Australia/Oceania Archives - Page 3 of 4

The extraordinary wildlife of Alice Springs Desert Park

by Anne Betts | Apr 23, 2021 | Australia

The Alice Springs Desert Park shatters the illusion that the Red Centre is the dry, dead heart of the continent. The carefully constructed and curated conservation area at the base of the West MacDonnell Range hosts a wide range of fascinating animals in their natural...

Hike or cycle Roxburgh Gorge Trail in New Zealand

by Anne Betts | Apr 22, 2021 | New Zealand, Cycling Trips

Hike or cycle Roxburgh Gorge Trail in New Zealand, one of the country’s more recent additions to the vast network of off-road cycling trails. Because it joins the Clutha Gold Trail, both can be combined to create a two-day or three-day adventure following the...

Cycle Queenstown Trail for amazing scenery in New Zealand

by Anne Betts | Mar 17, 2021 | New Zealand

To enjoy some of New Zealand’s finest scenery, hike or cycle Queenstown Trail. Hailed as New Zealand’s most popular Great Ride, the off-road trails take cyclists and hikers from Queenstown to Gibbston via historic Arrowtown on a selection of full-day,...

The dolphin-spotting dogs of Akaroa at work in New Zealand

by Anne Betts | Feb 12, 2021 | New Zealand

I was as curious about the dolphin-spotting dogs of Akaroa as I was about enjoying the cruise and observing the marine life of Akaroa Harbour. On both counts, I wasn’t disappointed. Akaroa Harbour The name Akaroa is Kāi Tahu, Māori for ‘Long Harbour.’...

For spectacular scenery, hike New Zealand’s Banks Track

by Anne Betts | Feb 3, 2021 | New Zealand

For a rewarding experience down under, hike New Zealand’s Banks Track. Cross the crater rim of an extinct volcano, enjoy diverse and impressive scenery, and learn about penguin conservation. It’s one of New Zealand’s finest walks. Here is my detailed review of the...

Brisbane to Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland: Is the RailBed sleeper worth it?

by Anne Betts | Nov 7, 2019 | Australia

“So let me get this straight. You could have flown business class on points, on a direct flight from Sydney to Cairns for $25 in taxes and fees. Instead, you flew from Sydney to Brisbane for $22 and from there took the train to Cairns for $389? In other words, you...