Ruth was AUS-ome!
Australia
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Jan 23 - Feb 7, 2024
![James](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/users/profile_photos/428841d9d6d199f71276d50f1b883b000afefd6f/original-11fdb1de896449f78843d34c1a89748c.jpg)
Ruth was terrific to work with. Ruth worked with me patiently, though a number of options as to number of days for the trip; cities to visit; areas and activities to pursue. Every itinerary, including the final version aligned with our interests and priorities. Upon completing our 16 day trip, it is evident Ruth knows the areas we visited and created a unique experience I could not have accomplished on my own. Her local knowledge of Australia was invaluable.
Hotel Reviews
Well appointed room in a great central location with a beautiful view. Great breakfasts as well!
Probably the best hotel we have ever stayed in. The spacious rooms, views of Hobart Harbor, the super friendly and helpful staff , sumptuous breakfasts, and overall vibe made this our favorite hotel on our trip.
A Washer / dryer are in the cabins which was very helpful . A Good restaurant is open “on campus” for breakfast and evening dinner . This is helpful as there are limited dining options in port Arthur . The cabins have a full kitchen so dinning in is also an option. Check the hours and days the restaurant is open as they can be variable. There is a beautiful walking path along the waterfront at the lodge that continues to the Port Arthur Historical Site .
We upgraded our Room to a Harbor view . That was well worth the cost of the upgrade , from a bland any big city office building view to one overlooking the beautiful and bustling Darling Harbor . The roof top bar is a must with a stunning view of Darling Harbor with great cocktail and small bite food options. Loved the vibe . The breakfasts were excellent , combining a huge selection of options from various buffet stations with a choice to have made to order omelettes and Eggs Benedict . Bonus mimosas or Champaign included. The rooms were clean and bed very comfortable.
Our upgraded room was amazing , with a private view of the granite mountains ( the Hazards) and an outside secluded bath . A nice perk is that everything in the mini bar and fridge was included in the room rate - no extra charges. The location was also unique , inside the National Park , affording easy access to hiking to overlooks with stunning views and access to a number of white sand beaches with pristine waters , with very few fellow beach goers. Excellent breakfasts. We liked the bistro for dinner - it seemed a better value and the food was great. The property has a beautiful expansive deck overlooking Cole’s Bay . An added plus - the lodge as free laundry facilities.
Activity Reviews
![Best of Melbourne by Bike](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/a5c863f9586e22b88b7cdee94a5c90cd8adbd938/original-52620e29e9990514fa9a64b139c0eb46.jpg)
A wonderful way to see the city and get an initial overview / lay of the land. Dave ( a retired solicitor) our guide was excellent. We felt safe and learned so much about Melbourne. Also what areas to revisit . We loved the lunch stop at Brunnelli’s. The tour ended just in time before the heat of the day was too much.
![Evening Progressive Degustation Walk](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/62a3b6c1712c836969bcdac20d79205849097218/original-8ed7531172a22ac5f4fcdb248ad9d8bc.jpg)
The food and wine / beer were extensive, varied and excellent . I rarely post food on social media but I felt compelled to do so in this instance . Our guide Deanna was top notch and a lot of fun too ! Though not an inexpensive tour , it was well worth the cost. A great value .
![Full Day Phillip Island + Penguin Plus with Dinner](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/9dc838a7a84ae6e8660277bcc76a0b2162da1f54/medium-d7f55cfbaec276a79955835b379c081f.jpg)
A must do . On of the highlights of the trip. The Penguin plus ( upgrade) viewing platform also a must . It is special experience to witness in less than a hour, the 1, 000 plus little blue penguins exiting the surf in unison and marching up the beach dunes to their burrows .
![Full Day Reverse Great Ocean Road Experience](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/1b34c933f14d2fd78344ff14445ab6fee5cf0388/medium-17d1ee01ed1fd5b3cc5a12768a2dd08e.jpg)
We loved the twelve apostles and shipwreck cove . Just a gorgeous coastline and beautiful place .
![Night Tour of the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary & Tasmanian Devils](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/ae1bfc3d8f537fc8f209db1c35999f912ac4393c/original-e80b6825d75d8d4515ace6df41b27ac3.jpg)
One of the best wildlife tours we have ever experienced . What makes this unique is that this is a rescue shelter so the wildlife is here either as their only resort due to injury or human abandonment or in a state of rehabilitation to be returned to their natural habitat. The early evening is a wonderful time to tour as for many of the animals this is their natural feeding time. This is also a semi private tour that has limited participants , otherwise closed to the public. One gets close to the kangaroos, wombats, ichybnas( our favorite) , 110 year old cockatoo (Fred) , and of course Tasmanian devils. Bono-Lou our tour guide was fantastic.
