More than 60% of travel market Is over 50 Our Famils Policy Explained....
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• 53% of boomers aged over 65 plan on doing 2-3 domestic trips this year • 15% plan on doing 4-5 domestic trips this year • More time available than any other demographic cohort • More money to spend on travel than any demographic cohort • As equally excited to travel domestic as they are international Read more..
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We love Famils! However We understand it is not always possible to get Famils. So, to make it easy and to make it easy for you, we are willing to pay an Editorial Fee for a good Famil. We give everyone who hosts us or helps us with a Trip their own Pages, plus Home Page pointer. We also have our own caravan for Australian Camping visits to regions... and best of all, we run the stories in our other Magazines as well.
Let's talk: dallassherringham@hotmail.com or 0418447010 |
Special Feature: New Zealand- In A World of its Own
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By Dallas Sherringham
The opening of the travel bubble to New Zealand opens up a whole world of opportunity for Australia’s travel starved population. You see, New Zealand is a whole little world all wrapped up on two of the most beautiful islands on earth. You can see snow capped Alps, barren deserts, lush green farms, endless deserted beaches and amazing fjords all in a couple of day’s travel by road. Or, you can visit modern cities with top quality cuisine, the world’s best white wines and European style shopping with all the big names side by side. And the people! They are friendly, courteous and while they may cast an evil eye while doing a fearsome Haka, they will then jump about joyously, slapping you on the back. Well I remember playing inside centre against a New Zealand Maori team and after being trampled on and belted by the 120 kilo centre opposite, we shook hands, went to the pub and sang songs until 2am. Such is the hospitality of people who love having a great time and if you are lucky and a hungi is being cooked in an earth pit in the neighborhood, you will get an invite. On my first trip to NZ I was commissioned to photograph and write a book called ‘New Zealand Wide’. Off I went in a campervan, determined to see and photograph NZ in two weeks, a week on each island. I soon realised I had way underestimated the task at hand because there is so much to see and do and after a few days I gave up trying to see it all and just drove up to the Bay of Islands, down to Rotorua and on to Wellington. The ferry ride to Nelson across Cook Strait was freezing, but the Marlborough Sounds were quiet warm for April and I picked up a few bottles of treasured sav blancs along the way. Now, there are many great places in New Zealand but my absolute favorite area was the West Coast and Queenstown. Visiting the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers and driving through the pristine forest and over vast wild rivers was awesome. It is well worth your while spending a few days in Queenstown and doing a helicopter flight over the Remarkables and the sky rail to the lookout. A trip out to Arrow Town takes you back a couple of centuries and you can take a tour to Milford Sound. Dunedin is a lovely Scottish style city well worth a visit and it has the most outstanding railway station you will ever see. Heritage train journeys are available. Robert Burns statue looks down from on high, framed by the cathedral and colorful gardens in the city’s main square. Right, Above: Tauranga Harbor
Below: the haunting hills of Akaroa are walls of an ancient volcano and they look just like a Loch in Scotland (PHOTOS BY DALLAS SHERRINGHAM)
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS: Www.australiancruisemagazine.com.au Www.australiantravelmagaine.com.au Coming soon: Australian Caravan Magazine |
Pictured above is Robert Burns statue in the entre of Dunedin and at right the stunning Dunedin station
Dunedin once had the world’s first cable car system and there are attempts to reintroduce a tourist route.
I went to Mt Cook – amazing – and past stunning blue lakes, occasionally stopping for a picnic. On to Akaroa, an English village and adjacent French village which are set inside the walls of an ancient volcano. My journey ended back in Christchurch, a city devastated by the earthquake a decade ago, but still as welcoming as ever. On my way there, I deviated to a paddock on the windswept plains south of the city with the snowclad faraway hills as a background. 
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There, in the corner or a flat, wild, fenced enclosure near Timaru was a simple sign: ‘Phar Lap was born in this paddock in 1926’. Such is fame.
So, in summing up, I saw some of New Zealand in my first two week campervan trip, but there was so much more to see. I recommend you visit one island at a time and allow plenty of time at each major attraction. Or, you can take a cruise and visit many major ports of call, each one fascinating in its own way. Keep posted for sailing adates now that the bubble has finally opened. 
Scenes show the stunning landscape of New Zealand where the ocean is always close by
Breathtaking cruise destination Milford Sound (NZ Tourism)
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Can't wait to go cruising...Clink on Live Links
Mature Travellers' Adventures
Secret Places far from the Madding Crowd
Hotels you will enjoy staying in on Holidays
Exclusive Flight Reviews for Mature Travellers
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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 ...
