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This
honeymoon is perfect for couples who want to
get off the beaten path and like to balance
romance and relaxation with a good dose of adventure
and excitement! Your trip starts in Sydney but
you'll only be there long enough to switch planes
and make your way to beautiful Lord Howe Island.
Famed
for its perfect climate and unspoiled coral
reef, this small island is situated in the South
Pacific, about two hours by air from Sydney.
Lord Howe Island became a World Heritage site
in 1982; it contains a rare collection of plants,
birds, marine life and exceptional natural beauty.
A maximum of only 400 visitors are allowed on
the island at any one time, meaning the island
is never crowded and there is minimal human
impact on the environment. This helps explain
why the waters are clear, the beaches pristine,
and the wildlife abundant!
 On
the island, you will be staying at the the lovely
Capella Lodge. Hosting no more than 20 guests
at a time, Capella provides serenity and an
unspoiled natural environment while still offering
high standards of personal service, fine Australian
cuisine, a brand new full-service spa, and a
wide array of activity offerings - everything
from snorkeling, to environmental tours, to
world class fishing... and the list goes on!
With five days on Lord Howe, you will have plenty
of time to simply relax and enjoy the ocean
and mountain views from your suite's expansive
outdoor deck, but also partake in the exploration
of what has been called "the last paradise."
 Next
stop on your Australian adventure is the northern
city of Darwin, known for its peaceful, tropical
atmosphere. Don't stay up too late though -
you will be picked up bright and early the next
day by a Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD where you will
embark on a 2.5 day safari through another World
Heritage area - Kakadu National Park.  Highlights
include a cruise down the East Alligator River
and swimming in the Barramundi Gorge. There
will be plenty of stops along the way for hiking,
seeing waterfalls, spotting wildlife, and taking
in ancient Aboriginal rock art. While in Kakadu,
you will spend two nights at the comfortable
Gagudju Lodge Cooinda. At the conclusion of
the safari, you will catch a charter flight
to your next remote location, the Cobourg Peninsula.
 Seven
Spirit Bay Lodge is located in one of Australia's
last true wilderness frontiers and the tribal
homeland to Aboriginals for over 25,000 years
- the protected Arnhem Land region of the Cobourg
Peninsula. To be granted permission to enter
this vast ancestral land is a distinct privilege
- each visitor to this remote area is granted
a special permit by the Tribal Elders (arranged
by us). The resort is located in the tropical
forest, just a few meters from the sea, nestled
among the trees, and is designed to be in complete
harmony with the environment in a style that
is tropical, tranquil and graceful. On hand
you will find a variety of guided tours and
adventure tours, all designed to let you discover
this diverse and fascinating area.
 Next
up is an adventure of a different sort. Back
in Darwin, you will board the famous Ghan railroad
for an overnight journey south through the Outback.
From your Gold Kangaroo sleeper cabin, you'll
have the chance to take in varying landscapes;
from tropical Darwin through the sandstone gorges
of Katherine and finally to the rusty sands
of the Red Center. The Ghan offers several optional
off-train touring opportunities during its 4-hour
break in Katherine including a boat cruise or
helicopter tour of the 25 million year old canyons
of Katherine Gorge. While onboard the train,
you'll enjoy fine food and wine as you wind
towards the heart of the continent - is there
a more romantic way to travel?
 Upon
disembarking in Alice Springs, it is just a
short flight to Australia's national icon -
Ayers Rock (also known by its aboriginal name,
Uluru). Here you will spend two nights at the
Ayers Rock Resort, a beautiful oasis offering
five different accommodations options catering
to every possible taste and budget - we'll help
you decide which one is right for you. There
are many ways to see Australia's most distinctive
landmark which is both a sacred site for indigenous
people and a sanctuary for wildlife. An aboriginal
guide can be arranged to give you an insider's
tour. If you are not in the mood for walking,
you can also travel by camel! Being at Ayers
Rock for either sunrise or sunset is an image
you will not soon forget.
 Finally,
no trip to Australia would be complete without
a stop in Sydney. This wonderful city has it
all- a gorgeous setting, world class cultural
sights, dining for gourmets, and numerous attractions.
Your room at the funky Kirketon Hotel is set
in one of Sydney's livelier neighborhoods, yet
is still close to all the major sights. One
in particular is on your agenda - the huge Sydney
Harbour Bridge. You aren't merely going to cross
this bridge, though, you're actually going to
climb it! With the help of BridgeClimb Sydney,
which supplies a guide and all the proper equipment,
you will make your way over 1,500 meters of
steel catwalks, ladders and arches. Upon reaching
the summit, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular
360-degree view of one of the world's most beautiful
harbors, an exciting and unforgettable way to
end your trip to the land down under!
Who
will enjoy this trip:
Couples desiring a more active and adventurous
experience without sacrificing comfort. Couples
who are interested in nature and native cultures,
and who enjoy getting a bit off the beaten path.
Who
should avoid this trip:
Couples desiring a more traditional beach resort.
Couples who are not comfortable traveling to
several different locations in a relatively
short period of time.
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