Part 1:Honeymooning at Australian Resorts

Australia offers a vast variety of experiences for honeymooners. Enchanting getaways uniquely designed for newlyweds are offered at island resorts and seaside areas. Or you could decide to be more gutsy and visit the Australian outback, gain knowledge of the aboriginal traditions or visit large cities.

In Part 1, I will touch upon the travel packages planned for romance. Most coastal and island resorts offer buffets, massages, spas, swimming pools, meals at top-rate restaurants, tennis courts, gyms, snorkeling, rainforest walks, shopping, galleries, theatres, and an opportunity to see distinctive Australian wildlife. A possible downside is that they are pricey. The following island resorts are near the Great Barrier Reef off the eastern coast of Queensland, Australia.

At the Long Island Resort, you can have a romantic portrait taken and take advantage of a picturesque flight over the Whitsundays Islands. You are able to even try your hand at the exciting sport of coconut tossing! Jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, and sailing in a glass bottom boat are available at extra cost.

If you would like to catch a quick look at the humpback whales, think about an August to October visit to the Kingfisher Bay Resort of Fraser Island, which is located at the beginning of the Great Barrier Reef amidst primeval rainforests, giant sand dunes and an abundance of wildlife. Morning cruises proceed from the resort daily.
 
At the Daydream Island Resort and Spa you might take a helicopter flight to Whitehaven Beach and munch on an epicurean lunch. Visitors rave about the wildlife — the living reef with tropical fish, sharks, rays and real corals, wild birds, lizards and wallabies.

Queensland Couples Holiday Packages

The Airlie Beach Reef Romance at Toscana Village Resort offers a cruise to Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island. And the Great Barrier Reef Experience invites you to climb aboard Reefworld’s floating pontoons where you can gaze eye-to-eye at schools of tropical fish and beautiful living coral formations. One pontoon provides direct viewing of the Coral Gardens, a exceptional underwater observatory area.

Cairns Esplanade at Rydges gives you an option between the Kuranda and Daintree Rainforests, an Outer Barrier Reef Cruise or tour to the stunning Atherton Tableland. You can take the Ocean Spirit Dinner Cruise in the event you choose the Cairns Romantic Cruises at Colonial Club Resort, one of the most famous in tropical North Queensland.

If you are seeking exciting nightlife, the Gold Coast Romance at the Crowne offers first-rate dining complimented by a dynamic stage show at the fabulous Jupiters Hotel & Casino. The Gold Coast is a major tourist vacation spot with its sunny subtropical climate, surfing beaches, canal system, high-rise skyline, nightlife and proximity to the rainforest.

Gold Coast Theme Parks include Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld theme parks. The latter is home to Tiger Island, the Australian Wildlife Experience, and some of the tallest, fastest, thrill rides in the world. For additional charge: Ballooning & Grand Homestead Breakfast and Vineyard Tour; and full day at Grand Brisbane, which includes an afternoon at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

A touch of Venice greets you at The Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa where you can enjoy a seafood dinner and a romantic gondola cruise on the Noosa River.

In Part 2, I will describe some Australian honeymoon adventures in the outback, camel races, beautiful wilderness areas, bushwalking and hanging out with kangaroos and koalas.

For additional details on honeymooning at Australian resorts, go to http://queenslandtravelaustralia.com/ISLAND_HOLIDAYS.html and to get more information and ideas on other aspects of wedding planning, visit http://planningforawedding.org

Lona White is a former Assistant Women’s Editor for a daily newspaper and was Research Director/Writer for the Voice of Americanism. She has written articles of interest to women as well as on topics ranging from politics and current events to health and nutrition.
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Whale Watching In Hawaii With Humpback Whales Off Maui

For a truly exciting and once in a lifetime experience the island of Maui is the place to head to see the great humpback whales, around one thousand of which travel four thousand miles from Alaska to the archipelago to mate and give birth between the months of November and March. If its whale watching you want then Hawaii is the place to be, if you want to see the Hawaiian humpback whale in its winter home to which it returns to give birth. The months between December and April are all grand months to see this wonderful, creature so there are plenty of whale watching Hawaii opportunities.

These giant creatures can be seen off the shore of Maui and there are more than a few good vantage points such as McGregor Point, which overlooks Maalaea Bay on the west coast of Maui or the Outrigger Wailea Resort where you can stop and observe the whales and on occasion also spot spinner dolphins. The significant factor is you need a wide ocean view, to boost your chances of spotting whales, and if you visit from around January, you might see their young. For a closer view for whale watching, Hawaii visitors should head out on a whale-watching cruise from Lahaina and Ma’alaea, which practically guarantee sightings in January and February.

As it takes patience for whale-watching Hawaii luckily has plenty of stunning ocean views to keep you fascinated. Lahaina is itself worth exploring for its historic past as the center for the Pacific whaling trade with many noteworthy buildings to visit including the Old Prison, the Seaman’s Hospital and the Pioneer Inn.

Maui is a beautiful island to visit with eye-catching landscapes, beautiful beaches, great restaurants and a immense range of activities including some of the best whale watching Hawaii has to offer. Beach lovers will be astounded by the wonderful beaches at Wailea and Makena whilst Ka’anapali is the largest resort area on Maui and has large sweeping beaches. The view on the long drive along the Hana Coast is wonderful and is hailed one of the world’s most impressive drives. For unbelievable food Maui’s award-winning establishments offer a winning meal or for a more tranquil atmosphere there are informal seaside fish houses to visit.

Haleakala National Park on Maui offers an splendid view from the top of Mount Haleakala to the look out point at the Haleakala crater to look down at the vast twenty five-square-mile crater floor and it is well worth taking a break from all the opportunities for whale watching Hawaii offers, to add another once in a lifetime experience to your trip. There are some superb snorkelling spots to be discovered including Molokini, a sunken volcanic crater rim and marine reserve off Maui. Another great spot is Turtle Town just off Wailea where there are green turtles to swim among.

To spot a whale, look out for water spray that rises ten to twenty feet into the air. The creature only needs to breathe every seven to twenty minutes so you may have to watch for a while. Once you see the water spray being exhaled from the whale’s blowhole, zoom your binoculars on the spot and wait. Soon, the whale will swim up to breathe.

The thrill of seeing whales in abundance makes a visit to Maui well worthwhile. Thomas Cook offers a fourteen night stay with flights staying at the Sheraton Maui from £2,499 per person, from 1st- 30th June 2010. Visit http://www.tcsignature.com for more information.
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