![Afternoon Grand Hobart Walk](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/91594bc06b3d87d613399df12d964a0d4b5a7a25/medium-1df0ddbac76eb9e348bb4c80f011763a.jpg)
Perfect way to start our Hobart Stay . The center city is compact and walkable with a lot of history. Dave our tour guide was wonderful . He is a history buff and highlighted aspects of Hobart’s history not necessarily generally known. As an example he took us into a Real tennis club ( fascinating to visit ) as he learned of our interest in the Aussie Open . It is clear Dave loves to show off Hobart .
![Depart Australia](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/2a2ace27b64fd48bd1357afe0949a8afa114a9f7/original-4634c089c5b0c8b65a7e22eba50a0249.jpg)
Smooth pick up and drop off . We requested a route without tunnels and the driver Miguel was very accommodating. We also request a pick up 30 min later than scheduled and they accommodated.
![Full Day Bruny Island Traveller Tour (Shared Tour)](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/9d4d011d363d278f336cdae44d9068e5b92cd620/medium-3668e3daa6d55a59c520b74ce3adc9a1.jpg)
Fun tour , we loved all the stops along the way . Yummy artisan food and drink ( cheese , beer, honey, chocolate) . The lunch stop was also excellent . It is a long day but is broken up by several interesting stops as well as a ferry ride each way that helps break it up. The tour guide was terrific. It is a relatively early start so I would build in time for an early breakfast before arriving if one is like me ; a big breakfast person .
![Hobart City Kayak Tour](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/8578beb099f52c0ca149bdba018a674752388859/original-d610b2856fc669b0eec34e93117764ef.jpg)
A great way to get some exercise, see the City of Hobart from the water and have a fish and chips snack right from the kayak! .Our tour guide, Kane was wonderful. We felt safe , even while navigating the busy waters of the port.
![Half Day Sydney Harbour Bridge Ride (Shared Tour)](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/c52ad58b56bf4f652a22552881cbff9138ba5452/medium-1355c80d1ddf7b4f9b4e8117e79b3654.jpg)
The best way to get an overview of Sydney . The sandwich lunch was excellent and was included. In addition to the description , we also rode along by the Barangoo Reserve, Sydney Observatory, Darling Harbor , Chinatown , Hyde Park, the Botanical Gardens, along Woolloomooloo bay and Sydney Opera House . Our Tour Guide Ruben was great .
![3 Hour Wilderness Cruise](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/686d6c3b2ca3a12dcf7a3930542a895150b59752/original-ee0dd3f2bb04e5f2712d86eb35600d2f.jpg)
Fantastic way to see the stunning and rugged Tassie coast. We felt like we were at the end of the earth . Wildlife abounds . We saw albatross up close - what a magnificent bird. Cliffs , caves, an iconic lighthouse and wildlife. What’s not to love !
![Sydney Harbour Long Dinner Cruise](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/c88ee4503c10118cb01c5f0bd4fdb6785e07edee/medium-8a080646f2c2b901c6edbe792b4df262.jpg)
What a treat ! A wonderful meal and way to tour the harbor from the water .
![Climb the Harbor Bridge](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/d423f1ba2141fc2729a80364089609cac674b528/medium-6d7d6e65fe759c29e554e604601bc24e.jpg)
A must do . First class treatment all the way . Pete our tour leader was a veteran guide and the best , right out of casting central . My wife is not always comfortable with heights and she did it and loved it.
![Sydney Opera House Tour](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/1d8cd02ffa4f5b731248730da4c1afaaebfd5b1f/original-df5241489a25eda2a0f806be109a5e46.jpg)
A great way to get an overview of the opera house ,and its design and construction while also visiting stunning performance venues within the opera house complex. After the tour I wanted to attend a performance, just to get an actual experience of venue in action. It is a first class tour conducted by a very knowledgeable docent.
![Ruth](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/users/profile_photos/3fcd283f98dabd83a185e513a7b14573bfa4a739/thumb-abd1320ce9f28599a1d3c1e62930a3c7.jpg)
I really enjoyed working with James and was pleased they were open to trying some different things. I had just returned from Tasmania in October so it was great to be able share these amazing experiences that fitted with their interests. I have personally done everything included in this itinerary so its great to speak from the heart and from actual experience.