Australia - Traveling "Down Under"

Australia's remote location from the rest of the world and its unique wildlife have made it a "bucket list" cruise destination for many travelers.

Nowhere else can claim to be a continent, an island, and a single country. Australia visitors from the Americas or Europe should plan to spend at least a month in Australia if time and funds allow. Much like visiting the USA, it's difficult to get a flavor of the country in just a few days, and there are dozens of interesting destinations.

Cruise travelers have many options for sailing in Australia. Since Australia is an island, it's a great cruise destination for anyone looking for a longer, more exotic cruise. Many cruise ships focus on the sites along the eastern coast like Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, others sail between Australia and New Zealand, and some ships circumnavigate the continent. Now, wouldn't that be an interesting cruise!

Here are five places that most travelers to Australia should see.

• Sydney is the largest city in Australia and is home to the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can even climb to the top of the bridge for great views of the city. Sydney also has beautiful beaches, good shopping, and lovely parks like the Koala Park.


• Melbourne is Australia's second largest city and the capital of the state of Victoria. One interesting note - it has the most citizens of Greek heritage of any city in the world outside Greece. Melbourne also has the excellent Melbourne Museum, the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles, and Phillip Island with hundreds of penguins arising from the sea at dusk.


• Uluru, once better known as Ayers Rock, lies right in the middle of the continent. This Australian Outback icon changes colors as the day progresses. Other major rock formations scattered across the continent include those with the whimsical names of the Bungle Bungles and the Devils Marbles. Now, aren't those great place names!


• The Great Barrier Reef stretches for almost 1000 miles along the northeast coast of Australia. Anyone who loves boating, snorkeling, or diving should include a visit to this area or the Whitsunday Islands on their Australia vacation.


• In the Northern Territory there are rainforests, crocodiles and other wildlife, unique land formations, rivers and gorges, and an insight into Aboriginal life.


• Near Cairns, the Kuranda Scenic Railway connects the Kuranda Rainforestation Nature Park up in the hills with the coastal plains.

Finally, if you are planning a trip to Australia, don't overlook New Zealand. I did a driving tour of New Zealand's North Island and South Island and loved this small country. Some cruises visit both Australia and New Zealand, but remember that both countries certainly deserve more of your time than just a few days!

Australian Koala (c) Linda Garrison