My Favorite Places in Australia

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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
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Walk It Out

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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
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Dreamtime Walk in Mossman Gorge

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What is Dreamtime? Dreamtime by dictionary.com definition, is the ancient time of the creation of all things by sacred ancestors, whose spirits continue into the present, as conceived in the mythology of the Australian Aborigines. The dreamtime is used to describe important features of Aboriginal existence and beliefs. Dreamtime dates back over 65,000 years. It shares the story of how events happened, how the universe came to be, how human beings were created and what their functions within this world were to be. During the Dreamtime the creators made men, women, and animals, declared the laws of the land and how people were to behave to one another, the customs of food supply and distribution, the rituals and ceremonies of death and marriage. Dreamtime is part of the very essence and reason for being here and will always be the center of existence for Australia’s Aboriginal Culture.


A Dreamtime walk in Mossman Gorge gives us a look into these beliefs, customs, stories, and ways of the indigenous people originating from the far north Queensland rainforest. It is a “must do” for any visit to this region of northern Queensland. Mossman gorge lies within the Daintree National Park, a world heritage listed site. The walks are led by locals from the Kuku Yalanji. These people have been present in the rain forest are for over 50,000 years.

The walks take visitors on a gentle journey on easy tracks meandering along rainforest streams and stopping at significant sites, shelters, and other culturally significant spots. The walk begins with a traditional “smoking” ceremony that cleanse and wards off the bad spirits. Your guide will introduce you to bush food sources, demonstrate how they were used and share stories along the way of their people. Discover soap bush, the difference between boomerangs, the traditional art of face painting, and more before your tour concludes with a bush tea and damper. It is a very soul lifting experience. The gorge is situated conveniently near Port Douglas and easily works into a nice 2-3 night stay in this north part of Queensland.

 


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 RossmeisslDreamtime Walk in Mossman Gorge
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Staying Fit During a Stay on Hamilton Island

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As an Aussie Travel Expert, aka Aussie Specialist, people are always asking me to tell them my favorite place to visit in Australia. This is almost an impossible task for me because I am so in love with the destination that no matter where I am I am in #myhappyplace. But when push comes to shove, a place I would choose for my own personal rest and relaxation would be Queensland’s Hamilton Island.

Not only is Hamilton Island incredibly beautiful, it has all the things I am looking for in my vacation experience. As some of you know I have a separate little division, let’s call it, of Boomerang Escapes, called Be Fit To Travel. Be Fit To Travel was born out of my own love and passion for staying fit and from the stories I’ve heard from travelers that weren’t able to enjoy their “Golden Years” as planned. I have created a whole page and a closed motivational fitness group dedicated to inspiring and encouraging others to live their best healthy life.


Which brings me to one of the reasons I so love Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island is a place to for me to escape, thrive, revive, and indulge. The key components for returning to your happy place. Hamilton Island has a wide variety of stay options from the luxurious Qualia, to the harbour condos, to the family friendly Reef Hotel. On top of excellent accommodations, the harbour restaurants, and the resorts have mouth watering selections of food to dine on, spas and beaches to relax on, and then oodles of activities to thrive on.

What are some of my favorite sports, fitness items to do while staying on Hamilton Island? Here’s a list of several of mine….

Hiking Passage Peak at sunrise. I love to see the earth come awake and what better thing to do then get a morning climb in for a 360 degree view. There are actually several hiking options.

Snorkel and/or take a swim. Spend an afternoon with the sea creatures exploring their underwater world.

Golf. Take the ferry over for a round of golf and see what you shoot.

Beach walk at Whitehaven taking the path up to the scenic outlooks.

SUP and/or Windsurfing. My personal preference is the Stand Up Paddle board. Always great fun and good core workout.

Catching a fitness class at the resort. My love is yoga.

Staying fit doesn’t have to feel like a workout. When you’ve filled your day with healthy fun activities such as these then its easy to indulge in the food, night entertainment, or lovely spa!

 


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 RossmeisslStaying Fit During a Stay on Hamilton Island
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Fraser Island-Sand Island Gem

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Did you know islands made of sand exist? Did you know that Fraser Island is a world heritage listed island and considered to be the largest sand island? It is also the largest island off the coast of Queensland, Australia. While not found on your everyday itinerary to Australia, it is certainly a gem to consider putting into your vacation experience.

Fraser Island then is a Sand Island Gem

Why you ask? This unique island is actually loaded with some spectacular lakes, lush rainforest, and miles of pristine beaches. It is absolutely amazing how diverse the landscape is on this island created from sand. Another added bonus is it is home to one of the largest dingo populations.


To get to Fraser Island you begin with a ferry ride from Hervey Bay.

Hervey Bay is about 3 hours north of Brisbane. It’s a beautiful drive up from Brisbane along the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Once you ferry across the bay you arrive at Fraser Island and check into Kingfisher Bay Resort. The gorgeous resort overlooks the Great Sandy Strait on the western side of the island. It is a purpose-built ecotourism resort with numerous awards and accolades it can boast about over its 21 years of operation. The resort has an extensive program of guided walks, talks, and 4WD tours as well as wildlife. They even offer whale watch cruises during season. Kingfisher Bay Resort is an ideal base from which to explore the island.

A fantastic tour option is the Beauty Spots Tour.

On this incredible beautiful day of off-roading, you’ll visit the top natural attractions and cool off in fresh watering holes all in the comfort of your air-conditioned four-wheel drive coach. Lunch is provided, but you’ll want to pack your swim wear, a hat, and your sunscreen for this adventure. Here are the highlights you’ll discover:

Gorgeous Lake McKenzie
Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek
Pile Valley’s stunning Satinay and Brush Box forests.
Seventy-Five Mile Beach’s famous highway. (yes, you drive on it)
The Maheno Shipwreck.
The colored sands of The Pinnacles.
The temperate, fresh waters of Eli Creek.
The might Stonetool Sand Blow

To make it even more spectacular, consider taking a scenic peak of the interior by purchasing a ride in one of the sea planes that appear on the beach. And if you’re lucky and have your eyes out you may spot a dingo or two. Or in my case the dingo may want to join your tour and run along side your vehicle.

After a fantastic day of experiencing the island return to Kingfisher Bay Resort for a lovely dining experience at the Seabelle Restaurant. All of their dishes incorporate local indigenous items in them. Then end the evening in your room over looking the swamps and fall asleep to the sounds of the night world.

Sounds divine, doesn’t it?


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 RossmeisslFraser Island-Sand Island Gem
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