Great Intro to the Southern Hemisphere!
Australia
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Feb 9 - Feb 18, 2024
What another terrific trip we had thru the KimKim portal. Working with Liz Neal and her staff was truly a blessing since we had generated quite an aggressive "vacation" down under. In those 2-weeks we had a # of airline tickets, hotel stays, transfers to/from airports/hotels and excursions. It went like clockwork on the receiving end as all went very smoothly. I felt comfortable knowing that the major details had been put in place and that I could count on airline tickets being correct, hotels were ready for us and ride transfers were always there when expected. We could concentrate on merely enjoying the trip.
We saw & did many things on our trip and still trying to decide which major activity was our favorite:
NZ Gondola & Luge
NZ Shotover Jet Boat
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
TAS Port Arthur tour
AUS Rottnest Ferry & Island
We'll have many lifetime memories from this trip and also opens the possibility of returning to these areas to spend additional leisure time.
Thank You so much for all your help in setting up our trip, and making it a reality, Liz. It was a pleasure working with you on this one and looking forward to the next trip.
Hotel Review
Loved this hotel for its location, easy walking distance to our needs and beautiful room view. There was only 1 King sized bed in our room but worked out just fine for the 2 of us travelers. Friendly and helpful staff were an added bonus.
Activity Reviews
This trip was canceled due to weather but we separately booked the Shotover Jet Boat ride on the Dart River in its place and super happy that we did! This review pertains to the Shotover ride instead. Such a beautiful and pristine area with the river and mountain ranges. Our boat ride was exhilarating and our driver, Hamish, was the best. He knew how to handle that boat and make it dance on the shallow water, coming perilously close to the nearby cliffs and then 360's where possible. Woo-Hoo!
Have seen numerous times on television this iconic masterpiece. To actually be there in person to touch, feel and see the building was a bucket list item. An amazing work of sculpture, art and functionality all rolled into one design.
Yet, another highlight of our trip was going to Rottnest Island. What a blast it was to ride bikes on the well paved paths, snorkel in the beautiful blue waters of the Indian Ocean and see all the cute little Quokka's. Really enjoyed biking around the island and going as far west as possible to Radar Reef and Fish Hook Bay.
This may be one of the best highlights of our trip, actually climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Such a surreal experience where, despite being so high, felt very comfortable, due to our pre-training and strapped securely into the harness. The views were amazing along the way and the stories of the build fascinating.
Having read several books about this area and time, I thought I was mentally prepared for the experience. I was amazed at at how serene and beautiful the area had become over the years. The historical plaques located by the major structures were very informative and helped remind visitors how awful a place it was during its heyday. Very much enjoyed the short harbor cruise as well as the gardens, Such a lovely place now...
Dear David and Paul,
Thank you thank you for the wonderful reviews and also for posting the pictures. Some really amazing !! I also enjoyed seeing your happy faces. It was really a pleasure to plan this trip with you and I would love to plan one again in the future!!
Thanks again both!
liz