a draw for those not as well-traveled to have that bit of comfort when abroad. But better than understanding them is enjoying their fantastic outlook on life. They are extremely friendly and laid back. The colloquial “No worries” is precisely that. 

Are you ready to go? Be sure to reach out to your Australia Expert. While there are so many great reasons to go, do remember it is the size of the United States, so you will want some help in creating that perfect experience. Like me, you will find yourself visiting much more than once.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa Rossmeissl5 Reasons to Visit Australia
read more

Passport for Your Palate-Avocado Toast

No comments

Where did Avocado Toast come from?

If you look up the history of avocado toast, you will see various claims from Sydney to New York and a few places in between, saying they were the first to bring this Instagram sensation to the table. There are even notes pointing to the origin in Mexico, where the growth of avocados is most known for and started as avocado on a tortilla. No matter where this creation began, which we can assume was more than a century ago; the delicacy has become a favorite worldwide. I often order it from the menu and certainly duplicate it at home. In fact, it is one of my youngest daughter’s daily routines to begin her day with avocado toast. 

Avocado toast can is either with a mash or sliced bits of this smooth, creamy fruit. It may have eggs on top or stand on its own. It can be fancy with additional details of seeds, sprouts, truffles, and so much more. There doesn’t seem to be a wrong way to enjoy it. 

At home, we like to make it with a mash and add the eggs. I know I will always have these basics on hand, and when I go out, I sample all the incredible chef creations. I recently had an avocado toast in Austin, Texas, that had sprouts and pepitas with goat cheese topped with eggs over easy. The toast pictured was eaten in Washington, D.C., and used quail eggs and truffles. I’ve eaten it in Europe and of course my beloved Australia. Today, I will share our simple, quick take that will have you seated and eating in minutes. 

How to Make Avocado Toast

Ingredients:

1 small to medium ripe avocado

1-2 slices of bread. We use gluten-free due to my daughter’s dietary needs, but your favorite bread will do. I prefer thick multi-grain bread with seeds in it. 

1-2 large brown organic eggs. If you have fresh from the farm eggs, that is even better. 

Coarse ground black pepper

Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

Lemon Olive Oil. We use California Meyer Lemon Olive Oil.

Directions:

  1. Bring a small pot of water to boil. Add the eggs and cook for 5 minutes. You can opt to poach or fry, but we like a quick, easy, soft boil. Run under cool water and set aside. 
  2. Cut the avocado in half. Remove the pit and scoop out one-half of the avocado into a small bowl. Mash the avocado with the back of the fork or an avocado masher—season with sea salt and pepper.  
  3. Toast your bread. While bread is toasting, gently peel your eggs. 
  4. Spread toast with your mash. Drizzle lightly with some of the lemon oil. Place egg on top of toast and cut the egg in half to expose the yolk. Hopefully, it is nice and runny. 
  5. Season with additional salt or pepper as desired. Or add some of your other favorite seasonings, such as hot red pepper flakes or seeds. 

Enjoy! It serves 1 to 2 depending on how much you want to indulge. 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Avocado Toast
read more

You Are Invited! 15-Day Australia Itinerary

2 comments

I’d like to share with you my sample 15-day Australia itinerary.

It’s just a taste of what you can experience in 2 weeks Down Under. Watch the video where I go into some details and personally invite you to join me in 2022.

If you like what you hear, consider joining me in 2022. I will be creating something similar to this for a small group I will lead in fall of 2022 to Australia.  To see the full itinerary, click here.

CREATING AN AUSTRALIAN ITINERARY

WEATHER

The range of climates in Australia is so diverse, that you can go almost anytime of year and do almost anything you choose.

Australia does experience four seasons in most of the country with wet and dry and the tropical north. Unlike the United States, Australia does not experience extreme season variations. Their summer is December to February and Winter is June to August. You will find the Tropical North will have wet season November to March and Dry season April to October.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

To visit Australia you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months past your travel dates.

That is if you are traveling in January your passport cannot expire before June of that year. You will also need an e-visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) which is good for up to three months for holiday travelers. For more information on visas and ETAs visit www.immi.gov.au or consult your travel specialist. Here at Boomerang Escapes we will take care of obtaining your ETA for you.

CURRENCY

Australia’s currency is the Australian dollar.

Exchanging can be done at financial institutions, international airports, some hotels, and of course you can use the ATMs when in country. Credit cards are widely accepted, so the need for a large some of exchange is not necessary.

GETTING AROUND

Create your own path. Pick your must-see spots and use any one or a variety of transportation modes that Australia has to offer.

Australia has an extensive domestic airlines system and it is usually the fastest mode from point A to point B when traversing from city to city or state to state. For a more leisurely pace, between some cities we recommend experiencing train travel. Within cities consider public transport, walking, or car hire. With the right planning getting around Australia’s landscapes is a breeze.

WORK WITH A TRAVEL EXPERT

The choices for experiences to choose from is vast. Your Aussie Specialist, like myself, have experienced them or planned them before. We receive ongoing extensive training from Tourism Australia. We have travelled throughout Australia to supply you first hand knowledge of your Australian adventure and we are connected to a large network of Australians and Australian suppliers. We know what the weather will be like, what to pack, and how to meet the locals.

For more information on Australia and to work with one of Boomerang Escapes Aussie Specialist travel agents, please visit boomerangescapes.com.

 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslYou Are Invited! 15-Day Australia Itinerary
read more

Passport for Your Palate-Lamington

No comments

Lamington is an Australian delight. A sponge cake dessert, covered in chocolate, and then rolled in desiccated coconut. These little treats are part of every Aussie childhood. They appear at birthdays, morning and afternoon teas, fundraising events, and of course on Australia Day each January 26th.

I’ve enjoyed these delectable cakes on just about every trip to Australia, but my favorite time has to be visiting Kangaroo Island, South Australia. It was a trip in 2015 that I took my son, Cullen, on for his 18th birthday and soon to be high school graduation. We were spending a couple nights on the island doing tours with Exceptional Kangaroo Island, owned and operated by Craig Wickham and his family.

Day 1 was out day to go Koala spotting. Searching out koalas seemingly hiding in the high branches of the eucalyptus trees. During our outing we stopped at a billabong, where we did happen to spot several of our little furry friends, for morning tea. The guides had brought freshly made lamington to enjoy with our tea. I don’t know if it was the cakes were that much tastier or the venue we were eating them in was so much more intoxicating to eat them in. Either way they were truly a treat.

I reached out to a good Aussie mate of mine and asked her if she could point me to a good recipe to replicate this yummy treat. I share here with you the link to a recipe by Mardi Michels published in 2014 by Jamie Oliver. Mardi mentions that this is an adapted recipe of her nana’s. Give it a burl for your next celebration.

Homemade Lamingtons


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPassport for Your Palate-Lamington
read more