AT LAST THE QUEENSLAND BORDER IS OPEN
8 Places Seniors Lovewith Editor Dallas Sherringham
We are all experienced travelers and along the way there are Australian Places in the Heart we long to get back to in the future. Lord Howe Island is simply awesome. It is in the top three most beautiful islands in the world along with Bora Bora and Moorea.. Uluru is the spiritual heart of Australia and seeing it for the 10th time brings the same wave of emotion and your first visit Great Barrier Reef is amazing when you first see it from the air or snorkeling off a boat. Sydney is arguably the world's most beautiful harbor city and there is nothing like cruising out the harbor and returning home again. Gold Coast will always draw visitors from around Oz eager to soak up the sun, glitz and glamor. Central Coast NSW is Sydney and regional NSW's traditional holiday destination with surf, restaurants and a laid back beach lifestyle. Far North Queensland has the reef, the rainforest and the amazing weather which draws millions of seniors. Western Australia is the untouched wilderness and stunning waters that is drawing increasing numbers of mature age visitors. avorite armchair at home. Once this crisis is over, Aussie tourism will boom. There will be a general stampede of Grey Nomads heading for the Great Outdoors in the coming weeks as borders open and life starts returning to normal. Overseas travel may take a little longer to get back on its legs, with Mature Travellers wary of the Coronavirus in faraway destinations. Hopefully a vaccine arrives ASAP and we can go for it! 10 Amazing Journeys
Exploring Aussie Country Towns like Port Arthur
Cruises you will loveEuropean AdventuresIndia for ExplorersAll aboard train trips |
Millions of people are now heading north
With Editor Dallas Sherringham
FINALLY the Queensland border is open and people have been pouting north with motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers and good old fashjoned swags.
Meanwhile, I keep getting asked when cruising will be back but the short answer is: "I don't know!". It will take big changes on ship social life to win passengers back. "There’s a requirement that we do a lot of work to regain confidence amongst our travellers," Joel Katz, Australasia managing director of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said. "Our cruise lines are really doing a thorough analysis of the door to door process for our passengers, from the moment they make a booking to the moment they get home, to try understand how each element of that passenger journey is impacted by the current situation and how they can address the risks associated with those elements." That early interest has been driven largely by a big sale on cruise tickets for upcoming seasons. Discounts of anywhere between 30 to 70 per cent on deals and generous terms on refunds have seen passengers re-engage with cruise companies such as Blue Lagoon Cruises, Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Passionate 40+cruise fans in Australia such as Gerry Bhattacharya told SBS the pandemic hadn't destroyed their hopes of future holidays on the seas. But she wants to see concrete changes in cruise health and medical protocols before she'll sail again. "I would definitely go on a cruise again but probably not for some time. Personally, I would like to know that there have been some regulations [put in place]. I don't think I'd trust just the cruiseliners themselves. I'd want it from a bigger body," she says. "Going on my past experience, with things like buffets, discos and bingo there are a lot of things that need to change to feel safe. I'd want to obviously know that they've got good pandemic protocols in place and we'd need to be sailing to what I would consider to be a safe place." Joel Katz from CLIA is confident the sector can meet those demands. "We’ve always been a resilient industry. We have a vast number of people who are avid cruisers and passionate cruisers and we have no doubt those passengers on the whole will be ready to resail with us when the time is right," he says. POPULAR POPULAR DESTINATIONS WILL BE:
10 Great Travel StoriesMature age tours |
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CATHAY PACIFIC
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Travel Books and Good Travelling reads.....
Australia’s Best Nature Escapes
Lee Atkinson
Connecting with nature and spending time in wild places makes you feel good. Numerous studies show that our mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual wellbeing are all improved when we immerse ourselves in the natural environment. Even relaxing in front of wilderness view can work wonders on your frame of mind and change the way you feel.
Explore some more ...
Lee Atkinson
Connecting with nature and spending time in wild places makes you feel good. Numerous studies show that our mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual wellbeing are all improved when we immerse ourselves in the natural environment. Even relaxing in front of wilderness view can work wonders on your frame of mind and change the way you feel.
Explore some more ...
Kids’ Atlas Monsters Ghosts
Read on... |
Win Big with Lonely Planet
Read on... 
Wonders from Lonely Planet
Read on ... |
Lonely Planet's Guide to Dark Skies
Read on... |
Get creative with Sticker World Read on....
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Stories and photos of Founder Michael Osborne
VALE OUR FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER MICHAEL OSBORNE,
Dear Readers,
It is with great sadness that we announced our esteemed leader Publisher and Managing Editor Michael Osborne (left) has passed on suddenly. It is a tragedy for everyone who knew him in the wide world of travel. His partner Pam has asked me to carry on with the magazine he started 45 years ago. This is Michael as the Sheik of Shrubby Creek and me as Steve Irwin on board Captain Cook Cruises.
Michael was irreplaceable but I will do my best to carry on his traditions.
Dallas Sherringham Editor dallassherringham@hotmail.com 0418447010
PICTURE: Michael as the Sheik of Shrubby Creek, me as Steve Irwin
MICHAEL"S STORIES ARE FEATURED BELOW...……..
