‘‘Travelling down under’’

After chatting with one of my customers this week about her forthcoming cruise to Australia it bought back many memories from a few years ago of my own travels exploring the east coast. For those of you who are yet to travel down under, here are a few of my best bits that might just give you the urge to take the plunge.
We took a three night stay in Tokyo on the way to Sydney where my most memorable experience was getting up at the crack of dawn to travel two hours to one of the largest fish markets to be greeted at 6am with the most expensive Sushi breakfast I’m likely to ever have in my lifetime. Being vegetarian from the age of 10 and not a great lover of fish I can safely say three nights in Tokyo with no fish or meat on the menu was the longest three days of my life to date.
A trip to Sydney would not be complete without climbing the Sydney bridge taking in the stunning views of the Opera house and skyline (the night tour is the best), I must say tough it’s not for the faint hearted. It took us almost three hours to climb to the top and back down, but well worth it. I also got the chance to take in a performance at the opera house, although I will say the acoustics were not as good as the Birmingham Symphony hall in my opinion.
My favourite destination on the east coast by far was Byron Bay. I spent almost one week there staying in the Art Factory, sleeping in a re-conditioned bus, not quite the luxurious accommodation I’m used too now, however great fun. Late nightlife with live bands and great people, the perfect combination. The highlight of my trip was sky diving from 14,000 feet over Byron Bay, an experience I will never forget, and would definitely do again given half the chance.

I spent 5 days on Fraser Island where I met some great friends, slept under the stars, swam with catfish & turtles and took a ride down the natural water rapids.
The Whit Sunday Islands were breathtaking, surfers’ paradise exhilarating, Steve Irwin zoo well worth a look at and the Blue mountains simply stunning.

We finished our three weeks with three nights in Singapore where I recall being surrounded by monkey nut shells covering the floor in the famous Raffles bar whilst drinking cocktails, what a great way to spend the day.
Australia is one of my favourite destinations on my travels so far so if you’re looking for a cruise to take in some of the most famous east coast highlights, there are some great Australasia cruises to choose from……….