--- title: Travel Australia | Your people. Your kind of holiday. url: https://travelaustralia.co.nz/ --- # Your next adventure is next door. Visiting friends and family, or simply looking for your next perfect holiday? Enjoy a bit of Australian indulgence now. Nancy Crooks is your personal travel advisor, creating beautifully tailored holidays for discerning travellers who value expert advice, personal service and attention to every detail. Rail journeys. River days. The scenic way home. [Plan my holiday](https://travelaustralia.co.nz/#enquire) ## A little further. A lot to remember. ### The Ghan Travelling aboard The Ghan is an unforgettable journey through vast and ever-changing landscapes, from the rolling countryside of South Australia to the striking red heart of the Outback. Enjoy elegant onboard comfort, attentive service, beautifully prepared meals and ever-changing views. Off-train experiences bring the journey to life, with opportunities to explore remote towns, and experience the remarkable beauty of Australia’s interior. [Explore a rail journey](https://travelaustralia.co.nz/the-ghan) ### PS Australian Star Slow river days and the comfort of a five-star cruise. A relaxed journey through Australia's historic river country. Unwind in comfortable cabins, savour freshly prepared meals and experience the warm hospitality of life aboard a traditional paddle steamer. Along the way, discover charming riverside towns, fascinating paddle-steamer history, abundant birdlife, visit rural wineries as you journey through Victoria's stunning countryside. [Explore the river](https://travelaustralia.co.nz/ps-australian-star) ### Self-drive journeys Planning a driving holiday in Australia is an incredible way to experience the country's diverse landscapes, from coastal highways to rugged outback tracks. Freedom to go where you want, at your own pace. The Great Ocean Road: Drive this winding coastal route between Melbourne and Adelaide. The Great Barrier Reef Drive: Explore tropical rainforests on the sea stretch from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. [Find your scenic route](https://travelaustralia.co.nz/self-drive-journeys) ## Where will your visit take you? Here's something you might not have thought of: the next time you're visiting friends and family in Australia, head away from the city that your loved ones are in for a few days of adventure, then circle back to see them again, or fly home to New Zealand from another city. ### After your Melbourne visit #### PS Australian Star - Type: Murray River - Route: Melbourne · Murray River · Melbourne - Fly home from: Adelaide Combine your time with loved ones with a tranquil Murray River cruise on the Australia Star. Melbourne is one of Australia's major cultural and economic cities. Spend time with family and friends enjoying its vibrant arts scene, extensive parks and gardens and charming laneways filled with cafes. 1. Leave the city behind and explore the stunning landscapes a thoughtfully designed itinerary blending adventure and relaxation. Journey through Victoria's stunning landscapes, venture to rural wineries and dine at charming riverside restaurants. 2. Explore tranquil Murray River aboard the PS Australian Star, a brand-new luxury paddle steamer, where beautifully appointed staterooms, fine regional dining and attentive service combine with ever-changing river views. With just 38 guests, it is a wonderfully relaxed and exclusive way to experience the heart of Australia. 3. Return to Melbourne #### The coast road to Adelaide - Type: Self-drive - Route: Melbourne · Great Ocean Road · Adelaide - Fly home from: Adelaide Take the scenic way west, with ocean views, small coastal towns and comfortable stays chosen around your preferred pace. 1. A scenic drive from Melbourne to Adelaide along the Southern Ocean reveals a spectacular stretch of Australia’s coastline. Discover charming seaside towns, dramatic limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches and the famous Twelve Apostles, with the freedom to pause and explore along the way, whether by car or motorhome. 2. Discover one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal journeys, where the Great Ocean Road winds past dramatic limestone cliffs, secluded beaches and the iconic Twelve Apostles. Continue along the Limestone Coast, exploring charming seaside towns, rugged coastal scenery and remarkable natural wonders at your own pace. With time to stop, savour the views and enjoy welcoming local hospitality, this is a journey best experienced without hurry. I’ll take care of the arrangements, leaving you free to enjoy the scenery and the pleasure of travelling together. 