Australasia

Exclusive guide to the best holiday destinations in Australasia, independent reviews from award-winning travel writers

vibe hotel rushcutters sydney executive suite bedroom king 01 2016

Vibe Hotel, Rushcutters Bay

t’s night-time when we arrive at the Vibe Hotel, Rushcutters Bay, grateful to sink into a comfortable bed after a long flight to Sydney from the UK. So it’s only when the sun comes up and I bounce out of bed and throw open the curtains, that I see that a beautiful setting we’re in.

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LEI BarrierReef

Lady Elliot Island

Famous for seasonal whale watching, Lady Elliot Island a 3,500 year old coral cay is among the most pristine and untouched sections of the Great Barrier reef. Our small glass bottom boat is bobbing up and down like a cork over the ocean swell when the skipper jumps for joy shouting “we’ve got one, there’s two now… wow! Just look at them go”.

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Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Bonjour’ is not how you expect to be greeted in Auckland, New Zealand – especially when you are not French, but it’s how staff welcome us to the Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour (I’m presuming it’s a company-wide thing).

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auckland view from Waiheke

Waiheke Island Guide

When Anna Smith arrives at Waiheke Island it is raining, but the weather doesn’t deter her as she reveals her exclusive Waiheke Island Guide.

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Top End Northern Territory

Top End Northern Territory

Crocodile Dundee’s piercing blue eyes weather beaten craggy profile and his way with women are to blame for my long obsession with Australia’s Northern Territory. Now here I am at last up at The Top End National Territory – the place Mick called home, where the 30th anniversary of that first Crocodile Dundee movie is being celebrated this year.

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The Great Barrier Reef

Dipping my head under the water and experiencing Australia’s Great Barrier Reef for the first time, I feel I’ve stepped uninvited into a colourful underwater world where sea life is busily going about its business just like it has for thousands of years.

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