Australia Corroboree 2013
I went to Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast plus Sydney. I was so impress with Australia but I hope one day I would go back in the future.
My dream come true to return to Australia again. I completed Australian Tourism course and became an Aussie specialist. I was selected to go on Corroboree which is held every two years. I felt privileged to be selected for this trip, as places are very limited. I went on my trip 14-27 May 2013. I flew from London Heathrow-Cairns via Dubai and Sydney flying time 26 hours flying economy class with Qantas Airways. It was a long flight but enjoyable, as I was able to watch lots of movies and self-service snack bar available on the international flights to Sydney. There were over 300 travel agents from around Europe on this trip. The word Corroborree means gathering.
Once I arrived in Cairns I was given a warm welcome along with other travel agents. I have to say I was very impressed with Cairns when I arrived. This city has a lot to offer for everyone. During this trip we were split into different groups and given names for the groups plus a group leader. My group name was Galah. I attended a workshop in Cairns for four days speaking to different suppliers around Australia learning about their products, this was great way to get to know the supplier product and pass this knowledge onto my future customers.
Whilst in Cairns, I did visit the zoo and held a Koala. They are so cute. I wish I could have one as my pet! Queensland is the only state that you can hold a Koala. I also went to the Great Barrier Reef which was one of my highlights of this trip. I went from Port Douglas on Quicksilver wave piercer service on a full day outer reef cruise tour. I took a brave decision, as I cannot swim to do the helmet dive at Great Barrier which was amazing. It was lovely to see so much fishes and coral in the barrier reef. I also saw Tjapukai Aboriginal cultural show when I first arrived in Cairns. Whilst in Cairns I stayed at Hilton Cairns hotel. Great hotel and location. Near to shops,restaurants, casino and promenade. Cairns also has a night market. Gilligan Backpackers Resort is great place to hang out at night time in Cairns.
After Cairns the groups were split up and went several places over Australia. My group which was Galah we went to Byron Bay and Sydney we flew to both destinations in economy class with Qantas.
I stayed at The Byron At Byron Resort Spa hotel set amongst a stunning 45 acre sub-tropical rain forest only moments from Tallow Beach and short drive or cycle to Bryon Bay township. This is the place to indulge with nurturing spa treatments and daily yoga or simply relaxing on the wide open verandas. Apartments Inn Byron is 43-room apartment complex in the centre of Byron Bay. Surrounded by restaurants and cafes. The hotel is minutes’ walk from the beach and everything that is Byron. Whilst in Byron I learned to surf with a company called Let's Go Surfing and kayaked with a company call Cape Byron Kayaks - both of these activities I'd never done before because of my fear of water and cannot swim. I enjoyed surfing but it was hard work. Cape Byron is Australia most easterly point which I visited. I also saw the following hotels whilst in Byron Bay. Beach suites, Breakfree Eco Beach. I ate some amazing places The Pass café for breakfast, Italian at the Pacific for dinner, The Balcony for lunch. Fish Heads for dinner and Marvis Kitchen in Uki for lunch.
Byron Bay has an amazing sunset and is a must in your are in this area. I love Bangalow a small stylish village close to Byron Bay. It has a picturesque largely 19th century streetscape of tall verandah buildings shady trees and quiet parks. Its single main street reveals Bangalow sophisticated tastes with cafes,galleries,and boutiques nested under wide verandas. On the fourth Sunday of each month.Bangalow comes alive with its market perhaps the most popular on the North Coast showcasing yet more of the regions art, craft and produce.
I stayed at Quay West Suites Sydney. Located in the historic rocks precinct at the doorstep to Sydney Harbour, Circular Quay. Quay West offers a unique hotel experience each suite boats a separate living area, bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, laundry and spectacular views over Sydney Harbour or the city skyline.
Whilst in Sydney I did bridge climb, another highlight of my trip. I visited The Rocks area. Went to Sydney Opera House and had an essential tour. I went on a bike tour with a company call Bonza bike tours super easy ride featuring stunning harbour view as I pedalled past circular quay, the piers at Walsh Bay, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park and the royal botanic gardens.
Finally I did a cruise with a company Sea Sydney Cruises cruise like a local for four hours aboard Calypso a 52 foot motor yatch. I cruised the foreshores of Sydney Harbour past world famous and iconic landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House before dropping anchor in a secluded cove where I enjoyed a gourmet BBQ lunch.
I ate the following restaurants whilst in Sydney Cyren Bar-Grill for dinner, Opera Kitchen for breakfast, Waterfront Restaurant for dinner.
I managed to see Vivid in Sydney, a festival that transforms the city into a specular canvas of light, music and ideas. Colouring Sydney with creativity and inspiration, Some of the highlights of vivid Sydney include immersive light installations and projections, performances from local and international musicians at Vivid live at Sydney Opera House .Vivid Sydney take place late May and is a must if you in Sydney.
All the cities I visited on this trip were easy to get around by foot or public transport. Remember if you are going in summer to take lots of sunscreen as it does get very hot especially in Queensland state. I love Australia and I would return back again. I have many fond memories of this country. The people are friendly here and welcoming. I would have no hesitation in recommending this country and destinations to anyone else. I am now a Australia premier specialist.