AND HIS TRADITION CONTINUES..... About us
Dear Readers,
It is with great sadness that we announced our esteemed leader Publisher and Managing Editor Michael Osborne (left) has passed on suddenly. It is a tragedy for everyone who knew him in the wide world of travel. His partner Pam has asked me to carry on with the magazine he started 45 years ago. This is Michael as the Sheik of Shrubby Creek and me as Steve Irwin on board Captain Cook Cruises.
Michael was irreplaceable but I will do my best to carry on his traditions.
Dallas Sherringham Editor dallassherringham@hotmail.com 0418447010
PICTURE: Michael as the Sheik of Shrubby Creek, me as Steve Irwin
MICHAEL"S STORIES ARE FEATURED BELOW...……..
AND HIS TRADITION CONTINUES..... About us
Hokkaido – A Japanese Winter Wonderland
Michael Osborne heads to Japan in search of ancient traditions and birds that enjoy the snow.
Where is Hokkaido?
When we think of Japan we always think of Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima and Sapporo beer. So where is Hokkaido? Well it is the big island to the north and it is also the home of Sapporo beer.
Join me on a special adventure ...
Michael Osborne heads to Japan in search of ancient traditions and birds that enjoy the snow.
Where is Hokkaido?
When we think of Japan we always think of Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima and Sapporo beer. So where is Hokkaido? Well it is the big island to the north and it is also the home of Sapporo beer.
Join me on a special adventure ...
Flameback Eco Lodge
Michael Osborne explores:On my recent visit to Sri Lanka, (http://www.maturetraveller.com.au/return-to-sri-lanka.html ) I had the privilege of being taken to a fantastic glamping style lodge. We only had time to walk around and look at the unique accommodation, to watch a cooking demonstration and then to eat it in the elevated dining room with its superb views across the lake.
The lodge is run by the local village that grows and provides the brilliant fresh food.
A must visit when in Sri Lanka ...
Michael Osborne explores:On my recent visit to Sri Lanka, (http://www.maturetraveller.com.au/return-to-sri-lanka.html ) I had the privilege of being taken to a fantastic glamping style lodge. We only had time to walk around and look at the unique accommodation, to watch a cooking demonstration and then to eat it in the elevated dining room with its superb views across the lake.
The lodge is run by the local village that grows and provides the brilliant fresh food.
A must visit when in Sri Lanka ...
Join Features Editor Pam Latham and myself as we sail and explore one of the most magic coastlines in Australia – maybe even on Earth.
I have been privileged to have travelled the world for more than 40 years. One of the most memorable and awe inspiring adventures was the Kimberley by ship. Now the chance to return and I am ecstatic!
Please read on and follow the link to make your booking as this will sell out quickly. We start in Darwin on the 1st August for 14 days of unbelievable Australia. Here is the link ...
I have been privileged to have travelled the world for more than 40 years. One of the most memorable and awe inspiring adventures was the Kimberley by ship. Now the chance to return and I am ecstatic!
Please read on and follow the link to make your booking as this will sell out quickly. We start in Darwin on the 1st August for 14 days of unbelievable Australia. Here is the link ...
A LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVES FOR A LEGENDARY WRITER
Our founder Michael Osborne's discovery of his love of cruising ...
Our founder Michael Osborne's discovery of his love of cruising ...
The Kimberley and Mitchell Falls
Michael Osborne takes a helicopter ride into the unspoilt wilderness of the Kimberley Coast.
Recently I had the chance to sail on a Coral Expeditions ship as a guest of Christian Fellowship Tours, sailing from Darwin to Broome along one of the most wondrous coastlines in the world.
It was a cruise I enjoyed eleven years ago and one that I have been waiting since then to go experience once again..
Join us on a trip of a lifetime ...
Michael Osborne takes a helicopter ride into the unspoilt wilderness of the Kimberley Coast.
Recently I had the chance to sail on a Coral Expeditions ship as a guest of Christian Fellowship Tours, sailing from Darwin to Broome along one of the most wondrous coastlines in the world.
It was a cruise I enjoyed eleven years ago and one that I have been waiting since then to go experience once again..
Join us on a trip of a lifetime ...
Morocco Bound
Having been a travel writer/photographer since 1984, I have been privileged to visit many countries. Often I am asked which is my favourite destination. My standard reply is, ‘the one I have never been to’.
When we were approached by Back Roads Touring, to pick any destination from their multitude of destinations, it was I thought, going to be an interesting challenge!
Looking for Rick's Cafe in Casablanca ...
Having been a travel writer/photographer since 1984, I have been privileged to visit many countries. Often I am asked which is my favourite destination. My standard reply is, ‘the one I have never been to’.
When we were approached by Back Roads Touring, to pick any destination from their multitude of destinations, it was I thought, going to be an interesting challenge!
Looking for Rick's Cafe in Casablanca ...