3. Finish in Adelaide #### The Ghan, and the great beyond - Type: Flight + rail - Route: Melbourne · fly to Adelaide · Darwin - Fly home from: Darwin Following your family visit, fly or drive to Adelaide, then settle into a memorable rail journey through Australia's vast interior. 1. Imagine watching Australia’s vast red outback unfold from the comfort of a luxury train, enjoying fine dining, attentive service and fascinating off-train experiences along the way. The Ghan is a chance to discover Australia’s remote heart in effortless style, where the journey itself becomes an unforgettable adventure. 2. Travel aboard The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin is an unforgettable journey through Australia’s vast and changing landscapes, from rolling countryside to the striking red heart of the outback. Settle into your comfortable private cabin, enjoy attentive service and beautifully prepared meals, and watch the scenery unfold from the lounge or dining carriage. Off-train excursions offer memorable encounters with Australia’s unique landscapes, wildlife and outback history. It’s a wonderfully relaxed way to explore Australia, where the journey itself becomes a treasured part of the holiday. 3. Finish in Darwin ### After your Adelaide visit #### The Ghan to Darwin - Type: Rail journey - Route: Adelaide · the Red Centre · Darwin - Fly home from: Darwin After the catch-ups with family and friends, swap the city for the scale and colour of the outback. Let the scenery come to you as you travel north. 1. Time with loved ones in Adelaide. Discover Adelaide’s relaxed elegance, with beautiful parklands, vibrant cafés, excellent restaurants and the bustling Central Market, brimming with fresh local produce. Venture into the Adelaide Hills or the renowned Barossa Valley to savour fine wines and gourmet experiences. Enjoy close encounters with native wildlife at Monarto safari park, or take a memorable journey to Kangaroo Island, where dramatic coastlines, abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery create an unforgettable Australian escape. 2. Travel north aboard The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin is an unforgettable journey through Australia’s vast and ever-changing interior. Enjoy comfortable private cabins, attentive service and delicious meals showcasing regional flavours. Watch the scenery transform from rolling countryside to the dramatic red heart of the outback. Off-train excursions offer fascinating encounters with Australia’s landscapes, wildlife and heritage, while evenings aboard provide a relaxed opportunity to unwind and savour this iconic Australian rail adventure. 3. Finish in Darwin #### The coast road to Melbourne - Type: Self-drive - Route: Adelaide · Limestone Coast · Melbourne - Fly home from: Melbourne Unhurried coastal stops, dramatic sea views and the Great Ocean Road make a lovely follow-on to time with family. 1. After time with family in Adelaide, journey to Melbourne along the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Discover rugged coastlines, the famous Twelve Apostles, charming seaside towns, and beautiful beaches. 2. Limestone Coast & Great Ocean Road. Enjoy scenic drives, coastal walks, local cafés and picturesque stops, with opportunities to explore historic Port Fairy and the stunning limestone cliffs along the way. 3. Finish in Melbourne #### Across the Nullarbor to Perth - Type: Rail journey - Route: Adelaide · the Nullarbor · Perth - Fly home from: Perth Enjoy the quiet pleasure of a long-distance rail journey, with the space of the Nullarbor giving way to Western Australia. 1. Time with loved ones in Adelaide 2. Board the westbound Indian Pacific. Experience the vastness of Australia aboard the Indian Pacific, crossing the legendary Nullarbor Plain where endless horizons and rugged landscapes unfold beyond your window. Relax in comfortable private accommodation, enjoy delicious dining and attentive onboard service, and watch the scenery change as this remarkable rail journey reveals the beauty of Australia's extraordinary interior. 3. Finish in Perth ### After your Sydney visit #### Hunter Valley escapades - Type: Self-drive - Route: Sydney · Hunter Valley · Blue Mountains A great option to get away from the city for a few days, take a car and drive through the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley 1. Enjoy quality time with family and friends in Sydney, from a sunset harbour cruise and guided Opera House tour to iconic beaches, soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere and beautiful coastal scenery. 