Have you been wanting to visit Australia but are looking for something other than a regular flight? It might surprise you to learn that there are many cruise lines now offering trips from North America to the land down under. Many people consider cruise life as the ultimate luxury vacation package, so if you have the time, why not take a leisurely trip to Australia?
There are several options that a vacationer can choose from. One is to cruise to Australia from North America, a trip that usually takes anywhere from ten to fourteen days and requires several days at sea. Some vacationers choose to make this part of an extended or world cruise. Still others will cruise to Australia, spend some time enjoying the country, and then fly home, or vice versa. If you choose to cruise to Australia, be prepared to do so during the fall and winter months. You’ll be crossing the equator which means that North America’s winter is Australia’s summer, making it an excellent time for cruise travel. One option is to take a repositioning cruise at the end of the season. Cruise lines need to move their ships to different parts of the world, depending on the time of year, so it may be possible to take a ship home from Australia that is being repositioned to North America. These cruises can be slightly more affordable, but can also require more days at sea.
Another excellent option is to fly to and from Australia, but enjoy a cruise while you are there. There are many cruise lines offering a wide variety of trips, from simple three day jaunts to a trip around the entire continent of Australia. These cruises often also feature New Zealand, Fiji, and other areas in the South Pacific.
This Australian government initiative allows travelers to claim portions of the goods and services tax (GST) and the wine equalization tax (WET) that they pay on goods purchased while in the country. It can result in a large amount of savings for travelers, and so should be considered whenever purchasing goods, and prior to getting on board the plane and heading home.
In order to qualify for the TRS, you must purchase at least $300 worth of goods, including the GST, at one location and ask the cashier for a single tax invoice. Goods must not be purchased more than thirty days before your departure from Australia. All items that you are claiming must be worn on your person or carried in your carry-on luggage, unless security measures prevent them from being brought on board the plane. Goods and services that have been consumed or used while in Australia (ie chocolate, hotel costs) are exempt from the refund. You must make your claim at the airport at least thirty minutes before boarding the plane.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will first pass through Customs and Immigration, after which you will be able to approach the TRS counter to make your claim. You must have the goods, your single tax invoice, passport, and proof of travel, such as your international boarding pass. The refund will be paid by cheque, deposit to an Australian bank account, or payment to a credit card.
Items such as beer, spirits, and tobacco are not eligible for the TRS, however can be purchased at a duty-free store to save on cost. Wine is acceptable for a refund. Since customs must confirm that the goods are leaving Australia with you, eligible goods must be on your person, therefore items that do not fit into your carry-on luggage or worn on your person are not eligible for a refund.
For more information, contact the Australian Customs Service.
If you are looking to get away from Australia’s popular resort towns, but are still looking for great weather, friendly service, and pristine beaches, Mackay is the place for you. Located about six hundred miles north of Brisbane, Mackay is the sugar capital of Australia as the area produces more than one-third of Australia’s cane sugar crops. The region is home to fantastic beaches, many of which are patrolled year round, and is also a popular place for fishing. There are several islands off the coast where visitors can indulge in a luxurious stay at a romantic resort or where they can get close to the land by camping. St. Bees Island is a great place to see koalas, and the neighbouring Keswick Island is known for its reef diving.
The most popular park in the region is Eungella National Park. This is Queensland’s most ecologically diverse park, and is a great place to visit because many of the walking tracks are relatively short and easy, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenery. There are also two scenic drives and a multitude of picnic spots. Be sure to visit Sky Window for the exceptional views and the Broken River viewing platform where, if you’re lucky, you might spot a platypus!
Cape Hillsborough National Park is another popular place, mainly because its resident wallaby population is inordinately friendly and makes a morning trek down to the beach. For your safety and theirs, please don’t feed the wildlife, no matter how friendly they appear. Here the rainforests cover the mountains and extend right up to the sandy edge of the beach and in the water beyond lies the Great Barrier Reef.
The city of Mackay itself makes a great stop as well, with a new modern art centre and their local botanical gardens. With excellent accommodation and dining, it is a great place to start your exploration of this remarkable area.