Morocco – With Back-Roads Touring
The adventure begins
As a very frequent traveller, I always have several special places, yet visited. High on my list was Morocco, so I researched as to a suitable touring company to look for with a great itinerary and a reputation that would be suitable for us mature travellers. The answer was Back-Roads Touring, a well-established company that has won many awards over the last 25 years for its services. Another positive for me was they only take small groups of up to 18 passengers.
Please go to Part One, the introduction ...
The adventure begins
As a very frequent traveller, I always have several special places, yet visited. High on my list was Morocco, so I researched as to a suitable touring company to look for with a great itinerary and a reputation that would be suitable for us mature travellers. The answer was Back-Roads Touring, a well-established company that has won many awards over the last 25 years for its services. Another positive for me was they only take small groups of up to 18 passengers.
Please go to Part One, the introduction ...
Morocco - Part Two
Morocco's capital is Rabat, which is on the Bou Regreg River and adjoins the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for architecture that salutes its Islamic and French-colonial heritage.
The tour takes us to the majestic Hassan Tower. . The city's iconic 12th-century minaret, which towers above the ruins of a mosque. Unmissable, it’s been the symbol of Rabat for eight centuries. It remained unfinished after the death of its founder in 1199, but its solitary splendour overlooking the river amid a wasteland of broken columns is eerily poignant. Join me on the adventure ...
Morocco's capital is Rabat, which is on the Bou Regreg River and adjoins the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for architecture that salutes its Islamic and French-colonial heritage.
The tour takes us to the majestic Hassan Tower. . The city's iconic 12th-century minaret, which towers above the ruins of a mosque. Unmissable, it’s been the symbol of Rabat for eight centuries. It remained unfinished after the death of its founder in 1199, but its solitary splendour overlooking the river amid a wasteland of broken columns is eerily poignant. Join me on the adventure ...
Morocco with Back-Roads Touring – Part Three
Into the Sahara
So far, this expedition into the previously unvisited Morocco has been so interesting and exciting, but it is about to take on a new dimension! My first visit to the legendary Sahara Desert and staying in a Bedouin Camp! A luxury camp set-up just for us.
Our extremely comfortable coach arrives at Merzouga, a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border.
Ride the camels ...
Into the Sahara
So far, this expedition into the previously unvisited Morocco has been so interesting and exciting, but it is about to take on a new dimension! My first visit to the legendary Sahara Desert and staying in a Bedouin Camp! A luxury camp set-up just for us.
Our extremely comfortable coach arrives at Merzouga, a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border.
Ride the camels ...
Discovering the Kimberley Coast
A trip once done in 2009, when we filmed it for our Foxtel show Travel TV. So when the invitation from Christian Fellowship Tours (CFT) arrived to cover their same trip, I answered in a heart-beat.
CFT are Australian based family run tour operators. They offer faith based experiences and to have fun with like-minded people. They quote ‘Whatever holiday you choose you know that when you travel with other Christians you will find opportunities to really connect, form friendships and enjoy true fellowship’.
Get ready to sail away ...
A trip once done in 2009, when we filmed it for our Foxtel show Travel TV. So when the invitation from Christian Fellowship Tours (CFT) arrived to cover their same trip, I answered in a heart-beat.
CFT are Australian based family run tour operators. They offer faith based experiences and to have fun with like-minded people. They quote ‘Whatever holiday you choose you know that when you travel with other Christians you will find opportunities to really connect, form friendships and enjoy true fellowship’.
Get ready to sail away ...
‘AYUBOWAN’ The lovely greeting salutation, which is Sinhalese for Long Life
I was invited by the Sri Lankan Government to return and review the tourism side of the after effects of the April terrorism atrocities. My previous visit was in 2016, following an official invitation from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation to represent Australian travel media at their special conference; Tourism: A Catalyst for Development, Peace and Reconciliation in Passikudah, Sri Lanka.
Read all about what I found ...
I was invited by the Sri Lankan Government to return and review the tourism side of the after effects of the April terrorism atrocities. My previous visit was in 2016, following an official invitation from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation to represent Australian travel media at their special conference; Tourism: A Catalyst for Development, Peace and Reconciliation in Passikudah, Sri Lanka.
Read all about what I found ...
Mature Traveller is off to Western Australia to explore the Wheat Belt and its unique tourist attractions.
As nearly always we look at a TFE Hotels property for any extra accommodation and following are the reasons we chose to stay at the Travelodge.
Travelodge Hotel Perth is nestled in a picturesque location, close to major shopping areas. Whether in Perth for business or leisure, rest assured you will be delighted by Travelodge Hotel Perth’s great location and facilities Find out more, many more ....
As nearly always we look at a TFE Hotels property for any extra accommodation and following are the reasons we chose to stay at the Travelodge.
Travelodge Hotel Perth is nestled in a picturesque location, close to major shopping areas. Whether in Perth for business or leisure, rest assured you will be delighted by Travelodge Hotel Perth’s great location and facilities Find out more, many more ....
WESTERN AUSTRALIA'S VAST OUTDOOR ART TRAIL
Join our Founder Michael Osborne as he explores the Public Silo Trail ...
Join our Founder Michael Osborne as he explores the Public Silo Trail ...