2. Visit the unforgettable Blue Mountains wildlife adventure. Enjoy a scenic drive from Sydney into the spectacular Blue Mountains, where dramatic sandstone cliffs, eucalyptus forests and beautiful walking trails invite you to pause and explore. Stay in a charming country retreat, savour excellent dining and take in the breathtaking views of the Three Sisters. Continue through picturesque countryside to the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. Here, rolling vineyards, boutique wineries and cellar-door tastings await, alongside elegant accommodation, gourmet restaurants and leisurely country walks. It’s a wonderfully relaxed journey combining natural beauty, fine wine and memorable experiences. 3. Return to city to recommence your visit with loved ones ### After your Brisbane visit #### The Great Southern - Route: Brisbane · Great Southern · Sydney - Fly home from: Adelaide Following your visit with family, embark on a relaxed rail journey south, enjoying the landscapes and experiences along the way. 1. Brisbane is perfect for family time, with riverside cafés, South Bank’s parks and restaurants, fascinating museums, lively markets, city shopping and scenic river cruises offering something for every generation 2. The Great Southern offers a relaxed rail journey from Brisbane to Sydney, passing through lush countryside, rolling hills and charming regional towns. Enjoy ever-changing scenery from the comfort of your seat, with spacious surroundings, delicious meals and attentive service. It’s a wonderful way to experience Australia’s landscapes without the demands of driving. 3. Finish in Sydney #### The scenic way to Sydney - Type: Self-drive - Route: Brisbane · coastal New South Wales · Sydney - Fly home from: Sydney Make your way south through seaside towns, with as many gentle detours and comfortable overnight stays as you like. 1. Enjoy time in Brisbane with family and friends. It is a city with a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere, where riverside dining, art and culture, boutique shopping and world-class sport come together beneath Queensland’s warm sunshine. It is a city to explore at an unhurried pace, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the finer things along the way. 2. A seven-day drive from Brisbane to Sydney is a wonderful way to discover Australia’s east coast at a relaxed pace, combining beautiful beaches, charming seaside towns, hinterland scenery and renowned wine country. Rather than rushing between destinations, allow time to enjoy waterfront cafés, browse local boutiques, take scenic coastal walks and linger over leisurely lunches. With memorable stops in Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and the Hunter Valley, this journey offers a delightful blend of coastal relaxation, regional character and indulgent experiences before arriving in vibrant Sydney. 3. Finish in Sydney ### After your Perth visit #### Across Australia to Adelaide - Type: Rail journey - Route: Perth · Margaret River area - Fly home from: Sydney After your Perth visit, enjoy a trip to the Margaret River area. 1. Enjoy time with family and all that Perth has to offer. Discover Perth’s art galleries, stroll through beautiful Kings Park, enjoy riverside walks along the Swan, browse boutique shops, and savour excellent restaurants and relaxed cafés in this elegant, sun-soaked city. 2. Discover Western Australia’s beautiful south coast on a leisurely drive from Perth, winding through the rolling vineyards of Margaret River, renowned for its fine wines, gourmet dining and charming boutique stays. Continue east through towering forests, spectacular coastal scenery and peaceful seaside towns, with opportunities for scenic walks, pristine beaches and fresh local produce. Stay in elegant country retreats or coastal lodges before reaching Albany, where dramatic ocean views and the moving history of the National Anzac Centre at Mount Clarence offer a memorable finale overlooking the waters of King George Sound. 3. Return to Perth #### The Nullarbor and the Red Centre - Type: rail journey - Route: Perth · Adelaide - Fly home from: Darwin For a longer holiday, take the Indian Pacific across the Nullarbor to Adelaide. 1. Time catching up with loved ones and exploring Perth 2. Crossing Australia’s vast Nullarbor Plain aboard the Indian Pacific is an unforgettable rail adventure, where endless horizons and dramatic outback landscapes unfold beyond your window. Relax in comfortable private cabins, enjoy attentive service, and savour beautifully prepared meals showcasing Australian produce and regional flavours. The elegant dining car and welcoming lounge provide lovely spaces to unwind, meet fellow travellers and watch the changing scenery. From the remarkable expanse of the Nullarbor to the train’s unique outback experiences, this iconic journey makes travelling across Australia as memorable as the destinations themselves. 