|
|
Australia is Brits’ top choice for the trip of a lifetime, according to a survey by American Express. Some 13% of those questioned said
that a trip to Australia would be their ultimate travel dream - with nearby New Zealand coming next with 8% of votes. The USA and Canada took the
next two places - perhaps suggesting that when people travel far afield they like to go to countries where English is the first language, or at
least a major one.
The Northern Territory
One of the world’s least inhabited places is home to one of its most ancient cultures, World Heritage listed national parks and Uluru/Ayers
Rock, Australia’s most iconic natural treasure. Northern Territory’s Top End landscapes - tropical wetlands,
prehistoric rainforests, deserted beaches and cascading waterfalls - are both scenically stunning and
spiritually enriching, with sights that are undisputed wonders of the natural world.
The Tiwi Islands
Melville and Bathurst Island, collectively the Tiwi Islands, lie 80 kms, or a half-hour flight to the north of Darwin. Famed for their beautiful
and distinctive art and craft, the islanders love sharing their culture and telling stories of their ancestors.
Darwin and Litchfield National Park
Darwin, Northern Territory’s tropical and culturally vibrant capital, sits on a harbour twice the size of Sydney’s. As a major international gateway
airport, it’s a convenient stepping stone to some of the world’s greatest adventure playgrounds, including the 370,000 acre Litchfield National Park,
a world of sandstone escarpments, waterfalls hidden in monsoon rainforest, crystal-clear swimming
holes and miles of bushwalks.
Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas
Cairns is the pulsating but easy going heart of Tropical North Queensland, a destination with international facilities, world-class attractions and
spectacular surrounds. This vibrant tropical city is the gateway to two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics
rainforest as well as outings to the Outback. If Cairns is laid back, the resorts of Port Douglas and Palm Cove are veritably horizontal, both
unbeatable places to relax, unwind on the beach and use as a launch pad for excursions to the Reef as well as
the Daintree National Park, the oldest rainforest on the planet.
The Great Barrier Reef
It’s the world’s number one marine wonder and the most famous coral reef on the planet. Reaching some 2000 kms along the Queensland coast and visible from outer space,
the Great Barrier Reef is a brilliant natural gallery, with 400 species of coral and 2000 of fish, all in glorious technicolour. Firmly on the surface
you’ll find several heavenly island resorts, including Lizard, Wilson, Heron, Bedarra and Orpheus.
Kakadu National Park and Arnhemland
Kakadu is UNESCO-listed not only for its remarkable landscapes, where the rugged Arnhem Land escarpment snakes through lush wetlands,
savannah woodland and rainforest, but outstanding examples of epochsold Aboriginal rock art. Neighbouring Arnhem Land is one of the last
great pristine areas of wilderness on the planet, a massive 91,000 sq kms expanse of savage coastlines, deserted islands, rivers teeming
with fish, rainforests and soaring escarpments. All lands are wholly aboriginal owned, their traditional
culture remaining largely intact.
Tropical Drive
A distinct shade of red has been added to the palette of gorgeous blues and greens in Tropical North Queensland with the launch of
‘Discovery Trails.’ Visitors can choose from 19 self-drive itineraries that encompass such diverse attractions as historic Cooktown, the dramatic
Mossman Gorge, the volcanic lava tubes at Undara, the wildlife-rich Mareeba Wetlands and the legendary Espanol Hotel at Lappa Junction
- Australia’s only “pub with no beer”.
Flights
A choice of stopover destinations and business class seats converting into a bed allow you to arrive fresh and rested. Qantas and Jetstar fly
to Darwin and Cairns from £730 in economy and £3,150 in business class.
|
|
|
|
|