3. Finish in Adelaide. ### After your Darwin visit #### The Ghan to Adelaide - Type: Rail journey - Route: Darwin · the Red Centre · Adelaide - Fly home from: Adelaide Make the most of your Top End visit with an extraordinary rail journey south, finishing among Adelaide's food, wine and gardens. 1. Time with family in Darwin. Discover Darwin’s tropical charm on a guided city tour, explore fascinating museums and Aboriginal art, and take a memorable island excursion to experience the Top End’s rich history and spectacular coastal scenery. Discover Kakadu’s dramatic wetlands, ancient Aboriginal rock art and abundant wildlife on a guided journey from Darwin, cruising billabongs and experiencing Australia’s remarkable landscapes and rich Indigenous heritage. 2. Journey through Australia’s magnificent Red Centre aboard The Ghan, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide through ever-changing outback landscapes. Discover Katherine’s dramatic gorges, experience the magic of dinner under the stars at Alice Springs’ historic Telegraph Station, and explore Coober Pedy’s fascinating underground world. Enjoy exceptional onboard service, delicious dining and comfortable accommodation as you cross Australia’s spectacular heartland. 3. Finish in Adelaide #### From the outback to the ocean - Type: Rail + self-drive - Route: Darwin · Adelaide · Melbourne - Fly home from: Melbourne Combine The Ghan with a coastal road holiday, taking time in Adelaide before driving towards the Great Ocean Road and Melbourne. 1. Time with loved ones in Darwin 2. Travel from Darwin to Adelaide aboard the iconic Ghan, discovering Katherine’s dramatic gorges and Coober Pedy’s fascinating underground world. In Alice Springs, enjoy a memorable dinner under the stars at the historic Telegraph Station, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the outback.Extend your Ghan adventure with a scenic drive from Adelaide to Melbourne along the spectacular Great Ocean Road. Discover charming coastal towns, dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches and the iconic Twelve Apostles. 3. Finish in Melbourne Travelling solo or together, Nancy can bring it all together. These are starting ideas; routes, availability and homeward flight connections will be tailored to your dates. ## Meet Nancy Crooks. Your visit comes first. Nancy spent 40 years with Air New Zealand, 20 of them managing the airline's Holidays Store in Pakuranga and 10 years in Australia. Today she runs a small, personal travel consultancy in Auckland's eastern suburbs, and she still has direct access to the airline's full range of proven, reliable travel options. Her speciality is the holiday that grows out of a family visit. You know who you want to see in Australia. Nancy works out the rest: a few unhurried days on the Murray, a rail journey through the outback, or a coastal drive with lovely places to stay, then a flight home from wherever your holiday finishes. Every detail is handled for you: flights, rail, cruises, car hire and accommodation, matched to your pace and your dates. And you deal with one person, from the first conversation to the boarding pass. Nancy Crooks operates as an approved broker for Wanderlust Travel Experts Ltd which is part of House of Travel Holdings. Wanderlust Travel Experts Ltd is TAANZ Bonded. ## A visit to look forward to. A holiday to make your own. Tell us a little about your visit and the journey you have in mind, and Nancy will be in touch. - Enquiry form: https://travelaustralia.co.nz/#enquire - Email: nancy@wanderlusttravelexperts.co.nz - Phone: 09 57 58 476 or 021 757 440 ## More pages - [Rail Journeys](https://travelaustralia.co.nz/rail-journeys) - [Cruises](https://travelaustralia.co.nz/cruises) - [Self-drive Journeys](https://travelaustralia.co.nz/self-drive-journeys) - [The Ghan](https://travelaustralia.co.nz/the-ghan) - [PS Australian Star](https://travelaustralia.co.nz/ps-australian-star) - [The Indian Pacific](https://travelaustralia.co.nz/the-indian-pacific) --- Travel Australia is operated by Nancy Crooks. Nancy operates as an approved broker for Wanderlust Travel Experts Ltd which is part of House of Travel Holdings. Wanderlust Travel Experts Ltd is TAANZ Bonded. 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